When every combination of drug fails and does not bring relief to patients suffering from Parkinson’s Disease (PD), a therapy, Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), could bring much needed respite to such patients. The neurosurgery team of Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) have said that they have managed to get 80 per cent of improvement among patients crippled by Parkinson’s through DBS therapy.
Popularly known as the pacemaker for the brain, DBS therapy involves placing electrodes in the brain’s ‘sub-thalamus’ region. The electrodes are connected to a pacemaker (Implantable Pulse Generator) which sends electrical signals to the brain to stimulate its activity. The pacemaker is placed just below the collar bone, and runs on a battery, which has a shelf life of five years. Doctors programme the pacemaker to deliver appropriate stimulation to the brain.
“We can definitely stall the rate of worsening of Parkinson’s disease among patients by using DBS. We have seen remarkable positive change among patients who have undergone this therapy. This is only for patients who can’t control their movements despite using various combinations of drugs or face serious side effects from medications,” says Professor of Neurology, Dr. Rupam Borgohain, who heads DBS procedures at NIMS.
Neurologists also lament that many are not even aware that such a therapy exists. “There is a need to create awareness and educate people about availability of new treatment modalities that use innovations in technology. These medical advancements apart from providing symptomatic relief to patients suffering from Parkinson’s also help improve their overall quality of life,” says NIMS neurologist Dr. Dr K. Rukmini Mridula.
Neurologists pointed out that Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder of nervous system, which primarily affects movements and speech, usually starting with tremors, stiffness and slowing of movements. “It is important for people to understand that although medications provide respite, they lose their effectiveness over a period of time. In view of this, DBS therapy is an excellent option for such patients,” the neurosurgeons said.
Symptoms of Parkinson's disease besides deteriorating overall quality of life could make even day to day activities an ordeal to carry out, if not addressed effectively. In spite this many patients remain either oblivious or apprehensive toward such advanced treatment options like DBS, they said.
