Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has changed the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Patients can achieve better movement, improved mood, and greater independence by receiving DBS sooner, rather than waiting until severe symptoms interfere with daily life.
Parkinson's disease can gradually reduce your mobility, language skills, and independence. Medications often lose their effectiveness over time, even though this may be temporary. DBS is a surgical option that offers lasting relief. This treatment uses deep brain stimulation.
DBS involves a small device that sends gentle electrical currents to specific areas of the brain that control movement. These signals can help reduce tremors, stiffness, and slowed motion. Patients can enjoy a better quality of life as their motor abilities improve.
In this procedure, thin electrodes are implanted deep in the brain and linked to a small pulse generator. This generator is implanted in the chest like a pacemaker. It provides electrically controlled stimulation to control the irregular brain activity associated with Parkinson's disease.
Types of Parkinson's
Tremor-dominant Parkinson's, marked by shaking.
Akinetic-Rigid Parkinson’s noted for stiffness and slow movement.
Mixed Type - comprises both shaking and stiffness.
Find that treatments no longer manage their symptoms.
Experience severe side effects, like dyskinesia, from medications.
Mid-stage of the disease, which can be treated at any point between early and late stages.
Pre-Procedure
MRI or CT imaging
Medication response testing.
Assessments of mental and physical health.
Guidance to weigh the risks and benefits.
Post-Procedure
After the operation, patients are kept in the hospital for several days for observation.
Regular follow-up visits
In the first few months, most patients experience significant improvement.
AIIMS, New Delhi.
Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai.
Fortis Hospital, Bengaluru.
The Medicity, Gurugram.
Cost Components.
Pre-surgery testing: $1,000 - $2,000.
Cost of surgery: $12,000 - $120,000.
Medication and follow-up care costs during the postoperative phase can reach $500 to $1,000 per year.
The cost of a DBS operation can range from $15,000 to $250,000, depending on the facility, city, and patient outcomes.
Country Cost
|
Country |
Cost |
|
India |
$15,000 – $25,000 |
|
USA |
$70,000 – $150,000 |
|
UK |
$60,000 – $120,000 |
Factors That Influence Success
Accuracy in electrode placement.
Patient age and health.
Routine monitoring and scheduling after surgery.
Challenges and solutions
Operation cost
The safety and efficacy of patient care are dependent on education, providing financial advice for medical expenses and selecting reputable neurosurgery clinics.
They aim to make the treatment for DBS in India affordable and simple.
Arranging expenses, and offering complete assistance for travel, lodging
Legal and Ethical Considerations.
Strictly following medical safety and ethical standards in India. Providing full patient consent and securing devices is crucial while maintaining transparency throughout the process.
Recovery and Life after Treatment.
Motor control and daily functioning are significantly improved for most patients. Better quality of life is a result of good diet, exercise, and medication management, as well as mental wellness practices.
With its equipment, skilled neurosurgeons, and affordable treatment prices, DBS is a practical choice for treating patients worldwide.
Q1. What is the recommended age to start DBS for Parkinson's?
Whenever there is no longer any consistent relief from medication, but symptoms become disabling.
Q2. Is Parkinson's disease curable through bowel movements?
Although it does not cure the disease, it significantly enhances the quality of life.
Q3. How long can the DBS device be used for?
Batteries have a lifespan of 3 to 5 years, depending on their make and type.