A breakthrough in movement disorder treatment is offering renewed hope to patients suffering from severe tremors, dystonia, and Parkinson’s disease. Lesioning surgery, a minimally invasive procedure, is emerging as an effective and cost-efficient alternative to deep brain stimulation (DBS), enabling patients to regain control over their daily activities.
One such success story is that of Sachin Nadkarni, a 53-year-old banker, who battled severe focal right-hand dystonia for seven years. His condition, marked by abnormal involuntary hand movements, caused significant difficulties in writing, eating, dressing, and shaving. Despite multiple medications, his relief was only partial and temporary. However, Lesioning surgery on the left ventro-oralis nucleus of the thalamus provided him with immediate pain relief and a near-complete resolution of involuntary movements.
A Game-Changer for Movement Disorders
Speaking on the benefits of this procedure, Dr. Pankaj Agarwal, Head of Neurology at Gleneagles Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, explained:
“Lesioning surgery is an excellent option for patients suffering from severe tremors and dystonia, whether isolated or as part of conditions like Parkinson’s disease or Essential Tremor. Unlike DBS, which requires the implantation of a pacemaker and is often expensive, Lesioning surgery uses radiofrequency waves to silence abnormal brain circuits. The results are immediate, significantly improving patients’ quality of life.”
He further emphasized that many patients, who have struggled for years, can now perform simple tasks like eating and writing without difficulty, marking a life-changing improvement.
A Highly Specialized, Cost-Effective Procedure
Dr. Naren Nayak, Functional Neurosurgeon at Gleneagles Hospital, highlighted the precision and effectiveness of Lesioning surgery:
“This procedure requires millimeter precision and represents a highly specialized form of functional neurosurgery. Though rarely performed, it holds immense potential in transforming the lives of patients suffering from chronic movement disorders. The improvements are often seen immediately, making it an accessible and affordable alternative to DBS.”
As per the press release, Lesioning surgery offers long-lasting benefits, shorter recovery time, and reduced costs, making it a viable option for those unable to afford DBS.
Transforming Lives Through Innovation
Dr. Bipin Chevale, CEO of Gleneagles Hospitals, Parel, Mumbai, hailed Lesioning surgery as a breakthrough treatment for chronic neurological conditions:
“With its immediate effectiveness and affordability, Lesioning surgery is giving patients a renewed chance at leading normal lives. This innovation is not just about treatment—it’s about transformation.”
With successful cases like Mr. Nadkarni, Lesioning surgery is proving to be a game-changer in movement disorder treatment, offering new hope and improved quality of life for countless patients.