In a landmark achievement, a 64-year-old woman with advanced Parkinson’s disease has experienced a renewed quality of life following a successful Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery. The procedure, performed at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, is the first of its kind in North Mumbai under their comprehensive DBS program. This program integrates state-of-the-art technology and facilities, offering cutting-edge care for Parkinson’s disease patients.
The surgery was led by Dr. Mansi Shah, Consultant Neurologist and Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Specialist, in collaboration with Dr. Naren Nayak, Functional Neurosurgeon. The awake DBS surgery is being hailed as a transformative milestone for the patient, dramatically improving her ability to manage daily activities after nearly a decade of debilitating symptoms.
The patient, Mrs. Sangeeta Bharwada (name changed), a Bhayander resident, had been battling Parkinson’s disease for nine years. Her symptoms included tremors, stiffness, slowness of movement, and a freezing gait. Over time, her condition worsened, progressing from left-sided symptoms to more severe motor fluctuations and frequent “off-states,” during which her Parkinsonian symptoms returned despite medication. Although she initially responded well to dopaminergic medications, their effectiveness diminished over the years, and she experienced side effects, including dyskinesia (involuntary movements).
Dr. Shah explained, “Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological disorder. Our patient spent over 70% of her day in an off-state with disabling symptoms, despite being on medication. After a thorough pre-surgical evaluation, she was deemed an ideal candidate for DBS, an advanced therapeutic option for patients with motor fluctuations who still derive some benefit from medications but struggle to control their symptoms.”
DBS involves the implantation of two thin electrodes in specific areas of the brain, which are stimulated by a pacemaker placed under the collarbone. The continuous stimulation helps regulate motor function and significantly improves quality of life. “The DBS system works 24/7, providing better control of symptoms and reducing the need for higher medication doses,” Dr. Shah added.
As per the press release, the patient underwent the surgery on October 28 and was discharged five days later. Two weeks after the procedure, the DBS device was activated, and initial programming showed significant improvements in her symptoms. Her medication doses were also successfully reduced.
The Wockhardt Hospitals team is running a unique and comprehensive DBS program in North Mumbai and its suburbs, including advanced intraoperative neurophysiological and clinical assessments. Dr. Shah emphasized that DBS should be considered a therapeutic option for Parkinson’s patients struggling with symptom management despite medication.
This groundbreaking surgery serves as a beacon of hope for other Parkinson’s patients in the region, underscoring the potential of DBS to transform lives.