Advancing the Future of Deep Brain Stimulation and Functional Neurosurgery

For nearly three decades, IU Health has helped shape the evolution of deep brain stimulation (DBS), bringing together nationally recognized specialists, groundbreaking research and multidisciplinary care to advance treatment for complex neurological and psychiatric disorders.

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Watch: A Message from Functional Neurosurgery Division Chief

Dr. Purger DBS Leadership Video

DBS is just one example of how IU Health Neurosciences translates research, innovation, clinical excellence and multidisciplinary expertise into better outcomes for patients.

Leaders in Neuromodulation

IU Health was among the early adopters of DBS and has grown into one of the region's most comprehensive neuromodulation programs. Today, specialists work across neurosurgery, neurology, psychiatry, neurophysiology and neuroscience research to deliver highly personalized treatment for patients with:

  • Parkinson's disease
  • Essential tremor
  • Dystonia
  • Epilepsy
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • Treatment-resistant psychiatric disorders

This multidisciplinary approach allows patients to receive coordinated care from evaluation through long-term therapy optimization.

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Meet Our Deep Brain Stimulation Experts

Experts in neurology and neurosurgery, these specialists help guide patients through every stage of the DBS journey.

David A. Purger, MD

Division Chief, Functional Neurosurgery

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Thomas C. Witt, MD

Functional Neurosurgeon, DBS Pioneer

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Harsh Shah, MD

Functional Neurosurgeon and Innovator

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S. Elizabeth Zauber, MD

Division Chief, Movement Disorders, Neurology

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Joanne M. Wojcieszek, MD

Movement Disorders Neurologist

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Christopher W. James, MD

Movement Disorders Neurologist

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Where Innovation Meets Patient Care

What makes IU Health unique is the close integration of research and clinical care.

Through collaboration with the Indiana University School of Medicine, researchers and clinicians work together to advance:

  • Precision neuromodulation
  • Advanced brain mapping
  • Personalized DBS programming
  • Clinical trials
  • Emerging therapies for neurological and psychiatric disease

Discoveries made in the laboratory directly inform patient care, helping bring novel therapies and treatment approaches to patients faster.

Advancing Neurosurgery Beyond DBS

The same expertise that drives innovation in deep brain stimulation extends across the Department of Neurological Surgery at IU Health.

Patients benefit from a nationally recognized team providing advanced care for:

  • Functional neurosurgery
  • Skull base disorders
  • Brain tumors
  • Spinal disorders
  • Neurovascular conditions

By combining academic medicine, clinical research and subspecialized expertise, IU Health continues to advance the future of neurosurgical care.

2025 IU School of Medicine Annual Report

Learn more about the department of Neurological Surgery at IU School of Medicine.

View Annual Report

Why Referring Physicians and Patients Choose IU Health

By combining academic medicine, clinical research and subspecialized expertise, IU Health continues to advance the future of neurosurgical care.

Multidisciplinary Expertise

Neurosurgeons, neurologists, psychiatrists, radiologists, and patient care coordinators collaborate on your patient's treatment plan

Research-Driven Care

Participation in major clinical trials and development of next-generation neuromodulation therapies

Advanced Technology

State-of-the-art surgical, imaging and neuromodulation capabilities

Long-Term Support

Dedicated nurse navigators and specialized clinical teams support patients throughout their entire care journey

Refer a Patient

To refer a patient, please call 317.963.1300.