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 Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) treatment in Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore

Surgery for Movement disorders and Parkinson's disease

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) treatment in Yeshwanthpur

Manipal Hospital, Yeswanthpur, provides surgical procedures to treat patients with movement disorders and Parkinson's disease. Surgery is now a viable and safe option for patients with medically intractable Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, and dystonia.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is one of the approved and most recommended surgery for movement disorders like Parkinson's disease that do not respond well to other medical treatments. The DBS procedure uses a battery-powered device called a neurostimulator (like a pacemaker) that is placed under the skin of the upper chest. The neurostimulator stimulates the parts of the brain that take hold of body movement. Doing so also helps to plug the nerve signals that cause abnormal movements. 

DBS has been an approved method of treatment of movement disorders since the 1990s. It is a very safe surgery that, with modern advancements in medical and device technology, has significantly improved patient outcomes as well.

How does DBS work?

Although DBS is not a cure for movement disorders, it can successfully treat symptoms by disrupting the abnormal patterns of brain activity that become prominent in diseases like Parkinson's. DBS is also commonly referred to as a brain "pacemaker" because constant pulses of electrical charge are delivered at settings that are thought to restore normal brain rhythms, in turn restoring more normal movements. The exact mechanisms of this neuromodulation are still unknown. Visit us by booking an appointment at our neurosurgery hospital in Yeshwanthpur.

Reasons to undergo Deep Brain Stimulation

A DBS might be done to treat various conditions, such as: 

  • Essential tremor.

  • Parkinson's disease.

  • Epilepsy.

  • Dystonia.

  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder.

The procedure can also be used as a potential treatment for: 

  • Huntington's disease and chorea.

  • Tourette syndrome.

  • Cluster headache.

  • Chronic pain.

Procedure

The DBS surgery is conducted in two parts; brain and chest surgery. For brain surgery, the surgical team will first secure the patient’s head on a special head frame, so that it doesn’t move during the procedure. They will then use neuroimaging (CT or brain MRI) to map the brain and identify the exact area in the brain where they'll place the electrodes. These electrodes produce electrical impulses that regulate abnormal impulses. The electrical impulses are also capable of affecting certain chemicals and cells within the brain. Generally, the electrodes are placed while the patient is alert and awake. This is done so that the surgeons can be sure the effects of stimulation can be tested fully. During surgery, both the surgeon and neurologist carefully monitor the patient’s brain to ensure accurate electrode placement.

In the second part of the surgery, using general anesthesia, the surgeon will implant the part of the device that contains the batteries (pulse generator) under the skin in the patient’s chest, near the collarbone. The generator is programmed to send continuous electrical pulses to the brain. The patient can control the generator and can turn it on or off using a special remote control.

Post-procedure Results

DBS doesn’t cure the disease, but significantly helps lessen the symptoms. If deep brain stimulation is successful, the symptoms will improve prominently, but they usually don't go away completely. In a few cases, the patient might still need medications for certain conditions.

Experience world-class healthcare at Manipal Hospitals. Our expert team of doctors and state-of-the-art facilities ensure personalized and advanced treatments. Take the first step towards wellness. Book an appointment today.