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Medical technology3 min read

Deep brain stimulation and neurostimulation

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Deep brain stimulation treats symptoms of some movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor and dystonia, and is also used for epilepsy. Leads in the brain are connected to a battery that sends electrical pulses. The FDA first approved it in 1997; it is not a cure.

According to NINDS, deep brain stimulation for epilepsy was approved in 2018, and "responsive neurostimulation" was approved in 2013 for adults with drug-resistant focal epilepsy; it stimulates only when continuously monitored brain activity indicates the start of a seizure. The FDA recently approved an adaptive deep brain stimulation system for Parkinson's disease.

Stimulation helps control symptoms but does not slow the progression of neurodegeneration. In rare cases, placing the device may cause bleeding or infection in the brain. Its use for other conditions is being studied in clinical trials only. Related research includes brain–computer interfaces.

Where it stands today — maturityApproved for specific uses12
  1. In widespread clinical use
  2. Approved for specific uses
  3. In clinical trials
  4. Preclinical
  5. Concept

FDA-approved since 1997 for the symptoms of some movement disorders, and later for types of epilepsy.

  • Movement disorders (Parkinson's, essential tremor, dystonia)Approved for specific uses

    First approval in 1997, and a recent adaptive system for Parkinson's.1

  • Drug-resistant epilepsyApproved for specific uses

    Responsive neurostimulation (2013) and deep brain stimulation for epilepsy (2018).2

Status last checked: · What the maturity levels mean

What is it?

Deep brain stimulation is a treatment for the symptoms of some movement disorders, including muscular dystonia, essential tremor and Parkinson's disease.

Sources1

How does it work?

An implanted battery generates electrical pulses that travel along a wire to an electrode in the brain.

Responsive neurostimulation stimulates only when continuously monitored brain activity indicates the start of an epileptic seizure.

Sources12

Where is it used today?

The FDA first approved it in 1997, and it is used for the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, essential tremor and dystonia, and for epilepsy.

Responsive neurostimulation has been approved since 2013 for adults with drug-resistant focal epilepsy, and deep brain stimulation for epilepsy since 2018.

Sources12

Limits and risks

A powerful tool for treating movement disorders, but not a cure, and it does not slow the progression of neurodegeneration.

In rare cases, placing the device may cause bleeding or infection in the brain.

Sources1

Common questions

Does deep brain stimulation cure Parkinson's disease?

No. It helps control symptoms, and does not slow the progression of neurodegeneration.1

Questions for your doctor

  • Are my symptoms of a type that responds to deep brain stimulation?
  • What are the risks of the surgery, and how are the settings adjusted afterwards?

References

  1. 1 Health agencies & guidelines · Accessed 2026-10-08
  2. 2 Health agencies & guidelines · Accessed 2026-10-08

Review status: Edited content · Last updated:

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Educational content only — no diagnosis, and no substitute for a clinician.

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