After the electrode is permanently placed, the entire process is repeated on the right side of the brain through a separate, quarter-size hole in the skull. An MRI confirms that the electrodes are properly placed. The next day, he is discharged and goes home. Simuni said that Webster's response to the procedure exceeded the expectations and that, with minimal programming, he needed no medication to control his symptoms. But I don't think it's permanent.
Most patients require at least a low dose of medication to control tremors and rigidity.
She cautions that patients should not expect to be able to discontinue medication completely, although they may be able to lower dosages significantly and thus may experience fewer drug-related side effects of medication. Further, since the procedure is relatively new, no one knows how long the benefits will last. Rather than destroying the areas of the brain thought to be responsible for symptoms, DBS stimulates the neurons. Treating Epilepsy with Nerve Stimulation Baltuch said that while DBS is also being considered as a treatment for epilepsy, with the target being the anterior thalamic nucleus, the procedure is not yet available at Penn. VNS is indicated for patients with refractory epilepsy who are not candidates for brain surgery.