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Neuroimaging and Deep Brain Stimulation

The role of technological advancements in neurosciences has revolutionized critical treatment processes like deep brain stimulation. Developments like neuroimaging in the Deep Brain Stimulation have reshaped the understanding of the different neurological and psychiatric disorders.

Read on to learn more about the neuroimaging and Deep Brain Stimulation techniques in detail. We’ll understand the details of neuroimaging, Deep Brain Stimulation, and the relationship between the two.

Neuroimaging- An overview

  • It refers to the different techniques designed for visualising the structure and function of the brain with the help of the dedicated structural functional brain imaging. It covers:

Structural imaging during the surgery

  • It encompasses Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) offering detailed images of the brain anatomy. These high-resolution images help in assessing the structural abnormalities while differentiating between the normal brain tissues during the surgery.

Functional imaging during the surgery

  • The Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Functional MRI (fMRI) come under the functional imaging. PET uses radioactive tracers to visualise metabolic processes while fMRI measures brain activity by detecting blood flow changes. 
  • Functional imaging helps in mapping the brain activity and brain function linked to specific tasks during the surgery.

Deep Brain Stimulation- An overview

  • It is a dedicated neurological process involving the implantation of electrodes into specific regions. DBS helps in treating different conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), dystonia, essential tremors, and Parkinson’s disease. 

Affordable DBS surgery in India helps in altering the electrical activity in targeted brain regions with the help of electrode location. It is proven to manage the symptoms of movement disorders where the medical treatment is insufficient or creates side effects.

Relationship between Neuroimaging and Deep Brain Stimulation

The multifaceted relationship between the neuroimaging and Deep Brain Stimulation is best understood with the following factors:

Pre-surgical planning

  • The right placement of the Deep Brain Stimulation electrodes is incomplete without the localization of the targeted brain regions. The high-resolution MRI helps in the identification of the anatomical locations and ensures the best placement of DBS electrodes. 
  • The use of advanced neuroimaging techniques like Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) offers additional information on brain connectivity.

Intraoperative guidance

  • During the process of Deep Brain Stimulation, experts require real-time neuroimaging to guide the electrode placement. Dedicated techniques like intraoperative CT or MRI offer immediate feedback for quick adjustment to the electrodes. 
  • Hence, the Deep Brain Stimulation surgery in India is carried out based on anatomical and functional data of the brain. 

Functional mapping

  • The use of the PET and fMRI scans helps reveal the effect of the stimulation and its impact on the brain connectivity and functions. Hence, functional mapping ensures the overall impact of the DBS on brain activity. 
  • It helps in fine-tuning the stimulation parameters and understanding the different mechanisms based on the therapeutic effects during the surgery.

Post-surgical evaluation

  • Neuroimaging helps in monitoring the key symptoms and offer improvements after the surgery. After DBS implantation, regular imaging helps in assessing the impact of DBS on the targeted brain areas.
  • This post-surgical evaluation using neuroimaging helps in determining the potential side effects or complications.

Optimization and adjustments

  • DBS therapy requires constant adjustments based on the monitoring of the constant patient’s symptoms. Hence, the device is adjusted to offer the best benefits to the patients. 
  • The dynamic feedback loop helps in optimising treatment for DBS patients.

Concluding thoughts

Neuroimaging and Deep Brain Stimulation offer the right technological advancements for improving the understanding and treatment of complex brain disorders. It is easy to understand the details of neuroimaging and Deep Brain Stimulation. The relationship between neuroimaging and Deep Brain Stimulation helps in understanding the role of technology in neuroscience and clinical neurology.

Cross Border ensures that patients get the best-advanced treatments in the top-notch neuroscience departments at affordable prices.

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What is life like after deep brain stimulation surgery in India?

People suffering from movement disorders like dystonia, essential tremor, or Parkinson’s disease get the best help from the transformative procedure of deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery. However, many patients are sceptical about what will happen in their lives after this process.

Read on to find out more about the life of the patients after DBS surgery in India by considering the different factors.

Immediate post-surgery recovery

To start with, let us focus on the immediate post-surgery recovery for DBS patients. It covers initial discomfort, minor complications, and swelling. It is easy to pass this phase with proper monitoring with the medical team.

Further, this phase is accompanied by adjusting to the implanted device. Patients require some time initially to gain a sense of anticipation and unlock the benefits of the treatment precisely.

Long-term adjustments

After immediate post-surgery recovery, there are different long-term adjustments required by patients after a deep brain stimulation surgery. It covers the fine-tuning of devices based on the degrees of symptom relief and is a process of trial and error.

Also, the reduced medication dosages are linked to the reduced side effects after DBS surgery. It helps to work closely with the medical experts to improve the patient’s quality of life.

Physical changes

After considering the immediate and long-term adjustments, let us consider the physical changes in patients after deep brain stimulation surgery. Patients can perform daily activities with easy adoption like walking, eating, and writing. 

This physical dependency helps patients to gain their self-esteem and bring overall happiness which helps in the recovery process.

Emotional changes

The emotional health of patients after a DBS surgery is a crucial aspect after going through the physical changes. Patients will experience reduced mood swings and anxiety as their motor symptoms reduce after the surgery. 

However, it is essential to realize that changes in brain chemistry after surgery may lead to some uncertain feelings or anxiety in patients.

Attention and memory changes

Patients after deep brain stimulation surgery experience significant improvements in their cognitive functions like attention span and memory. So, proper medical follow-ups and undergoing cognitive assessments help in the identification and addressing of these issues precisely.

Social changes

Many patients have reportedly improved their social lives after a successful deep brain stimulation surgery. Patients can become socially active and re-engage with their family and friends. 

This social integration is incredibly fulfilling for patients which smoothens their recovery process.

Lifestyle adjustments

Last but not least, it is vital for patients to realize that lifestyle adjustments are crucial after a successful deep brain stimulation surgery In Delhi . It covers changes in exercises based on new capabilities of the body, participating in physical therapy, and making the necessary dietary supplements. 

These adjustments not only help in the recovery process but create a sense of community and support.

Tips to get the most out of life after deep brain stimulation surgery

Towards the end, here are the key tips for our patients in making the most of life out of the deep brain stimulation surgery:

  • Enjoying your life

Despite the possible challenges, it is vital for patients to enjoy their lives fully after a DBS surgery. So, patients can engage with family, consider activities that patients love, and pursue new interests.

  • Ongoing care and maintenance

It is vital to stress on the need for ongoing care and maintenance for patients after DBS surgery. So, patients must focus on regular doctor visits, medical evaluations, and addressing any issues timely.

  • Giving proper adjustable period

Understand that there is a significant adjustable period for patients after DBS surgery. So, try to avoid frustration during this time which reduces the emotional challenges in patients.

  • Maintaining realistic expectations

Last but not least, patients must focus on maintaining realistic expectations after the DBS surgery. It is important to prevent disappointment and improve the ongoing support with community networks or family support.

Parting words

Deep brain stimulation surgery exposes patients to different experiences spanning multiple factors. It is easy to understand the key factors deciding the lives of patients after this advanced surgery. The role of right guidance and positivity is crucial along with all these factors.

Cross Border Care ensures the best treatment cost for deep brain stimulation surgery  in India looking for customized, affordable, and patient-eccentric treatment.