Other Indications for Deep Brain Stimulation

Apart from the commonly accepted indications, deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been applied in patients suffering from addiction, Huntington’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, anorexia nervosa, minimal conscious state, and schizophrenia in either experimental case studies or initial clinical trials. The rationale for applying DBS in these indications is to modulate a dysfunctional neural structure or circuit, which is considered responsible for the clinical symptoms. In this chapter, we highlight the latest updates in so-called investigational indications of DBS. Although beneficial effects have been reported in most of these indications, one should consider that the mechanisms as well as neural circuits underlying the beneficial effects of DBS remain poorly understood. Understanding these factors will lead to better therapeutic effects of DBS in these and also other indications. Moreover, caution should be applied when performing DBS in neurodegenerative disorders as progressive brain atrophy can lead to unexpected side effects or loss of benefit.