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Targeting Neuronal Fiber Tracts for Deep Brain Stimulation Therapy Using Interactive, Patient-Specific Models
Published on: August 12, 2018
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Disparities in Access to Deep Brain Stimulation
Franziska A Schmidt1,2, Irene Martinez-Torres3, Jürgen Germann1,4
1Division of Neurosurgery, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery
|October 13, 2025
Summary
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) offers advanced treatment for neurological disorders. However, despite technological progress, equitable access to DBS remains limited globally due to various persistent barriers.
Area of Science:
- Neurological Surgery
- Neurosurgery
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an established therapy for movement disorders like Parkinson's disease, dystonia, and essential tremor.
- DBS is also explored for neuropsychiatric conditions such as epilepsy and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current literature on access to deep brain stimulation (DBS).
- To identify disparities and challenges hindering equitable DBS availability.
- To explore potential strategies for improving global access to DBS therapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on DBS access.
- Analysis of technological advancements in DBS devices over 30 years.
- Examination of socioeconomic, geographic, systemic, and policy-related barriers.
Main Results:
- Significant technological advancements in DBS devices have occurred.
- Equitable access to DBS has not advanced proportionally with technology.
- Persistent global barriers limit access to DBS therapy.
Conclusions:
- Despite technological progress, equitable access to DBS remains a critical global challenge.
- Addressing socioeconomic, geographic, systemic, and policy factors is crucial.
- Strategies are needed to improve the availability and equity of DBS application.
