Deep Brain Stimulation Treatment in India
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a treatment for selected patient suffering from Parkinson’s disease dystonia and most forms of tremors. Recently, the use of DBS therapy has been extended for the treatment of intractable epilepsy, refractory Obsessive compulsive disorders, depression and Progressive supranuclear palsies.
DBS therapy has become a much known therapy to mitigate movement related disorders but can have serious repercussions if not delivered by an experienced, knowledgeable and skilled specialist. In India most of the surgeons, doctors and health care professionals are internationally trained. These professionals have handled multiple cases related to Deep Brain Stimulation Therapy.
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a treatment for selected patient suffering from Parkinson’s disease dystonia and most forms of tremors. Recently, the use of DBS therapy has been extended for the treatment of intractable epilepsy, refractory Obsessive compulsive disorders, depression and Progressive supranuclear palsies.
DBS consist of implantation of very thin DBS Lead which contains four electrode contacts into the target area in the brain. The lead extends through a small opening in the skull and is connected to the extension that is then connected to an impulse generator or pacemaker which is implanted under the skin over the chest. The entire system is implanted beneath the skin. DBS exerts its therapeutic effect by delivering electrical impulses to the target region.
- Subthalamic DBS is most effective in terms of the range of symptoms that respond and the ability of patients to reduce medication. Subthalamic DBS is effective for gait and balance problems. Problems associated with subthalamic DBS include diplopia (double vision), nausea and dizziness, paresthesias (tingling skin) and muscle contraction.
- Globus pallidus DBS is effective for many of the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, with the possible exception of gait and balance. It is especially effective at suppressing dyskinesia (involuntary movements or tics) as occur in dystonia, Tourette’s syndrome and as a consequence of medication therapy for Parkinson’s disease.
- Thalamic DBS is limited in use because it is only effective for patients exhibiting tremors and possibly rigidity. Thalamic DBS also poses higher risks of voice, speech and swallowing complications
Deep brain stimulation therapy offers a number of advantages. The electrical stimulation is adjustable, whereas surgical destruction is not. As the patient's response to surgery changes over time, the stimulation can be adjusted without the necessity of repeat operation.
Another significant advantage of deep brain stimulation therapy relates to future treatments. Destructive surgery, such as thalamotomy or pallidotomy, may reduce the patient's potential to benefit from future therapies. For example, future brain cell transplantation may be of great help to patients with Parkinson's disease. There is concern that a pallidotomy or thalamotomy may prevent patients from benefiting from brain cell transplantation. This would not be the case with deep brain stimulation as the stimulator could be turned off.
DBS therapy has become a much known therapy to mitigate movement related disorders but can have serious repercussions if not delivered by an experienced, knowledgeable and skilled specialist. In India most of the surgeons, doctors and health care professionals are internationally trained. These professionals have handled multiple cases related to Deep Brain Stimulation Therapy.
There are millions of people who travel each year to India for different types of medical and surgical procedures. They seek medical and surgical treatment in India as these facilities are either very expensive or unavailable in their own country especially an advanced brain stimulation therapy like DBS. Indian hospitals have become highly popular for their state-of-the-art amenities and sophisticated infrastructure. There are many hotels of international standards that make accommodation easy for those who seek medical and surgical treatment in India.
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