DBS for Parkinson's Disease
When Parkinson's symptoms fluctuate or medication is no longer enough, deep brain stimulation can smooth out "on–off" swings, reduce tremor and stiffness, and often allow lower medication doses.
DBS care pathway
From candidacy to programmed therapy
Evaluation
Review symptoms, medication response, diagnosis, and goals.
Target planning
Select the brain target and surgical plan with the movement-disorder team.
Implantation
Place electrodes and the pulse generator using image-guided techniques.
Programming
Tune stimulation settings over time to improve benefit and reduce side effects.
Careful candidacy
Symptoms, medication response, goals, and neurologic testing guide whether DBS is appropriate.
Precise targeting
Imaging and stereotactic planning support accurate placement for the selected brain circuit.
Ongoing programming
DBS benefit is refined after surgery through programming visits and long-term follow-up.
Overview
Parkinson’s disease causes tremor, stiffness, and slowness of movement. Medication works well at first, but over time many patients experience fluctuations — benefits that wear off between doses, or involuntary movements (dyskinesias). Deep brain stimulation (DBS) can restore steadier control and often allow lower medication doses.
When to consider DBS
Consider an evaluation when medication no longer provides smooth, reliable control: symptoms return between doses, dyskinesias appear, or tremor remains difficult to manage. DBS is not reserved only for advanced disease — the right timing is individual.
How DBS helps
- Reduces tremor, rigidity, and slowness
- Smooths out “on–off” medication fluctuations
- Reduces medication-induced dyskinesias
- Often allows a reduction in medication
What to expect
Candidacy is determined with your neurologist and the surgical team, including a levodopa-response assessment and imaging. Electrodes are placed with precise targeting, connected to an implanted pulse generator, and programmed over several visits.
Dr. Barone’s approach
Dr. Barone works closely with movement-disorder neurologists to select patients likely to benefit and to target stimulation precisely. The aim is steadier control, fewer fluctuations, and better daily function.
Frequently asked questions
How does DBS help Parkinson's disease? +
DBS modulates the brain circuits that become overactive in Parkinson's disease. For well-selected patients it can reduce tremor, stiffness, and slowness, smooth out "on–off" medication fluctuations and dyskinesias, and often allow a meaningful reduction in medication.
When is the right time to consider DBS for Parkinson's? +
DBS is typically considered when medication no longer gives steady control — for example, when benefits wear off between doses, when dyskinesias appear, or when tremor is hard to manage. It is not only for advanced disease; timing is individual and best decided with your neurologist and surgeon.
Will DBS stop my Parkinson's from progressing? +
DBS treats symptoms; it does not cure or stop the progression of Parkinson's disease. However, by improving symptom control and reducing medication-related fluctuations, it can substantially improve day-to-day function and quality of life.
What symptoms respond best to DBS? +
Tremor, rigidity, slowness, and medication-induced dyskinesias generally respond well. Symptoms that do not respond well to levodopa are less likely to improve with DBS — which is one reason a careful evaluation is essential.
Considering treatment for Parkinson's disease?
Dr. Barone evaluates new patients and referrals at Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston. Patients from outside Houston, across the United States, and internationally are welcome.