Market Overview

The global deep brain stimulation market reached US$ 800.12 million in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 1,585.24 million by 2031 growing with a CAGR of 9.1% during the forecast period 2024-2031.

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a neurosurgical treatment that involves implanting electrodes in specific areas of the brain to modulate abnormal brain activity. The electrodes, connected to a pulse generator implanted in the chest, deliver controlled electrical impulses to targeted brain regions, altering neural activity in ways that can relieve symptoms of various neurological and psychiatric disorders. 

The demand for deep brain stimulation is continuously boosting, which further fueling the market growth. For instance, according to the National Institute of Health (NIH), over 160,000 patients worldwide have undergone DBS for a variety of neurological and non-neurological conditions, with numbers increasing each year. As a clinical tool, DBS offers several advantages over other surgical approaches for neuromodulation.

Market Dynamics: Drivers

Rising prevalence of neurological and psychiatric disorders

The rising prevalence of neurological and psychiatric disorders is expected to drive the deep brain stimulation market, as the demand for effective treatments increases in line with global health trends. Neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease, essential tremor and dystonia, as well as psychiatric disorders like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and depression, affect millions of people worldwide. DBS offers a viable and often life-changing alternative by directly modulating brain activity to alleviate symptoms.

For instance, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2021, more than 3 billion people worldwide were living with a neurological condition. Over 80% of neurological deaths and health loss occur in low- and middle-income countries. This high prevalence is a significant driver for DBS use, as patients and providers increasingly seek effective, low-risk surgical options. Thus, the demand for deep brain stimulation is continuously increasing.

For psychiatric conditions like OCD and depression, the lack of effective treatment options for resistant cases is a major driver for DBS. According to the Regents of the University of California, Some 30% to 40% of patients do not respond to medications for depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), creating a substantial demand for alternative treatments. DBS is positioned to meet this demand as an evidence-backed, surgical option with long-term benefits.

Moreover, in psychiatric disorders, deep brain stimulation typically targets specific areas of the brain that are involved in mood regulation and emotional processing. Common targets include the subthalamic nucleus, ventral capsule and anterior cingulate cortex. These regions are implicated in conditions like depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and generalized anxiety disorder.

For instance, the World Health Organization estimates that 1 in every 8 people in the world lives with a psychiatric disorder, with a 13% rise in psychiatric disorders and substance use seen in just the past decade.  In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that more than 1 in 5 adults lives with a psychiatric disorder. This increasing prevalence of psychiatric disorders boosting the demand for deep brain stimulation.

Market Restraints

Factors such as the high cost of DBS devices and procedures, the complexity and risks of surgical procedures, limited clinical evidence for emerging indications, challenges in post-implantation management and follow-up and technical limitations and device longevity issues are expected to hamper the deep brain stimulation market.

The high cost of deep brain stimulation devices and procedures is a significant factor that hampers market growth by limiting access and affordability for a large segment of potential patients. This financial barrier affects adoption rates, particularly in low- and middle-income regions and impacts both healthcare providers and patients.

For instance, according to the National Institute of Health, 2024, the inflation and currency-adjusted mean cost of the DBS device was USD 21,496.07 ? USD 8,944.16, the cost of surgery alone was USD 14,685.22 ? USD 8,479.66, the total cost of surgery was USD 40,942.85 ? USD 17,987.43 and the total cost of treatment until 1 year of follow-up was USD 47,632.27 ? USD 23,067.08. 

Given the high costs, some patients may opt for less effective but more affordable treatments, even if they do not provide the same symptom relief as deep brain stimulation. Non-surgical options, such as medication, physical therapy or non-invasive brain stimulation techniques are generally much less expensive than DBS. This preference for more affordable alternatives further constrains the DBS market, particularly among those who prioritize cost over treatment efficacy.

Market Segment Analysis

The global deep brain stimulation market is segmented based on product type, battery type, stimulation type, application, end-user and region.

