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Dr. David Thomas Christianson, MD is a neurosurgeon in Des Moines, IA specializing in neurosurgery and spine surgery. He graduated from University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine in 2018 and has 8 years of experience. Dr. David Thomas Christianson, MD is affiliated with The Iowa Clinic.
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a procedure performed to help treat neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease and epilepsy. Electrode leads are surgically implanted in the brain and connected to a device, called a neurostimulator (deep brain stimulator), that is placed underneath the skin (subcutaneously). The deep brain stimulator can send electrical signals through the electrodes to the brain to restore normal rhythms, or it can block electrical signals in specific areas of the brain to restore functioning. Although not a cure, DBS can treat symptoms of movement disorders such as pain and tremor when medication fails to work.
DBS surgery may be completed in one operating session, but it is more commonly performed in two parts. In the first stage of the procedure, the surgeon will map targets in the brain using CT or MRI imaging to determine where to place the electrodes. Then, by drilling holes into the skull, the surgeon will place the electrodes into specific areas in the brain. The holes will be closed, and patients will require 1-2 days to recover in the hospital. After about two weeks, patients will undergo another surgery to have the deep brain stimulator implanted. The stimulator is usually placed under the skin around the collarbone, chest, or abdomen, and it will be connected to the DBS electrodes through a subcutaneous wire. No component of the DBS system will be visible from outside. Following stimulator implantation, patients may need to recover in the hospital for 1-2 days.
Within 2-4 weeks of the operation, doctors will program the stimulator using a wireless device. Patients will work with their doctor to determine the most effective settings for the stimulator during follow-up visits. Patients will be given a handheld device so that they can turn the stimulator on or off and adjust its settings themselves. The stimulator may have a rechargeable battery, in which case patients will be given a charging unit. Stimulator batteries generally need to be replaced in 3-5 years.
Dr. David Thomas Christianson, MD graduated from University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine in 2018. He completed residency at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. He has a state license in Iowa.
Medical School: University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine (2018)
Residency: University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (2025)
Licensed In: Iowa
Dr. David Thomas Christianson, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
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Dr. David Christianson is a spine surgery and neurosurgery specialist in Des Moines, IA. His clinical interests encompass spine surgery procedures and deep brain stimulation (DBS). Dr. Christianson is affiliated with The Iowa Clinic. He studied medicine at the University of South Dakota, Sanford School of Medicine. For his residency, Dr. Christianson trained at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics. Dr. Christianson welcomes new patients at his office inDes Moines, IA as reported by The Iowa Clinic.
