What is deep brain stimulation?

Deep brain stimulation is a modern surgical treatment which involves implanting a medical device called a neuro-stimulator in the brain. The size of a pocket watch, this device works a bit like a heart pacemaker: its electrodes send electrical impulses to damaged parts of the brain to restore function. This technology is already used to treat people with Parkinson’s disease and scientists are investigating whether it could also treat other neurological diseases.

X-ray of a patient having a deep brain stimulation implant fitted.