The movement disorders from the application segment accounted for approximately XX% of the global deep brain stimulation market share

The movement disorders segment is expected to hold the largest market share over the forecast period. Deep brain stimulation is particularly effective in managing symptoms associated with conditions like Parkinson's disease, essential tremor and dystonia, where it has become an established treatment option due to its ability to provide significant, sustained symptom relief. These effective benefits associated with deep brain stimulation for movement disorders encourage manufacturers to launch DBS systems with advanced features.

For instance, in January 2024, Abbott received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to launch the Liberta RC deep brain stimulation system, the world's smallest rechargeable deep brain stimulation (DBS) device with remote programming, to treat people living with movement disorders. The Liberta RC DBS system also requires the fewest recharges of any FDA-approved DBS system, needing only 10 recharge sessions a year for most people.

Parkinson's disease is one of the most prevalent movement disorders, affecting more than 10 million people worldwide, with approximately 90,000 new cases diagnosed each year in the United States alone, according to the Parkinson's Foundation. The prevalence is anticipated to rise significantly as the global population ages. This large and growing patient base has made Parkinson's disease the primary condition treated with deep brain stimulation.

Moreover, movement disorders like Parkinson's disease, essential tremor and dystonia are initially managed with medications, such as levodopa for Parkinson?s or beta-blockers for essential tremor. However, these treatments often lose efficacy over time or cause significant side effects. For example, long-term levodopa use in Parkinson's disease can lead to motor complications such as dyskinesias. Deep brain stimulation provides a direct way to modulate brain circuits associated with movement control, offering an effective, less side-effect-prone alternative for patients who have exhausted medication options.

Deep brain stimulation has a strong body of clinical evidence supporting its efficacy and safety for movement disorders, leading to regulatory approvals that drive market growth. The FDA first approved DBS for essential tremor in 1997, followed by approvals for Parkinson?s disease and dystonia, solidifying its role as a core therapy for these conditions. Many studies have demonstrated the long-term benefits of DBS for Parkinson?s disease, with improvements in motor function and quality of life lasting for years.

Market Geographical Analysis

North America accounted for approximately XX% of the global deep brain stimulation market share

North America region is expected to hold the largest market share over the forecast period owing to the technological advancements and high rate of adoption of deep brain stimulation devices and procedures. For instance, according to Orlando Neurosurgery, approximately 12,000 DBS procedures occur in the United States each year.

North American companies are at the forefront of introducing next-generation DBS devices that offer improved efficacy and patient comfort. Innovations such as rechargeable batteries, remote programming and adaptive deep brain stimulation are gaining traction and are widely adopted in the region, especially in the United States. These advancements not only improve patient outcomes but also make deep brain stimulation more appealing to a broader patient base.

For instance, in January 2021, Boston Scientific Corporation received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for its fourth-generation Vercise Genus Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) System. The portfolio, approved for conditional use in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) environment, consists of a family of Bluetooth-enabled, rechargeable and non-rechargeable, implantable pulse generators (IPGs) that power Cartesia Directional Leads, designed to provide optimal symptom relief.

There is a rising prevalence of various movement and psychiatric disorders in North America, especially in the United States, further increasing the demand for deep brain stimulation devices and procedures in the region. For instance, according to the Parkinson's Foundation, nearly one million people in the U.S. are living with Parkinson's disease (PD). This number is expected to rise to 1.2 million by 2030. Nearly 90,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with PD each year. 

Market Segmentation

By Product Type

  • Single-Channel Systems
  • Dual-Channel Systems 

By Battery Type

  • Rechargeable Systems
  • Non-Rechargeable Systems 

By Stimulation Type

  • Constant Current Devices
  • Voltage-Controlled Devices

By Application

  • Movement Disorders
    • Parkinson's Disease
    • Dystonia
    • Essential Tremor
    • Others
  • Psychiatric Disorders
    • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
    • Depression
    • Others
  • Epilepsy
  • Chronic Pain
  • Alzheimer's Disease <