Deep brain stimulation, a complicated surgery also known as the pacemaker for the brain, is fast evolving into a reliable therapy for Parkinson's disease.
A team of neurosurgeons of the Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) has managed to achieve an improvement of 80 per cent in the condition of patients crippled by Parkinson's.
The team has conducted close to 90 successful surgeries, helping patients lead a life of independence and dignity. While pacemakers for the brain may not cure Parkinson's, neurologists say the therapy has drastically reduced the symptoms and managed to improve the quality of life.
Deep brain stimulation involves placing electrodes in the ‘sub-thalamus' region of the brain. 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 have seen remarkable transformation in patients. Many have gone back to lead their normal lives. The rate of worsening of the disease has reduced,” says Rupam Borgohain, Professor of Neurology, who heads the DBS procedure at the NIMS.
“This is the first time that I am watching my son walk without anybody's help. We took him to several cities, and even tried Indian medicine but the tremors would not stop. My son can lead a dignified life now,” says A. Vithal Rao, a retired Army personnel, whose 34-year-old-son Manu Dev was operated upon at the NIMS.
Dr. Rupam Borgohain cautions that patients suffering from Parkinson-plus syndrome, which progresses rapidly, cannot be fitted with the brain pacemaker. Furthermore, deep brain stimulation is a costly process.
