Parkinson's Care & Connect (PCC) | Sustainable Development, Education & Skill Council

Surgical Overview

What is Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)?

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a surgical treatment used to help manage certain Parkinson's symptoms. It involves implanting thin electrodes into specific areas of the brain, which are connected to a small device placed under the skin of the chest. The device sends controlled electrical impulses that help regulate abnormal brain activity associated with Parkinson's.

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Important Note: DBS does not cure Parkinson's Disease, but for carefully selected individuals, it may help significantly improve symptom control, reduce medication reliance, and enhance overall quality of life.

Candidate Criteria

Who May Benefit from DBS?

DBS may be considered for people living with Parkinson's who meet specific clinical conditions after thorough specialist evaluation:

✓ Experience significant "ON-OFF" motor fluctuations throughout the day.
✓ Have troublesome dyskinesia (involuntary movements) caused by medication.
✓ Have tremors that do not respond well to adjusted medication doses.
✓ Continue to respond to levodopa medication but experience side effects or motor complications.
✓ Are medically suitable for surgery following neuro-psychological and physical evaluation.

* Only a qualified movement disorder neurologist and neurosurgical team can determine whether DBS is appropriate.

Symptoms DBS Can Help Improve

✔ Tremor

✔ Stiffness (Rigidity)

✔ Slowness (Bradykinesia)

✔ Motor Fluctuations

✔ Dyskinesia

What DBS Does NOT Treat

DBS is not suitable for all symptoms and may not significantly improve:

❌ Balance problems

❌ Speech difficulties

❌ Memory problems

❌ Dementia

PCC Support Role

How PCC Can Guide You

PCC does not perform DBS surgery. We assist patients and families in understanding the procedure and navigating the healthcare system objectively.

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Clear Information

Unbiased educational materials explaining how DBS works in simple language.

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Specialist Referrals

Connecting you with accredited DBS centers and movement disorder specialists across India.

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Pre & Post Guidance

Supporting families during evaluation, health insurance queries, and post-op rehabilitation.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About DBS

No. DBS helps manage certain motor symptoms (like tremors and stiffness) but does not cure Parkinson's Disease or stop its underlying progression.

Many people continue to take medication after DBS, although doses are often reduced or adjusted by their treating neurologist.

No. Eligibility depends on several medical, neurological, and cognitive factors. Comprehensive evaluation by a multidisciplinary team is required.

This decision should be made in consultation with a movement disorder specialist when motor fluctuations or dyskinesia become hard to manage with medication alone.

Many health insurance policies cover DBS surgery, subject to terms and authorization processes. PCC provides general guidance on documentation requirements.

Need Guidance on DBS Options?

Speak with our PCC patient guidance team to connect with specialist centers or prepare for doctor consultations.

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