Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Tremor Control Therapy

Drug therapy is the traditional treatment for tremor. Surgical methods that destroy a part of the brain also are sometimes used. Tremor Control Therapy utilizing the Activa™ System suppresses tremor through electrical stimulation delivered by an implanted device. If drug therapy is not effective in controlling your tremor, you may be a candidate for this therapy.

Deep inside your brain is a walnut-sized structure called the thalamus, a Greek word meaning "inner room." Through this "Room" pass most of the messages about body motion that your brain needs to control movement. In people with tremor, these messages are not working correctly. If these messages are interrupted by electrical stimulation, tremor may be suppressed. The Activa™ Tremor Control Systems delivers that electrical stimulation.

Click here to download and watch the video about how Deep Brain Stimulation Therapy has helped one patient with Real Player.

General Benefits of Activa™ Therapy

	This illustration shows a complete system implanted on the left side of the body, which would control tremor on the right side of the body.

Activa™ Therapy partially or completely suppresses tremor in 80% of patients*. Activa™ Therapy delivers electrical pulses to the brain. You can activate these electrical pulses when you wish, and your doctor can adjust them as an outpatient to meet your tremor’s severity. The Activa™ System is not implanted unless your tremor has been suppressed during test stimulation without undesirable side effects.

Activa™ Therapy helps control tremor, but it does not cure tremor. When activated, the Activa™ System markedly reduces tremor in the targeted area, resulting in improved use and function. Tremor will return when the system is turned OFF.

Deep inside your brain is a dime-sized structure called the subthalamic nucleus. Through this nucleus pass most of the messages about body motion that your brain needs to control movement. In people with the general symptoms of Parkinson's Disease, these messages are not working correctly. If these messages are interrupted by electrical stimulation, stiffness and rigidity may be suppressed. The Activa™ Tremor Control Systems delivers that electrical stimulation.

The Activa™ System Components

The Activa™ System includes an insulated lead wire with four electrodes at the tip. The lead is implanted in the thalamus for tremor, or the subthalamic nucleus for the general symptoms of PD, where the electrodes deliver electrical stimulation.

The lead is connected to an extension, essentially another thin, insulated wire that connects to the pulse generator. This extension is threaded under the skin from the top of the skull to the chest area near your collarbone.

The pulse generator, like an advanced pacemaker, is a small, sealed, metal and plastic device with a battery. The pulse generator produces the electrical pulses needed for stimulation. It is connected to the extension and implanted in the chest area near your collarbone.

A small, hand-held magnet allows you to turn the system ON and OFF. Numerous parameters of the stimulator may be changed at the office using a special programmer.

Will People Notice These Components?

All Activa™ components, with the exception of the hand-held magnet, are inside the body. The pulse generator may bulge slightly under your skin, but it isn’t noticeable under clothes. There also may be a slight bump on the top of your head, but it usually isn’t visible under your hair.

* Medtronic clinical studies.