Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre, Mumbai recently presented its experience in corroborating and supporting the breakthrough research on deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapy for early stages of Parkinson’s disease (PD). The research was published in The New England Journal of Medicine.

PD is a disorder affecting body movements which usually starts with tremors or slowness of movement, etc leading to many other disabilities like stiffness or involuntary movements.

Dr Paresh Doshi, consultant neurosurgeon in-charge, Jaslok Hospital explains, “Our experience at Jaslok Hospital has been confirmed by the research which states that neurostimulation was superior to medical therapy alone at a relatively early stage of Parkinson’s disease, before the appearance of severe disabling motor complications. Neurostimulation may be a therapeutic option for patients at an earlier stage than current recommendations suggest.”

A multi-centre German and French neurosurgeons and neurologists group conducted a randomized trial to assess the impact of DBS in early PD patients. Their main criteria for selection was a disease duration of less than four years and early motor fluctuations. 251 patients were randomized between medical and surgical treatment and their outcome assessed at the end of two years. Primarily, change in quality of life was assessed. There was also improvement in motor scores of Parkinson’s disease disability index and reduction of Levodopa. The follow up period for evaluation was two years. These evaluations were independently confirmed by blinded observers by video assessment.

Since the past 15 years, DBS and subthalamotomy surgeries have been found to be the next plausible step in the management of this disease. Following surgery, the patient finds himself having better sleep and improved sense of well being. On an average, the patient puts on 6-7 kgs. of weight. The patient can now remain in good condition for 12-14 hours out of 16 hours in a day. The pain and dyskinesias associated with PD are also resolved. Patient can reduce his medicinal intake by 30-40% and hence get rid of the side effects associated with medicine.

Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre in Mumbai has been the pioneer in introducing DBS therapy. The first independent surgery of Deep Brain Stimulation in India was carried out at Jaslok Hospital in 1999. On completion of 10 years of follow up, it has been noted that improvement in the symptoms has remained consistent and stable offering patient improved quality of life.

Jaslok Hospital’s Parkinson’s Disease Management Centre offers a comprehensive PD care programme and world class care. This is the only centre where entire range of treatment; from medical management to high tech DUODOPA therapy, is available in India.