Entries tagged as Deep Brain Stimulation

Psychosurgery With Deep Brain Stimulation Makes A Gentle Comeback

On March 5, 2010 / By Chris Fisher / In Deep Brain Stimulation / No Comments

Psychosurgery is making a comeback. Recently published case series have shown encouraging results of so-called deep brain stimulation (DBS) in treatment-resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder, depressive disorders, and Tourette syndrome. In the current issue of Deutsches Ärzteblatt International, authors Jens Kuhn (University of Cologne) and Theo P J Gründer (Max Planck Institute, Cologne) and their co-authors provide an introduction to the method. (read the full story)

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Deep Brain Stimulation Treats Depression By Stimulating The Pleasure Center

On February 1, 2010 / By Chris Fisher / In Deep Brain Stimulation / No Comments

Even with the best of available treatments, over a third of patients with depression may not achieve a satisfactory antidepressant response. Deep brain stimulation (DBS), a form of targeted electrical stimulation in the brain via implanted electrodes, is now undergoing careful testing to determine whether it could play a role in the treatment of patients who have not sufficiently improved during more traditional forms of treatment. (continue reading)

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Deep Brain Stimulation Successful For Treatment Of A Severely Depressive Patient (World’s First Operation)

On January 9, 2010 / By Chris Fisher / In Deep Brain Stimulation, Depression / No Comments

Neurosurgeons from University Hospital Heidelberg performed the world’s first operation on the ‘habenula’ to treat depression with cooperation from psychiatrists at the Central Institute of Mental Health in Mannheim. The team of neurosurgeons and psychiatrists have for the first time successfully treated a patient suffering from severe depression by stimulating the habenula, a tiny nerve structure in the brain. The 64-year-old woman, who had suffered from depression since age 18, could not be helped by medication or electroconvulsive therapy. Since the procedure, she is for the first time in years free of symptoms. (continue reading)

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An Overview Of Brain Stimulation Therapies

On December 1, 2009 / By Chris Fisher / In CES, Deep Brain Stimulation / No Comments

NIH_VNS2Brain stimulation therapies have received increased attention as of late. These treatments involve activating or touching the brain directly with electricity, magnets, or implants to treat depression and other disorders. One type of brain stimulation, Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation (CES), was previously detailed in “What is CES?” Part 1 and Part 2. BMED Report even created an “Electromedicine” category in our recommended books section. In the current article, several other brain stimulation therapies are detailed. Electroconvulsive therapy is the most researched stimulation therapy and has the longest history of use. Other stimulation therapies discussed here — vagus nerve stimulation, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, magnetic seizure therapy, and deep brain stimulation—are newer, more experimental methods. (more…)

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