Surgical Services
Deep Brain Stimulation
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is used to treat patients who have movement disorders such as Parkinson's Disease, Essential Tremor or Dystonia. During DBS, thin wires called "leads" are precisely placed in targeted areas of the brain using a state-of-the-art guidance system. Electrical pulses are delivered to these leads through a device similar to a cardiac pacemaker. The electrical stimulation enables the patient to transform from a condition of uncontrollable shaking to having complete control of his or her movements. The patient is awake and under local anesthesia during the procedure so the physician can assess the effectiveness of the leads. DBS is not a permanent procedure and the implanted stimulator can easily be reprogrammed or removed as the patient's condition changes.
View an animation of how DBS works.
Frameless DBS
The traditional frame used to administer DBS is on the right. STarFix, which is customized to each patient, is on the left.
While Deep Brain Stimulation has been available around the country for several years, Bay Medical uses a new, less invasive way of performing the surgery with new technology called STarFix. Using STarFix, the neurosurgeon is able to perform DBS in significantly less time and in a much less invasive manner without the use of the large, heavy frame traditionally used during DBS. Using the frameless method, the surgeon can easily assess the effectiveness of the lead placement during the procedure since the patient is sitting in a chair, similar to a dental chair, and can move around more freely than during a traditional DBS procedure.
Bay Medical neurosurgeon Dr. Joel Franck, along with his engineering college, Ron Franklin, was awarded the National Gold Medal in Biotechnology in 2004 for his work developing STarFix. Dr. Franck is the only neurosurgeon in Florida, Alabama and Georgia offering this less-invasive, frameless method of performing this life-changing treatment.
Could DBS be right for you?
Patient Quiz - Parkinson's Disease
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a treatment for Parkinson's disease that can improve some of the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Take this simple quiz to better understand if you might be a candidate for DBS.
Directions: Answer the following questions and consider the recommendations at the bottom of this quiz.- Do you experience troubling "off" periods (periods when medication is not helping enough and you are experiencing symptoms)?
Yes No - Do you experience troubling dyskinesias (involuntary excessive movements)?
Yes No - Do you take frequent doses of dopaminergic drugs (levodopa, Sinemet®, Stalevo™, Parcopa®) in a typical day?
Yes No - Do you experience any of the following troubling side effects from your medications, despite having tried several drug combinations? (sleepiness, nausea, hallucinations, confusion/other thinking problems, light-headedness upon standing, behavioral/personality changes)
Yes No
If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, you should consult with a neurologist since you may be a candidate for this type of treatment. Click here to find a neurologist on staff at Bay Medical. To contact the office of neurosurgeon Dr. Joel Franck directly, please call 850-914-7040.
Patient Quiz - Essential Tremor
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a treatment for essential tremor that can greatly reduce tremors. Take this simple quiz to better understand if you might be a candidate for DBS.
Directions: Answer the following questions and consider the recommendations at the bottom of this quiz.- Do you experience uncontrollable shaking in your hands or arms (tremors)?
Yes No - Have you tried medications to control your tremors?
Yes No - Do you experience one or more of the following due to your tremors:
- Difficulty with daily activities, such as eating, dressing, writing, and bathing
- Embarrassment that prevents you from going out in public places (e.g., restaurants)
- Interference with your ability to earn a livelihood
- Troubling side effects from your medications, such as sleepiness, dizziness, or thinking problems
- Would you consider non-medication options to treat your tremor?
Yes No
If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, you should consult with a neurologist since you may be a candidate for this type of treatment. Click here to find a neurologist on staff at Bay Medical. To contact the office of neurosurgeon Dr. Joel Franck directly, please call 850-914-7040.