Eber Medical Group
First in China — Dr. Sun Chenyan

DBS — Deep Brain Stimulation

Neurosurgical neuromodulation for Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, dystonia, OCD, and treatment-resistant depression. Performed with Siemens Hybrid OR and stereotactic precision.

What is DBS?

DBS — Deep Brain Stimulation — is a surgically implanted device that delivers continuous electrical stimulation to specific brain targets through implanted electrodes. It modulates abnormal neural circuits responsible for motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD), tremor, and dystonia, or for behavioral symptoms in OCD and depression.

Dr. Sun Chenyan was the first in China to implement DBS for Parkinson's disease. At Eber Medical Group, DBS is performed in a Siemens Hybrid Operating Room with real-time intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM), stereotactic navigation, and microelectrode recording (MER) for precise electrode placement.

Conditions Treated with DBS

Condition Brain Target Expected Benefit
Parkinson's Disease STN or GPi 50–70% reduction in motor fluctuations, tremor, rigidity
Essential Tremor VIM (thalamus) 70–90% tremor reduction; immediate effect
Dystonia (primary/secondary) GPi Significant posture and movement improvement over weeks–months
OCD (refractory) VC/VS or STN 30–50% Y-BOCS score improvement
Treatment-Resistant Depression SCC (Cg25) Mood normalization in select patients
Epilepsy (refractory) ANT (thalamus) Seizure frequency reduction 40–60%

DBS Procedure Steps at Eber Medical Group

  1. Preoperative Evaluation (3–5 days): Neurological exam, levodopa challenge (for PD), MRI/CT stereotactic planning, neuropsychological testing
  2. Lead Implantation Surgery: Stereotactic frame placement, target coordinates calculated, burr holes, microelectrode recording (MER) for physiological target confirmation
  3. Siemens Hybrid OR: Real-time fluoroscopic or intraoperative MRI guidance confirms electrode position during surgery
  4. IPG Implantation: Impulse generator (Medtronic, Abbott, or Boston Scientific) implanted subcutaneously in chest or abdomen; connected to DBS leads via subcutaneous extension
  5. Programming: Device activation 1–2 weeks post-surgery; optimization over 3–6 months outpatient visits

DBS + TCM Integration at Eber

Uniquely at Eber, DBS is combined with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) — particularly acupuncture and herbal medicine — to address non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease that DBS alone does not target: sleep disorders, constipation, depression, freezing of gait, and cognitive changes. This integrated Western medicine + TCM multidisciplinary approach provides more comprehensive symptom management than DBS alone.

DBS — Frequently Asked Questions

How much does DBS surgery cost at Eber Medical Group?
DBS cost varies depending on the device type (single vs. dual channel, rechargeable vs. primary cell), number of electrodes, and anesthesia. Contact us with your diagnosis and current medications for a personalized cost estimate. We provide free second opinions within 48 hours.
Is DBS surgery safe?
DBS is an established, FDA-cleared procedure performed at Eber in a Siemens Hybrid Operating Room with stereotactic navigation and intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring. Serious complication rates are below 2% at experienced centers. Dr. Sun Chenyan was first in China to perform DBS for Parkinson's disease.
How long is hospitalization for DBS?
Typically 2–3 weeks: preoperative evaluation (3–5 days), surgery and acute recovery (7–10 days), initial programming sessions (2–3 days). Device optimization continues outpatient over 3–6 months.
What conditions does DBS treat at Eber Medical Group?
DBS treats: Parkinson's disease (STN or GPi target), essential tremor (VIM target), dystonia (GPi target), obsessive-compulsive disorder (VC/VS target), treatment-resistant depression (SCC target), and selected epilepsy cases (ANT target).