Deep brain stimulation. X-rays projected onto a 3D model of the head of a 54-year-old patient with Parkinson's disease, showing deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrodes (dark lines) implanted in the brain. Electrodes like this are known as brain pacemakers. They are implanted in the cerebral lobes and used in neurosurgical treatment to send impulses to specific parts of the brain. DBS was developed for the treatment of Parkinson's disease, but is being investigated for use in other conditions such as chronic pain, where stimulation of under or over-active areas can relieve symptoms.