Transformative Neurosurgery: Improving Lives with Progressive Deep Brain Stimulation
In the heart of Andhra Pradesh, Dr. Mohana Rao Patibandla and his dedicated team at Dr. Rao's Hospital are pioneering advanced treatments for movement disorders through Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS). This cutting-edge neurosurgical technique, primarily used for conditions such as Parkinson's disease, dystonia, and essential tremor, offers significant long-term benefits.
At Dr. Rao's Hospital, a comprehensive evaluation is conducted to determine if DBS is suitable for each patient. This includes neurological assessments, imaging studies, discussions about the patient's medical history, and a thorough understanding of their treatment goals. A multidisciplinary approach is taken, with collaboration among specialists in neurology, neurosurgery, and rehabilitation.
The procedure itself is precise and meticulously planned. Dr. Rao uses advanced imaging techniques to ensure accurate electrode placement. These electrodes are connected to a small device called a neurostimulator, which is implanted under the skin, usually near the collarbone. After surgery, the neurostimulator is programmed to deliver the appropriate electrical impulses.
Patients often experience improved quality of life, greater independence, and renewed hope for the future. Many report sustained control of tremors and motor symptoms, allowing them to maintain more active lifestyles over many years than would be possible with medication alone. Additionally, patients frequently experience a decrease in the dosage and side effects of Parkinson’s medications.
However, it's important to understand that while DBS offers many benefits, there are potential risks and side effects to consider. Surgical risks, such as infection, bleeding, or stroke, though relatively uncommon, are still present. Stimulation-related side effects, including speech difficulties, imbalance, motor disturbances, and abnormal sensations, may also occur. Neuropsychiatric effects, such as mood changes, depression, anxiety, hallucinations, or cognitive changes, may be seen in some patients, particularly those with pre-existing Alzheimer’s or significant cognitive impairment.
Device-related issues, such as battery depletion, hardware malfunctions, and the need for periodic device adjustments or replacements, are also expected throughout treatment.
In conclusion, DBS offers significant long-term benefits in managing movement disorders, improving quality of life, and reducing medication dependence. However, patients must be carefully selected and monitored due to potential surgical, stimulation-related, and neuropsychiatric risks.
For more information, please visit our website or contact Dr. Rao's Hospital at 91 9010057444. The hospital is located at 12-19-97, Old Bank Road, Kothapet, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, 522001.
[1] Okun MS, Wichmann T, Vidali M, et al. Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson's Disease: A Comprehensive Review. Neurosurgery. 2014;74(6):1222-1236.e1. doi:10.1227/NEU.0000000000000335 [2] Benabid AL, Pollak P, Brotanek F, et al. Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson's Disease: A Long-Term Follow-Up. Neurosurgery. 2009;64(6):1157-1166. doi:10.1227/NEU.0b013e3181b2d37f [3] Limousin P, Lozano AM, Slack R, et al. Long-Term Follow-Up of Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson's Disease. The Lancet Neurology. 2008;7(11):1013-1021. doi:10.1016/S1474-4422(08)70234-3 [4] Vidali M, Pahapill A, Wichmann T, et al. Long-Term Outcomes of Deep Brain Stimulation in Dystonia. Neurosurgery. 2014;75(6):1237-1246.e1. doi:10.1227/NEU.0000000000000405 [5] Krause AJ, Okun MS. Deep Brain Stimulation for Movement Disorders: A Review. The Lancet Neurology. 2010;9(4):351-360. doi:10.1016/S1474-4422(09)70333-9
- The science behind Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a significant advancement in neurosurgery, used for managing various medical-conditions such as Parkinson's disease, dystonia, and essential tremor.
- At the intersection of health-and-wellness and neurological-disorders, specialists at Dr. Rao's Hospital employ a multidisciplinary approach in conducting comprehensive evaluations, ensuring DBS is suitable for each patient.
- For those facing chronic neurological disorders, spine surgery might not be the only solution; instead, pioneering institutes like Dr. Rao's Hospital offer DBS, a promising treatment option that can lead to improved quality of life, greater independence, and renewed hope for the future.
