Deep Brain Stimulation Device

03.07.2024

Deep Brain Stimulation Device

Why in the news?   

A UK-based teenager, Oran Knowlson who has become the first person in the world to be fitted with a brain implant to help bring his epileptic seizures under control by using deep brain stimulation (DBS) device.

About Deep Brain Stimulation Device:

• The device uses DBS, which is also utilized for movement disorders associated with Parkinson’s, and other neurological conditions.

Working

• The neurostimulator delivers constant electrical impulses to the brain to disrupt or block abnormal seizure-causing signals.
• A 3.5 cm square, 0.6 cm in thickness, the device was surgically implanted in Knowlson’s skull and anchored using screws.
• The doctor then inserted two electrodes deep into his brain until they reached the thalamus — a relay station for all the motor and sensory information. The ends of the electrodes were connected to the neurostimulator.
• The device was switched on after Knowlson recovered from his surgery. It can be recharged by a wireless headphone.

What is epilepsy?

• It is a condition that leads to recurring seizures, sees a person experience jerking of arms and legs, temporary confusion, staring spells, or stiff muscles. It is caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
• The disease has no identifiable cause in nearly 50% of the cases.
• Reasons for epilepsy: Head trauma, Tumours in the brain, some infections like meningitis, or even genetics can lead to epilepsy. It can increase the risk of accidents, drowning and falling.
• According to a 2022 Lancet study, between 3 and 11.9 per 1,000 people suffer from epilepsy in India.
• Although several anti-seizure medicines are available in the market, 30% of the patients remain resistant to treatment.

Other Alternatives to Treat Epilepsy:

• DBS is not the first line of treatment for epilepsy. Doctors first use anti-seizure medicines and a ketogenic diet, which is high in fats and low in carbohydrates.
• If that does not work, doctors can carry out brain surgery to remove a portion of the brain where the seizures originate.
• Another surgery called corpus callosotomy (doctors remove a part disallowing abnormal electrical signals to travel from one half of the brain to another) may be suggested in some children.

                                                               Source: Indian Express

Ques :- Consider the following statements with reference to Deep Brain Stimulation Device:

Statement-I

The device uses DBS, which is also utilized for movement disorders associated with Parkinson’s, and other neurological conditions.

Statement-II

The device was surgically implanted in Knowlson’s skull and anchored using screws.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

A.Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I.

B.Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I.

C.Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect.

D.Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct.

Answer A