What are the advantages and disadvantages of brain implantations?

Answer 1

The implantation of indwelling electrodes into the brain is predicated on being able to locate a limited area of the brain that is over-active and by passing a weak current quieting down the electrical activity. Because it is hard to map out exactly the right area these surgeries are carried out with the patient alert and awake. A neurologist is present and works with the patient to test the effectiveness of the placement of the electrode. Since the surgery process can be tedious I have seen both good and bad patient participation resulting in sometimes disappointing results (the surgeries were for the control of Parkonsonian tremor).