Kauvery Hospital Alwarpet Transforms Life of Young Sri Lankan with Parkinson’s Disease through Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery
Chennai, 3rd October 2024 : Kauvery Hospital Alwarpet has announced the completion of its first Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery, marking a significant step in the hospital’s advanced neurological care. This complex procedure was performed on a 37-year-old patient who had been suffering from Parkinson’s disease since the age of 32. The patient, a businessman from Sri Lanka , had been facing increasingly debilitating symptoms that severely impacted his personal and professional life.
Initially, the patient managed his Parkinson’s disease with medications. However, after two years, the effectiveness of the medicines declined, and the patient began experiencing frequent “off” states, becoming less confident in walking, or engaging in basic daily activities. He also had slurred speech and difficulty in holding objects. Despite increasing his medication intake to seven doses a day, he only experienced short periods of relief. His quality of life deteriorated, leading to social isolation and even a severe accident caused by uncontrollable abnormal movements, a side effect of the medications.
In search of a solution, the patient turned to Kauvery Hospital Alwarpet, where the neurology team evaluated his case and suggested Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)—a cutting-edge therapeutic option for advanced Parkinson’s patients. DBS involves implanting electrodes in specific areas of the brain, which are then connected to a pacemaker-like device that delivers electrical impulses to help control movement-related symptoms.
Performing the DBS surgery was a meticulous process that required comprehensive assessments by neurologists and psychiatrists before surgery. The teamwork extends during surgery where the neurologist helps the neurosurgeon find the precise location to implant electrodes while the patient is kept awake yet pain-free by the anesthetist. Following the surgery, the patient’s medication doses have been reduced by over 80%, and his symptoms have significantly improved. He is now living a normal life, caring for his family, returning to his business, and reengaging in social activities with a newfound sense of confidence.
Dr. Venkatraman Karthikeayan, Consultant Neurologist at Kauvery Hospital Alwarpet, explained the transformative nature of the surgery and said, “Before the surgery, the patient was struggling with severe movement issues, making it nearly impossible for him to live a normal life. After the successful DBS surgery, his need for medication was reduced to a fraction of the original dose, and his abnormal movements have completely disappeared.”
Dr. Aravindan Selvaraj, Co-founder and Executive Director of Kauvery Group of Hospitals, said, “Parkinson’s disease can affect the quality of life, right from mobility to independence. The advanced procedure- Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery in a 37-year-old patient marks a crucial step in offering advanced solutions for those living with Parkinson’s, especially younger patients who face the challenges of this condition early in life. Through cutting-edge treatments like DBS, we aim to restore not only physical capabilities but also a sense of independence and improved well-being. With our team of expert neurologists and surgeons, we are committed to delivering personalized care that goes beyond medical management, offering new hope and a better future for Parkinson’s patients.”
