A woman in her 60s with advanced Parkinson’s disease experienced significant improvement after undergoing Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) at Wockhardt Hospitals Mumbai Central. The procedure, performed by Dr. Manish Baldia, followed her initial diagnosis and long-term management under Dr. Prashant Makhija.
Early Symptoms and Initial Diagnosis
Initially, the patient developed gradual slowing of movements, difficulty in walking, reduced speech clarity, and tremors. Like many individuals, she attributed these symptoms to ageing and consulted multiple physicians.
However, upon evaluation by Dr. Prashant Makhija, she received a confirmed diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. Subsequently, she began medical therapy, which led to noticeable symptomatic relief. She also adhered to regular follow-ups over the years.
Disease Progression and Treatment Challenges
Over time, the disease progressed, and her dependence on medication increased. Consequently, she required higher doses, which resulted in side effects—a common challenge in long-term Parkinson’s management.
At this stage, fluctuations in response to medication became evident. Therefore, clinicians began considering advanced therapeutic options to better control her symptoms.
Consideration of Advanced Therapy
Given her clinical condition, the medical team counselled her about Deep Brain Stimulation. This procedure helps regulate abnormal brain signals responsible for movement-related symptoms.
After detailed discussions and careful consideration, she agreed to proceed and was referred for surgical evaluation.
Precision Surgery and Technique
Following assessment, Dr. Manish Baldia performed the DBS procedure. During surgery, he implanted electrodes in targeted brain regions and connected them to a programmable device that delivers controlled electrical stimulation.
Importantly, the goal of DBS is to improve symptom control while reducing reliance on high-dose medications, thereby enhancing overall quality of life.
Post-Surgical Improvement and Recovery
As per the press release, after surgery, the clinical team carefully programmed and fine-tuned the device to achieve optimal outcomes. As a result, the patient demonstrated marked improvement in movement control and experienced a significant reduction in medication requirements.
Moreover, she regained independence and now performs her daily activities with greater ease.
Role of Advanced Therapies in Parkinson’s Care
Although medications remain the first line of treatment for Parkinson’s disease, advanced interventions such as DBS offer substantial benefits in selected patients. Particularly in later stages, when symptoms become difficult to manage, such therapies can significantly improve outcomes.
Importance of Timely and Multidisciplinary Care
Overall, this case underscores the importance of timely referral, multidisciplinary collaboration, and the use of advanced neuromodulation techniques. Together, these approaches play a crucial role in improving the quality of life for patients living with Parkinson’s disease.