Tourette's Syndrome Treatment with Deep Brain Stimulation
Conveniently Located to Serve Dallas, Fort Worth, and the entire State of Texas
Tourette’s syndrome treatment with deep brain stimulation in Dallas is an option for patients whose motor and vocal tics impact their daily lives significantly. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) offers an alternative treatment for patients who do not respond to medical therapy.
This procedure has been FDA-approved for disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, dystonia, essential tremors, and even OCD, but is considered off-label for Tourette’s syndrome.
What Is Tourette’s Syndrome Treatment with Deep Brain Stimulation?
Tourette’s syndrome treatment with deep brain stimulation involves altering the activity of the brain. Tourette’s syndrome is a condition of the nervous system that causes involuntary twitches, movements, and sounds. These uncontrollable, repetitive, and sudden activities are called “tics.”
With deep brain stimulation, a device will be implanted in the brain to “modulate” its communication and activity. The targeted electrical stimulation of the brain provides selective modulation without affecting other parts of the neural network.
Ideal Candidates
Ideal candidates for Tourette’s syndrome treatment with deep brain stimulation are patients who are diagnosed with the disorder, either by an expert psychiatrist and/or a neurologist. The patient must undergo and pass the multidisciplinary screening process, which involves testing and evaluations.
The best candidates for this treatment option are patients who have not responded to traditional behavioral and medical therapy.
Your Consultation
Before a patient can qualify for the deep brain stimulation procedure, Dr. Nader Pouratian’s partners in psychiatry must perform a thorough consultation and preoperative work-up.
Once considered a candidate by psychiatry, the patient will meet with Dr Pouratian, at which time you will be informed about the commitment required for Tourette’s syndrome treatment with deep brain stimulation. All possible risks will be discussed by Dr. Pouratian to ensure that the patient and the family have an understanding of the procedure.
An extensive multidisciplinary screening will be done, which may involve a psychiatrist, occupational or speech therapists, neurologist, and neuropsychiatrist, all of whom must have experience in DBS. Additional tests and imaging may be required, such as an MRI or a CT scan.
The Procedure
Tourette’s syndrome treatment with deep brain stimulation involves implantation of electrodes into deep structures in the brain. An extension wire will then be inserted under the skin of the head, neck, shoulder, and chest. It connects the electrode to the internal pulse generator (IPG), which is implanted in the upper chest. Because of the nature of the disease, the surgery is done asleep with anesthesia with image guidance and confirmation.
The Recovery Process
There is a short recovery period following your deep brain stimulation surgery. Some patients may stay in the hospital for a day or two. You may return to your normal routine after a week or two. Soreness and bruising may be expected in areas where incisions were made.
Avoid putting your arm up above your shoulder on the side with the internal pulse generator implant. Engage in light movement for the first week, but avoid activities that strain your arm or chest. You will be asked to come to follow-up appointments to fine-tune your implants according to your symptoms.
Contact Us to Learn More
Learn more about how Tourette’s syndrome treatment with deep brain stimulation in Dallas can help manage symptoms in patients with this neurological condition. Contact Dr. Pouratian today and find out more about the benefits of this procedure.
