Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery Programs in Canada

Deep brain stimulation involves the surgical insertion of electrodes to stimulate targeted areas of the brain; primarily used for people living with Parkinson disease or other movement-related disorders. It is also emerging as a treatment for refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder, major depressive disorder, and certain types of pain.

This rapid Environmental Scan describes the landscape of deep brain stimulation surgery across Canada and identifies conditions other than Parkinson Disease that can benefit from the therapy. It also provides an overview of cost-effectiveness studies on deep brain stimulation for Parkinson Disease. In Canada, there are deep brain stimulation surgery programs in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec, and Saskatchewan. The number of qualified neurosurgeons for deep brain stimulation surgery ranges from at least 1 to 5 across jurisdictions.

The risk of developing Parkinson Disease increases with age, with onset typically occurring in late adulthood. The number of people eligible for deep brain stimulation in Canada is expected to increase with the aging population and emerging indications. Information related to existing surgery programs can help support capacity planning for deep brain stimulation surgery in Canada.