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Brain Surgery

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Surgery in India: Improving Parkinson’s Treatment

There are many neurological disorders like epilepsy, seizures, strokes, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease. The treatment for each one of the diseases depends on the severity of the problem. One such procedure that helps patients with Parkinson’s is DBS Surgery in India. . Let us understand about it in detail: 

What is DBS? 

DBS stands for deep brain stimulation. In this surgery, a device is placed into the brain that delivers electrical currents directly to the brain. Each human brain contains millions of neurons, which exchange signals with one another chemically and neutrally. Neurons in various regions of your brain can become less active due to a variety of brain conditions, causing certain areas of your brain to function less effectively. Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery in India can alleviate this symptom by stimulating the neurons with an artificial electrical current. 

The first procedure of DBS was performed in 1995 in France. 

What is the ideal time to undergo DBS surgery? 

In the initial years, Parkinsons disease is controlled by medications. The patients hardly require surgery. medications control the disease, except in 10 to 15 % of cases where the tremors of the patient go uncontrolled. 

However, a few years down the line, when the disease progresses and the side effects of the medicine become visible, a patient needs surgical intervention. As time passes, medicines do not work. We have seen patients changing doctors, but the effects are only short-lived. 

A period develops usually 6 to 7 years after the disease progresses, but it can come earlier in some patients (particularly patients who had PD in their early 40s).

All International experts in the field have thought that in this case, motor fluctuations onset should be a point for starting the surgery conversation.

We suggest surgery to the patient if his disease is not well controlled by medical treatment and his life quality is at a loss.

A landmark 2013 study completed across seven centers in Europe confirmed that providing surgery early in the course of the disease following the onset of motor fluctuations would also improve the quality of life from the disease, reduce the need to take medication and avoid subsequent adverse effects.

What are the benefits of DBS surgery? 

  • A DBS surgery will improve your remission period, which means the period in which you are fully functional. 
  • Awill increase your functional period by 60 to 70 % in a day, and the rest of the day, you will face some motor disabilities, but they will not be so severe. 
  • After a successful DBS surgery in India, we have found that most of the patients can reduce their medications. We have seen some patients being entirely off the medicines. 
  • After the surgery, you will experience significant benefits in tremors, hallucinations, depression and overall feeling that your quality of life is being improved. 

How is Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery Performed? 

Broadly speaking, the surgical procedure will vary from patient to patient. A typical procedure involves the following steps: 

  • A surgical procedure will involve admission of the patient on day 1, which will be followed by an MRI. 
  • On the second day, anesthesia will be given, followed by the surgery of electrode implantation on day 3. 
  • On day 4, pacemaker implantation is done . 

Usually, the patient stays in the hospital for six to seven days. During this time, your pacemaker is observed. 

What is the follow-up schedule? 

The initial programming will benefit 70 % of the patients. However, there are some cases where the patients need reprogramming in the first three months of the surgery, once the initial effect of the surgery wears off. 

Patients should always be prepared to come back for the reprogramming three months post- their Deep Barin Stimulation Surgery in India

What are the different types of pacemakers used for DBS surgery? 

Presently two companies in India offer pacemakers for DBS surgery. 

  • The first one is Medtronic, which offers both rechargeable and non-rechargeable pacemakers. These pacemakers are MRI compatible and when you meet us, we will connect you with the best doctors for DBS surgery in India, to know whether you should have a rechargeable or non-rechargeable pacemaker. 
  • The second company Boston Scientific offers rechargeable pacemakers with a life of 25 years. These pacemakers are not MRI-compatible. 

At Cross Border Care, we are dedicated to connecting you with the best hospitals and medical professionals in India for deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery. India offers world-class healthcare facilities and expertise at affordable rates, making it an ideal destination for this procedure. With our expert guidance, you will have access to experienced neurosurgeons who specialize in DBS and the latest technology, ensuring the highest standards of care. Choose India for DBS surgery to improve your quality of life with significant cost savings, without compromising on medical excellence. Contact us today for expert assistance!

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Post-operative Imaging in Deep Brain Stimulation

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) therapy offers significant results to patients with different movement disorders. It covers dystonia, essential tremor, and Parkinson’s disease. The implantation of the electrodes in the DBS process focuses on modulating the neural activity which relieves the key movement disorder symptoms.

DBS gets the best help from dedicated post-operative imaging confirming its success and long-term effectiveness to patients. Read on to learn more about the impact of the post-operative imaging in Deep Brain Stimulation surgery .

Types of post-operative imaging in Deep Brain Stimulation

The different forms of post-operative imaging in Deep Brain Stimulation covers:

Computed Tomography (CT)

It helps quickly verify the position of the DBS electrodes and find post-surgery acute complications like shifts in electrode position or haemorrhages in brain tissues. 

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

It offers high-resolution images of the brain and helps in visualising the precise location of the implanted electrodes in the brain. MRI is suitable for regular follow-up and helps in detailed anatomical information of the patient’s brain after DBS therapy.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT)

The combination of PET and SPECT evaluates the functional impact of DBS on brain activity. It offers quick insights into brain function after DBS therapy and significantly contributes to the cost of Deep Brain Stimulation surgery.

Impact of post-operative imaging in Deep Brain Stimulation

The key factors highlighting the importance of post-operative imaging in Deep Brain Stimulation cover:

Confirmation of the electrode placement

The key benefit of post-operative imaging helps in verifying the position of the electrodes in the DBS. This placement is essential for ensuring that the stimulation is offering desired therapeutic effects while minimising the potential side effects.

The electrode tips and location of the electrodes are quickly determined post-surgery during the follow-up visits. Any misplacement of electrodes calls for quick revision surgery or adjustments in stimulation settings.

Quick identification of complications

The possible DBS complications like mechanical issues with device hardware, infections, or haemorrhages can be identified easily by imaging techniques. Detecting the bleeding within the brain and assessing the integrity of the DBS system is best facilitated by post-operative imaging.

CT scans can help in immediate surgery for treating haemorrhages and MRI can help in assessing the DBS system hardware for possible mechanical failure or infection risks.

Guided programming and adjustments

DBS requires precise programming for optimised therapeutic results. The results from the post-operative imaging help in adjusting the different stimulation parameters according to the electrode placement.

Long-term monitoring

With natural ageing, brain anatomical changes lead to shifts in the DBS system or disease progression. MRI helps in easy tracking of brain structure changes affecting the effectiveness of DBS therapy. 

The dedicated scans like MRI help in assessing the shift of electrodes in their original positions making necessary adjustments in the stimulation settings.

Supporting dedicated research and development

The advanced imaging techniques offer the right support in the dedicated research and development of DBS therapies. Functional imaging studies help find the impact of DBS on brain connectivity and activity for improved optimization and understanding of DBS effectiveness.

The different insights from the imaging studies help in the smooth development of the new DBS systems and offer improved surgical techniques. These guided programming and DBS system adjustments help in managing the overall Deep Brain Surgery cost in India.

Ending note

Post-operative imaging in Deep Brain Stimulation is integral for the long-term success of this process. The key benefits of using post-operative imaging include the confirmation of electrode placement, identification of complications, required programming, long-term monitoring, and dedicated research for further improvements.

Cross Border ensures the best patient care, advanced diagnostics, and high-quality treatment in the best state-of-the-art hospitals.

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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.