Treatments of Parkinson's disease, Epilepsy and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder with Deep Brain Stimulation

In spite of several decades of research, the technology of neuronal stimulation only in recent years has become the focus of the treatment of different neurological disorders. The potential use of stimulation of the neuronal tissues ranges from the spinal cord to different brain regions as well as to the implantations of cochlear system and bionic eyes. Electrical high-frequency deep brain stimulation (DBS) was developed as an alternative option to treat a few neurological disorders. However, with advancing in surgical procedures, technologies and safeties, the applications of DBS are expanding not only for therapeutic purposes but also for research. Although the exact mechanisms of actions are not fully understood, the outcome of the ongoing research and clinical trials are promising. DBS has been used to treat the essential tremor since 1997, Parkinson’s disease (PD) since 2002 and dystonia since 2003. It has also been used to treat various psychological disorders, including major depression. Conclusion: Although the therapeutic effect of DBS in PD is well established, in other diseases, such as epilepsy, the outcome is still unclear and ambiguous. This article is a review of the efficacy of DBS in PD, epilepsy as well as in obsessive compulsive disorder. Article Info: