Deep Brain Stimulation(DBS) Programming

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) involves implanting an electrode in the brain and connecting it with an extension wire to an implantable pulse generator (IPG) which is a pacemaker-like device or battery most often placed in the chest.

This device is programmed by a neurologist to optimize symptom control. The stimulation parameters may require adjustments from time to time with any change in the clinical condition or reponse to medications.

Applications:

Parkinson's Disease

Essential Tremor

Dystonias

VNS (Vagal Nerve Stimulation) Programming

Nerve Blocks:

Nerve Blocks are injections onto or near a nerve with a local anesthetic sometimes combined with a steroid.

The Kalamazoo Nerve Center provides:

Occipital Nerve Blocks

Regional occipital nerve blocks are effective in treating the following

conditions:

   Migraines

   Occipital neuralgia

   Cluster headaches

   Cervical (cervicogenic) headaches

   Post-spinal headaches

Supraorbital Nerve Blocks

   Post-herpetic neuralgia

   Supraorbital neuralgia

Trigger Point Injections

Indications:

Headaches

Myalgia

Myofascial pain syndrome

Procedure:Theseinjections are given in the neurologist's office.

The procedure takes approximately 30 minutes.

Numbness from the anesthetic may last about an hour.

If a bruise forms at the injection site, this can be relieved by moist heat or ice applications.

Botulinum treatments

Botulinum neurotoxin

(e.g. brand name Botox, Dysport, Myobloc or Xeomin ) in small, diluted amounts can be directly injected into specific muscles causing controlled relaxation of these muscles.

Indications:

Movement disorders/Muscle spasms

This form of treatment relieves several movement, nerve and muscle disorders including dystonias such as blepharospasm (uncontrolled blinking), hemifacial spasms, mandibular dystonias (jaw spasms), cervical dystonias (torticollis), focal dystonias, task-specific dystonias and other muscle spasms.

Headaches/Migraines

Botulinum treatment has also been found to be effective for certain types of headaches.

Hyperhidrosis (Excessive sweating)

We also provide Botulinum therapy for focal hyperhidrosis including axillary (excessive underarm sweating), craniofacial, palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis.

The approved indications for this form of treatment are certain types of Headaches/Migraines and Upper limb Spasticity.

Treatment for these conditions are found to be quite effective and are provided at the Center.