[Deep brain stimulation - options and limits]

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is meanwhile an established procedure. It has been employed for several neurological diseases with impressive therapeutic responses to some extent. Stimulation of the ventral intermediate nucleus of the thalamus can distinctively improve tremor associated with essential tremor or Parkinson disease. Similarly, stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus or the globus pallidus internus can substantially diminish bradykinesia, rigidity, and tremor. Additionally, by means of a reduced dopaminergic therapy, it can lead to an improvement of the L-Dopa induced dyskinesias in patients with Parkinson disease. In recent years, DBS has also been used for other neurological and psychiatric diseases. Yet, the exact mechanism of action on a neuronal level remains uncertain. Regardless of the underlying disease and the surgical electrode positioning, a meticulous patient selection and correct indication is of paramount importance for the therapeutic success.