This important book discusses today’s most current and cutting-edge applications of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS). The book begins with reviews of the functional anatomy and physiology of motor and nonmotor aspects of the basal ganglia and their connections which underlie the application of DBS to neurological and psychiatric disorders. This is followed by proposed mechanisms of action of DBS based on functional neuroimaging and neurophysiologic studies in animals and man.

To date more than eighty thousand patients worldwide have received deep brain stimulation (DBS), mainly in order to alleviate symptoms of treatment-resistant disorders such as tremor associated with Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, chronic pain, epilepsy, obsessive compulsive disorder, major depression and Tourette syndrome. The number of indications for neurological and psychiatric conditions using this technology is rapidly increasing, raising important societal and ethical issues that cannot be dealt with by scientists and clinicians on their own, but need discussions among all possible stakeholders on questions such as: what are the comprehensive risks and benefits of this technology? what is the real impact on patients’ life, in terms of health, quality of life and personal identity? This Research Topic provides an overview of potentials and limitations of deep brain stimulation as used to treat neurological and psychiatric conditions, bringing together Mini Reviews, Perspectives and Opinion papers from key stakeholders interested in the development and social impact of this technology. It is also a continuation of the debate that started among scientists, clinicians, patients, sociologists, journalists, philosophers and other experts during the “brains in dialogue on deep brain stimulation” workshop that was organized in September 2010 in Warsaw, Poland, by the FP7 project bid – brains in dialogue (www.neuromedia.eu) coordinated by the Interdisciplinary Laboratory of SISSA (Trieste, Italy).

Chronic electrical stimulation of the brain has demonstrated excellent outcomes in patients with Parkinson’s disease and has recently also been applied to various other neurological diseases. This comprehensive, up-to-date textbook will meet the needs of all who wish to learn more about the application of deep brain stimulation and will provide a sound basis for safe and accurate surgery. The book comprises two main parts, the first of which presents relevant anatomical and functional background information on the basal ganglia, thalamus and other brain structures as well as on the mechanism of brain stimulation. The second part describes clinical studies on deep brain stimulation, covering results in a range of movement disorders and psychiatric diseases and also important aspects of instrumentation and technique. The authors are outstanding scientists and experts in the field from across the world.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is now a firmly established treatment for movement disorders, and an increasing body of evidence supports DBS in the treatment of other neurological and psychiatric disorders. This essential reference guide outlines a practical approach to the use of this paradigm-shifting therapy and covers key aspects of DBS practice. Chapters describe how to implement a DBS program and select appropriate patients, device programming to achieve optimal symptom control, and long-term management of patients. Thoroughly revised, this third edition includes additional chapters on managing patients with emerging applications of DBS. An entire chapter is dedicated to troubleshooting common problems with the therapy as many 'failures' are preventable and addressable. With contributions from experts in the field, this is a must-have reference guide for any clinician working with DBS patients.

This book provides a state-of-the-art overview of our current understanding of deep brain stimulation (DBS) for the treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders. With a broad multidisciplinary scope, it presents contributions from leading experts in the field from Europe and America, who share not only their knowledge, but their experience as well. The book focuses both on basic and theoretical aspects of DBS, as well as clinical and practical aspects. It follows an evidence-based approach, and where possible offers clinical recommendations based on published guidelines. It starts with a general section, which discusses basic principles and general considerations. This is followed a sections dedicated to neurological disorders, and psychiatric disorders, in which only accepted indications are discussed. All experimental indications are discussed in the final chapter. The text is supplemented with numerous illustrations. Intended for medical specialists and residents involved in the treatment of patients with DBS, it also appeals to other professionals working with DBS patients, such as psychologists, nurses, physiotherapists, as well as basic and clinical neuroscientists.

An authoritative, concise, how-to guide to the various brain stimulation treatments used in psychiatry.