Parkinson's Disease

Frequently Asked Questions

21. What is deep brain stimulation? - cont'd

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Deep brain stimulation, or DBS, usually reduces the need for levodopa and related drugs, which in turn decreases dyskinesias and other side effects. It also helps to relieve "on-off" fluctuation of symptoms. People who respond well to treatment with levodopa, even if only for a short period, tend to respond well to DBS.