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DBS Research and Resources

Denver DBS Center takes an evidence-based approach, basing all our recommendations on the most current research. We also believe it’s important for you to have access to research and resources as you make decisions about your care and deep brain stimulation.

DBS Research and Resources

Below are DBS research and resources based on condition. The research is referenced throughout the website and in brochures and guides.

Treatments for this Condition

Appointment

Guides

Videos

Articles

Research specific to Asleep DBS

A study finds that the costs of asleep DBS and awake DBS are comparable with cost variation being greater among awake DBS procedures. The research also shows that DBS performed at a single US academic health center to compare favorably to costs across the University HealthSystem Consortium (UHC) Clinical Database.

Research published in the Journal of Neurosurgery shows that initial results of asleep ventral intermediate nucleus (VIM) DBS for essential tremor deem the procedure as safe and effective as the traditional awake DBS procedure for essential tremor. The study also shows lead placement errors to be slightly less in asleep DBS than awake DBS. Additional studies are underway to build upon these findings.

Study shows significantly improved outcomes for patients undergoing Asleep DBS with lead placement guided by computed tomography (CT).

Study looking at potential inaccuracy of traditional microelectrode recording (MER) as a tool for assessing lead placement during Awake DBS, providing support for Asleep DBS.

The accuracy of Asleep DBS is supported by  a study involving 309 patients that found leads placed with MER reach the intended target area only 64% of the time.

Research specific to DBS

A research paper written by Denver DBS Center founder, David VanSickle, MD, PhD, highlights the observable and unobservable errors present in traditional microelectrode recording (MER) compared to Mazor Renaissance Guidance System with CereTom CT image verification when conducting deep brain stimulation (DBS).

Research specific to DBS for Parkinson's disease

DBS may extend survival time of of patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease, according to research conducted at at the Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital in Hines, Illinois.

Compared to medications, DBS significantly improves motor symptoms and quality of life for people with advanced Parkinson’s disease. DBS is also found effective for at least 10 years.

DBS may extend life for Parkinson’s patients.

DBS in the earlier stages of Parkinson’s disease is effective, contrary to earlier recommendations that patients must have the disease for at least seven years to benefit.

DBS in patients under general anesthesia (asleep) using the traditional procedure found as safe and effective as the procedure performed under local anesthesia (awake).

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) plus medications can nearly double the number of “on” hours without dyskinesia each day.

DBS is more effective than medications in controlling tremors in patients with Parkinson’s disease.

DBS results in a nearly 50% average reduction in medication compared to medical therapy alone.

The initial cost of DBS is offset by savings in medications by patients with Parkinson’s disease in less than two years after the procedure.

Improvement in all motor symptoms—rigidity, tremor, facial expression, freezing—leads to improvements in quality of life, bodily discomfort and emotional well-being.

Research specific to DBS for epilepsy

Learn more about epilepsy surgery research on the epilepsy research and resources page.

Research specific to DBS for essential tremor

Research published in the Journal of Neurosurgery shows that initial results of asleep ventral intermediate nucleus (VIM) DBS for essential tremor deem the procedure as safe and effective as the traditional awake DBS procedure for essential tremor. The study also shows lead placement errors to be slightly less in asleep DBS than awake DBS. Additional studies are underway to build upon these findings.

DBS has been shown to effectively suppress essential tremor for more than six years after implantation.

Research specific to DBS for dystonia

DBS reduces medication use for dystonia patients.

Resources for Parkinson's patients

Dealing with Parkinson’s disease is not something you should ever have to experience alone. At Denver DBS Center, we aim to provide you with as much information and resources so that you can make an informed decision about treating your Parkinson’s symptoms and whether or not to pursue deep brain stimulation.

Below are websites, blogs and videos that we recommend to help you understand more about your disease and treatment.

These sites and resources are not managed by Denver DBS Center. 

Resources for epilepsy patients

Learn more about epilepsy resources on the epilepsy research and resources page.

Resources for essential tremor patients

Essential tremor, although not life-threatening, can interfere with patients’ quality of life and be isolating. While deep brain stimulation (DBS) greatly reduces the symptoms of essential tremor, there is no greater resource for dealing with the movement disorder than the support of others with similar challenges. At Denver DBS Center, we are committed to offering comprehensive information and support for essential tremor patients in Denver, Colorado, and throughout the Rocky Mountain region.

Below are websites, blogs, and videos that we recommend to help you understand more about your disorder and treatment options.

These sites and resources are not managed by Denver DBS Center. 

Resources for dystonia patients

Denver DBS Center is committed to providing comprehensive information and support for dystonia patients in Denver, Colorado, and throughout the Rocky Mountain region.

Below are websites, blogs, and videos that we recommend to help you understand more about dystonia and treatment options.

These sites and resources are not managed by Denver DBS Center. 

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