DBS Targets STN GPi: What You Need to Know About Deep Brain Stimulation for Movement Disorders

When deep brain stimulation, a surgical treatment that uses implanted electrodes to regulate abnormal brain activity. Also known as DBS, it is one of the most effective ways to manage movement symptoms in Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, and dystonia. The procedure doesn’t cure these conditions, but it can dramatically reduce shaking, stiffness, and slow movement—often letting people get back to daily activities they thought were lost.

DBS works by targeting specific areas deep inside the brain. The two most common targets are the subthalamic nucleus, a small structure involved in motor control that becomes overactive in Parkinson’s and the globus pallidus interna, a key relay point in the brain’s movement circuit that helps suppress unwanted motion. Doctors choose between STN and GPi based on the patient’s symptoms, age, medications, and goals. STN stimulation often lets people reduce their medication doses more than GPi, which can be helpful for those struggling with drug side effects. GPi, on the other hand, may be better for patients with severe dyskinesia or mood issues, since it tends to have fewer cognitive side effects.

It’s not a one-size-fits-all decision. A 65-year-old with tremors and medication-induced nausea might benefit more from STN, while a 70-year-old with violent involuntary movements and depression might do better with GPi. The surgery itself is precise—patients are awake during parts of it so the team can test responses in real time. Recovery takes weeks, but many report feeling like themselves again within months.

What you’ll find in the articles below are real-world insights into how DBS works, what outcomes patients actually see, how it compares to other treatments, and what to expect before, during, and after the procedure. These aren’t theoretical overviews—they’re practical guides written for people who are considering this option, or supporting someone who is.