Neuro-modulation team at SIMS Hospitals, Vadapalani successfully performs Deep Brain Stimulation implan tation on patients suffering with Parkinson’s disease
- Patients from 9 to 75 years of age have benefitted from this advanced interventional procedure
Chennai, April 4, 2023
Headed by eminent Neurophysician and Senior Consultant Dr. U. Meenakshisundaram, the expert team of Neur o logists from SIMS Hospitals, Vadapalani, performed successful Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Implantation Sur geries, giving a new lease of life to three Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients in different age groups of 63, 40 and 9 ye ars.
Having successfully treated five PD patients so far, (four of the procedures done in the past one year), the hospi tal presents three patient case studies of a 63-year-old senior citizen, 40-year-old IT professional and a child 9 y ears of age to highlight the benefits they obtained from this procedure.
“Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a surgical procedure where a few electrodes are implanted in the brain to activ ate certain regions of the brain controlling the movements of the body. It is done by a team of neurologists and n eurosurgeons. Thanks to the modern scientific technology that has provided DBS to enhance the basic functions and quality of lives of the patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease- a disease that causes significant disability by affecting body movements” said Dr. U. Meenakshi Sundaram.
Sharing his experience on successfully performing the rare Neuro Modulation surgery, he further said that “DBS is a powerful therapy that addresses most, the movement symptoms of advanced Parkinson’s and other movem ent disorders like dystonia and certain side effects caused by medications. Highly successful in improving tremo r, rigidity, slowness, and symptom control in PD patients, this procedure helps in improving their basic day-to-da y functions and lead a quality life. Here we are presenting the case studies of three PD patients. One very young child of 9 Years, a young man of 40 and an elderly person aged 63, who have benefitted from the DBS surgery an d have shown improvement in their basic functioning by resuming their day-to-day activities slowly, but indepe ndently, with a new dose of confidence.
On admission and further evaluation on the basis of their medical histo ry, examination of their neurological mo vements, MRI scans and other neurological tests, all the three patients were eligible for DBS treatment, because of which we decided to go with DBS therapy. One should remember th at whatever be the stage of Parkinson’s di sease, there is always a scope for improvement and DBS is the best op tion for advanced stage of Parkinsons and its complications and may be possible to reduce the dose and effects of drugs and medication too”.
Speaking at the press conference, Mr. Ravi Pachamuthu, Chairman, SIMS Hospitals, Vadapalani, said, “We are de lighted to have an expert Neurophysician like Dr Meenakshi Sundaram lead our team of highly qualified Neuro s urgeons, who along with trained allied health care professionals continue to provide the best of neuro care servi ces for patients with Neurological disorders. Even during the Pandemic, his team, with due COVID safety measu res successfully performed similar elective procedures on needy PD patients. Well equipped with the state-of-t he-art technology, involving diagnostic and medical facilities, all under one roof, we at SIMS adhere to Internati onal Neuro care standards. Our integrated team of neurosurgeons, neuro anaesthetists, neuro physicians and in tensivists along with rehabilitation specialists are dedicated to the goal of enhancing the quality of our patients’ safety and lives”.
Treating an elderly PD patient
A 63-year-old male, a retired employee, was suffering from Parkinson’s disease for 10 years. He had consulted multiple doctors previously. He came with severe disability in the form of difficulty in walking and excessive slo wness in doing daily activities. On taking medications for Parkinson’s disease, he experienced excessive uncont rolled movements of limbs. He could not be independent, always requiring help for doing his daily activities. As he had severe disability affecting his quality of life and was fulfilling the criteria of eligibility for neuromodulat ion, DBS was offered to him with the explanation of risks and benefits. After the DBS procedure, he has become independent in doing his daily activities and does not require any help. His medicines were adjusted and the dos age has been significantly reduced.
Treating a Young IT professional with Parkinson’s.
A 40-year-old male, a software engineer by job, was suffering from young onset Parkinson’s disease for 9 years. He was unable to perform normal day to day activities. He needed assistance in doing his daily activities. He cou ld not operate the computer as before. In view of the disability severely impairing his professional performance, DBS was offered to him with the explanation of risks and benefits. After undergoing DBS procedure successfully, he has returned to the office for work. He was able to operate a computer normally and do his regular job as a so ftware engineer. His medicines have been tapered.
Handing over bouquet to the 63-year-old patient by Dr. Raju Sivasamy, Vice-President, SIMS Hospital, Vadapalani on 4th April 2023 at the Hospital Auditorium
(From left to right)
- Guardian of one of the patients
- K R Suresh Bapu, Director & Senior Consultant – Institute of Neuroscience
- Raju Sivasamy, Vice-President, SIMS Hospital
- 63-year-old Patient
- U Meenakshisundaram, Director & Senior Consultant – Neurology, SIMS Hospital
- Guardian of another patient
- R Sunil Kapilavayi, Consultant Neurosurgeon, SIMS Hospital
Treating a juvenile PD patient
Raising hopes for other children, a 9-year-old school going student, who was suffering from juvenile Parkinson’s disease for 6 years came to us with her limb movements progressively becoming slow, to the extent she was bed ridden. The disease caused severe anxiety in her parents, who reached out to us. In view of significant disability a ffecting her quality of life and the young girl fulfilling the criteria of eligibility for neuromodulation, we offered h er the DBS treatment. We explained the risks and benefits. Post the surgery she is recovering slowly and is now a ble to walk independently. Her mother is happy about her child’s progress and the gradual reduction of medi cati on. This case is very significant because it may provide an opportunity for children with similar movement disor ders to benefit from DBS and have a better future.
