Is Deep Brain Stimulation An Option For You?

The treatment plan for multiple sclerosis (MS) isn’t the same for everyone. Doctors often personalize your care to include different types of medication, physical therapy, medical procedures, and counseling. If you have significant tremors, one procedure your doctor may discuss with you is deep brain stimulation. Since not everybody with MS is a good candidate for the procedure, it’s good to know what it entails and if it’s an option for you. What’s Deep Brain Stimulation? Deep brain stimulation is a surgical procedure in which an electrode is placed in the part of the brain known as the thalamus and a battery is placed near the collarbone. When necessary, the battery sends pulses to the electrodes so they can block messages to the nerves that are believed to cause tremors. The procedure was originally developed to help people with Parkinson’s disease but some studies have shown that it can be helpful with long-term MS as well. Some of the symptoms that can be helped with deep brain stimulation include tremors, stiffness, slow movements, spasms, and involuntary movements. While the procedure can be helpful, it also carries certain risks. These include infections, hemorrhaging, worsening balance problems, and developing issues with speech...