HHS' Office on Disability and Cleveland Clinic's Center for Neurological Restoration will hold a one-day conference on May 6 to focus on the impact DBS, or brain pacemakers, has on patients' quality of life, level of functioning and return to work. Topics will also include improving access to care, encouraging medical innovation and research and examining ethical considerations.
Currently, DBS is approved by HHS' Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Parkinson's disease, essential tremor and dystonia. Data is emerging regarding its benefit in treating patients with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), depression and most recently, traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Speakers will include leading HHS officials such as FDA Commissioner Andrew C. von Eschenbach, M.D.
Leading DBS experts, neuroscientists, patients, patient advocacy groups and other federal officials will also participate.
The conference will take place at the Hubert H. Humphrey Building, 200 Independence Avenue S.W., Washington, D.C. For more information on the event, visit www.ccfcme.org/dbs.
Media are invited to attend. Call 202-690-6343 to register.