Many people living with Parkinson’s disease, dystonia, or essential tremors hear about Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) and wonder — What really happens during this surgery? It’s natural to feel nervous about a brain procedure, but I believe that when patients and families know exactly what to expect, they feel more at ease and confident about their care.

DBS has changed so many lives by giving people back their independence when medicines alone no longer work well. But it’s not just about switching on a device — it’s a carefully planned journey that involves teamwork, precision, and trust.

Here’s my step-by-step guide to what happens before, during, and after DBS.

Step 1: Careful Evaluation
DBS isn’t for everyone with Parkinson’s. First, we confirm that your symptoms respond well to medication, but that medicines are no longer controlling them fully. As I often explain, “All Parkinson’s disease patients don’t have Deep Brain Stimulation as the first line of treatment… once the medicines start losing their effect, or they develop complications, then we consider DBS.”

We also do MRI scans, PET scans if needed, and detailed neurological tests. A supportive family or caregiver is just as important — DBS needs lifelong care and follow-up.

Step 2: Planning the Surgery
Once we decide to go ahead, we fix a date and guide you through what to expect. On the day of surgery, a special stereotactic frame is placed on your head to help us find the exact target inside the brain — the subthalamic nucleus, which is only about the size of a grain of rice!

I tell my patients, “It is like a pacemaker for the brain — we place two electrodes on either side, through small holes drilled in the skull.” This accuracy is what makes DBS so effective.

Step 3: Placing the Electrodes
The first part of the surgery is done while you’re awake. This surprises many, but it’s very important. Being awake allows us to test the electrodes as we place them, to make sure we don’t cause any side effects.

Patients often hear some drilling sounds, but there is no pain. We check movements and speech to be sure everything is working as it should.

Step 4: Connecting the Battery
Once the electrodes are placed, you’ll receive anesthesia for the second part. Here, we implant a small battery (the neurostimulator) under the skin near your chest and connect it to the electrodes with thin wires hidden under the skin.

Step 5: Recovery and Programming
Most patients stay in the hospital for a few days. After a few weeks, we switch on the battery and fine-tune the settings. As I always say, “There is no one setting that works forever — each electrode has multiple contacts we can program to match your needs.”

Regular check-ups help us adjust the device so you get the best possible benefit. Many patients live more independently, with less tremor, more control, and better quality of life.

A Final Word
DBS doesn’t cure Parkinson’s, but it gives people the freedom to do more of what they love. If you or your loved one is struggling with uncontrolled symptoms, talk to your neurologist about whether DBS could help.

When done with care and teamwork, Deep Brain Stimulation really can change lives for the better.