Inside Pediatrics Spring/Summer 2024

“When we implant the electrode into a specific region of the brain, we can either edit the input throughout the stimulation, or we can take it completely away,” Gantz said. “Think of it as a series of relay circuits in the brain. If someone has dystonia, one of those relay circuits isn’t working properly. By putting in the stimulator and applying an electrical current intermittently, we can suppress the abnormal brain activity. “The stimulator stays in for life, so the procedure doesn’t need to be repeated,” she continued. “Occasionally, we’ll have to change the device’s battery, but they’re rechargeable and designed to last for up to 20 years.” After the initial procedure, patients return to see Gantz to have the device programmed. “I set the programming on their stimulator so they can make slight adjustments at home. It can take a little while for the device to be effective; we usually leave it alone for a few months and then reevaluate,” Gantz said. “We have guidelines for which settings will most likely help, and we start there. We’re looking to ensure we don’t get side effects, such as visual disturbances or muscle pulling, more than anything.” The pediatric patients who have begun DBS for progressive dystonia at Children’s are responding well to the new treatment. “I’m really excited about DBS and its future as a treatment in pediatric neurology, specifically movement disorders,” Gantz said. “It may eventually come into play in other treatment areas, and I’m glad the door is open to us here. I think there will be many more patients who will benefit from it.” ●

Drs. Paige Lundy (left), Sage Rahm (center) and Curtis Rozzelle perform part of a deep brain stimulation procedure at Children’s of Alabama.

A surgeon performs a system function test after placing a generator.

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Inside Pediatrics | Children’s of Alabama