Neuro-modulation team at SIMS Hospitals, successfully performs Deep Brain Stimulation implantation on patients suffering with Parkinson’s disease

Chennai, April 4, 2023

Headed by eminent Neurophysician and Senior Consultant Dr. U. Meenakshisundaram, the expert team of Neurologists from SIMS Hospitals, Vadapalani, performed successful Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Implantation Surgeries, giving a new lease of life to three Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients in different age groups of 63, 40 and 9 years.

Having successfully treated five PD patients so far, (four of the procedures done in the past one year), the hospital presents three patient case studies of a 63-year-old senior citizen, 40-year-old IT professional and a child 9 years 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 activate certain regions of the brain controlling the movements of the body. It is done by a team of neurologists and neurosurgeons. 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 movement disorders like dystonia and certain side effects caused by medications. Highly successful in improving tremor, rigidity, slowness, and symptom control in PD patients, this procedure helps in improving their basic day-to-day 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 and have shown improvement in their basic functioning by resuming their day-to-day activities slowly, but independently, with a new dose of confidence. On admission and further evaluation on the basis of their medical history, examination of their neurological movements, 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 that whatever be the stage of Parkinson’s disease, there is always a scope for improvement and DBS is the best option 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 delighted to have an expert Neurophysician like Dr Meenakshi Sundaram lead our team of highly qualified Neurosurgeons, who along with trained allied health care professionals continue to provide the best of neuro care services for patients with Neurological disorders. Even during the Pandemic, his team, with due COVID safety measures successfully performed similar elective procedures on needy PD patients. Well equipped with the state-of-the-art technology, involving diagnostic and medical facilities, all under one roof, we at SIMS adhere to International Neuro care standards. Our integrated team of neurosurgeons, neuro anaesthetists, neuro physicians and intensivists along with rehabilitation specialists are dedicated to the goal of enhancing the quality of our patients’ safety and lives”.