Chapter 1 - Introduction

Summary

This introductory chapter gives a brief overview of the book Deep Brain Stimulation Management, touching on the key topics pertaining to use of deep brain stimulation (DBS) for clinicians. DBS has evolved as an important and established treatment for movement disorders, and new indications for DBS in the treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders are emerging. It uses a device with three implantable components: quadripolar brain lead(s), neurostimulator(s), and extension wire(s). There are three major movement disorders for which DBS is indicated: essential tremor, Parkinson's disease, and dystonia. DBS is a chronic neuromodulation therapy and not a surgical treatment. The chapter also gives an overview of how other chapters in this book are organized. This book serves as a practical reference, a "go to" guide to be kept in the clinic and consulted in the course of managing patients being considered for or treated with DBS.