The Basics
What is Deep Brain Stimulation?
Used to treat patients with movement disorders such as essential tremor, Parkinson’s disease and dystonia; can also be used to control symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder and epilepsy.
Brand names for Deep Brain Stimulation
N/A
How Deep Brain Stimulation is classified
Electric Stimulation Therapy
Deep Brain Stimulation During Pregnancy
Deep Brain Stimulation pregnancy category
Category N/ANote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Deep Brain Stimulation while pregnant
N/A
Taking Deep Brain Stimulation While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Deep Brain Stimulation?
Evidence from a few mothers who received deep brain stimulation indicated that no difficulty was encountered with lactation, other than minor discomfort with chest neurostimulators.
Maternal / infant drug levels
Evidence from a few mothers who received deep brain stimulation indicated that no difficulty was encountered with lactation, other than minor discomfort with chest neurostimulators.
Possible effects of Deep Brain Stimulation on milk supply
In a case series of pregnant patients treated for dystonia with deep brain stimulation (DBS), 4 of 5 mothers breastfed their 6 infants (1 set of twins and 2 siblings) with no apparent difficulty. One mother chose not to breastfeed, unrelated to DBS. Two mothers reported minor discomfort during breastfeeding with chest neurostimulators.[1]
Possible alternatives to Deep Brain Stimulation
None listed
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Ziman N, Coleman RR, Starr PA et al. Pregnancy in a series of dystonia patients treated with deep brain stimulation: Outcomes and management recommendations. Stereotact Funct Neurosurg. 2016;94:60-5. PMID: 26977859
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
