Advanced Brain Pacemaker Surgery for Parkinson’s, Dystonia & Tremors
Hello, I’m Dr. Mitesh Chandarana, a neurologist and deep brain stimulation specialist in Ahmedabad. I’ve helped many patients with Parkinson’s disease, dystonia, and tremors through a treatment called Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) also known as brain pacemaker surgery.
This therapy gives hope to patients who are not getting enough relief from medicines. Let me explain how DBS works, when it’s helpful, and how we do the procedure step by step.
What Is Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)?
DBS is a type of brain surgery where thin wires (electrodes) are placed in specific parts of your brain. These wires are connected to a small battery (pacemaker) placed under the skin in the chest. This pacemaker sends electrical signals to the brain to control abnormal activity.
It may sound scary at first but in the right patient, it can bring life-changing results.
When Do I Recommend DBS?
As a DBS specialist, I recommend this treatment for people who:
- Have Parkinson’s disease and are facing fluctuations in medicine effect
- Experience dyskinesia (unwanted dance-like movements from levodopa)
- Have severe tremors not improving with medicine
- Have dystonia (abnormal twisting or posturing of body parts)
- Have Tourette Syndrome with tics not controlled by drugs
If your symptoms are stopping you from doing your daily work, and medicines are not helping enough, DBS may be the right next step.
Conditions I Treat with DBS
Parkinson’s Disease
When medicines start wearing off quickly or cause side effects like dyskinesia, DBS can help smoothen your ON/OFF times and improve movement, walking, and quality of life.
Dystonia
In cases of generalized or segmental dystonia, DBS helps relax tight muscles and correct abnormal postures. It takes time but can give great results.
Essential Tremors
If tremors are stopping you from writing, eating, or working and medicines are not working, DBS in the thalamus can give you back your hand control.
Tourette Syndrome (in selected cases)
For people with severe motor or vocal tics, DBS may help when nothing else works.
How Do We Do the DBS Procedure?
As a deep brain stimulation specialist, I follow a step-by-step method to ensure safety and success.
Step 1: Pre-Surgery Evaluation
First, I do a detailed clinical exam and take your full history. We also do:
- Levodopa challenge test (for Parkinson’s patients)
- Neuropsychological evaluation – to check memory and emotions
- Brain MRI – to plan the exact place in the brain for the electrodes
We also discuss everything with you and your family including benefits, risks, and expectations.
Step 2: Surgery (Two Phases)
Phase 1 – Electrode Placement
- This is done under local anesthesia (you’re awake but comfortable)
- Using a special 3D frame (stereotactic), electrodes are placed in specific brain areas (like STN, GPi, or VIM)
- We test during surgery to check effects in real-time
Phase 2 – Battery Placement
- This is done under general anesthesia
- A small pacemaker (IPG battery) is placed under the skin in the chest
- It is connected to the brain electrodes using wires under the skin
You are discharged in a few days after monitoring.
Step 3: Post-Surgery Programming
After 1–2 weeks, I switch on the device and start programming the battery.
Programming takes time sometimes a few weeks to find the best setting for your body. I adjust:
- Frequency
- Amplitude
- Pulse width
We meet regularly for follow-ups and adjust as needed.
What Improvements Can You Expect?
Patients usually notice:
- Less tremors or stiffness
- Longer ON-time (when medicine works)
- Reduced dyskinesia
- Better balance and walking
- In dystonia, improved posture over weeks or months
Remember, DBS does not cure the disease. But it helps you function better and live with more comfort.
Benefits of DBS
- Works 24×7 — unlike medicines that wear off
- Reduces need for high medicine doses
- Helps when medicines alone are not working
- Long-lasting therapy, battery can work for 4–5 years or more
- Reversible and adjustable, we can turn it off or reprogram if needed
Who Should Not Get DBS?
I do not recommend DBS in:
- People with severe memory loss or dementia
- Patients with uncontrolled depression or psychosis
- Those who are not responsive to levodopa (for Parkinson’s)
- People who are not fit for surgery due to other health issues
Is DBS Safe?
Yes, when done by trained teams, DBS is very safe. Risks like infection or bleeding are rare but possible. That’s why we follow all precautions before, during, and after surgery.
I’ve personally helped manage 100+ DBS patients, from pre-op to post-op programming.
What Makes My DBS Practice Different?
As a neurologist and DBS specialist, I handle:
- Patient selection
- Surgical planning with neurosurgeon
- Post-op programming & long-term follow-up
This continuity of care makes a huge difference in patient outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is DBS a cure for Parkinson’s?
No, it is not a cure. But it greatly improves symptoms and quality of life when medicines are no longer enough. Read More
Q2. Will I stop all medicines after DBS?
Usually, yes we reduce medicines, especially levodopa. But in most cases, a small dose is still needed. Read More
Q3. Is DBS painful?
The surgery is done under anesthesia. You may feel some discomfort, but most patients recover well in a few days. Read More
Q4. How long does the DBS battery last?
It depends on the settings, but most last for 4–5 years or more. After that, the battery can be replaced easily. Read More
Q5. Can I live normally after DBS?
Yes! Most of my patients go back to work, drive, travel, and enjoy life with better movement and control. Read More
Q6. What if DBS doesn’t work for me?
In properly selected patients, success is very high. But if needed, we can reprogram settings or change battery. Read More
Ready to Discuss DBS
If you or your loved one is struggling with Parkinson’s, dystonia, or tremors, and medicines are not working anymore — let’s talk.
As your deep brain stimulation specialist, I’ll guide you through every step.
Book Your Consultation Today
📞 Call: 8866843843
📍 Medisquare Superspeciality Hospital, Ahmedabad
