Deep Brain Stimulation underway at Subiaco

19 Dec 2017

19 December 2017

Electrodes are placed inside the brain are used to continuously overstimulate circuits of the brain that are overactive in disease through the implantation of a medical device, similar to a cardiac pacemaker. The device settings and stimulation levels can be adjusted noninvasively by a clinician using a programming device.

DBS therapy helps control disease symptoms for conditions including Parkinson’s disease, tremor, wry neck (torticollis), dystonia, Tourette’s syndrome, blepharospasm, writer’s cramp and other task specific dystonias to reduce abnormal movements.

Professor Lind, who has been performing this procedure for the past 10 years at Sir Charles Gardiner Hospital (SCGH), started the procedure at St John of God Subiaco Hospital 18 months ago to improve patient access and comfort.

“It can often dramatically improve quality of life including keeping people working in their preferred profession and maintain their independence,” he said.

Professor Lind is skilled in this technique from his predecessor at SCGH Mr Peter Watson and neurosurgeons in Bristol and Oxford, in the United Kingdom.

The surgery is completed in two parts. Initially, four small skull screws are placed under the patient’s scalp for a few weeks prior to the main operation. A custom-made three-dimensional printed platform, manufactured in the United States of America, is then created using the patient’s unique trajectories.

During the main procedure, the platform is connected to the screws. This platform enables the safe and efficient placement of brain electrodes, which obviates the need for placing traditional head frames on patients. This significantly improves patient comfort and reduces the risk of the surgeon during the operation.

Referral details

Professor Christopher Lind
Address: 321/25 McCourt Street, Subiaco
Tel: (08) 9382 1933
Fax: (08) 9388 1253
Email: [email protected]