By Dr. Manish Baldia, Consultant Neurosurgeon, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central
20th Sep 2023: Mr. Vishal Menon (name changed), a 59-year-old man hailing from Mumbai, India, has experienced a remarkable turnaround in his Parkinson’s disease (PD) symptoms following the replacement of his deep brain stimulator (DBS) device. His journey highlights the potential benefits of DBS surgery in enhancing the lives of PD patients.
Facing this resurgence of symptoms, Mr. Menon sought help and was admitted neurosurgeon to Wockhardt Hospital in Mumbai in June 2023. Under the care of Dr. Manish Baldia, a specialized in DBS surgery for PD, a comprehensive evaluation was conducted. Dr. Baldia concluded that a replacement of Mr. Menon’s DBS device was necessary.
On June 6, 2023, the surgery was successfully performed, during which Dr. Baldia implanted a new DBS device, meticulously programmed to provide enhanced stimulation to the brain regions governing movement.
Following the surgical intervention, Mr.Menon experienced a profound transformation in his overall health. Within mere hours, he regained his ability to walk without difficulty. His grip strength saw substantial improvement, and the stiffness in his calves, along with rigidity, notably reduced. The once-present bradykinesia also showed signs of improvement, allowing for smoother and more effortless movement. Overjoyed with the positive outcomes, Mr. Menon expressed feeling like an entirely new individual. His newfound mobility enabled him to independently partake in activities that had become challenging due to worsening PD symptoms.
Dr. Manish Baldia, Consultant Neurosurgeon, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, said “Mr. Menon’s case exemplifies the transformative power of deep brain stimulation surgery in the realm of Parkinson’s disease treatment. Through the replacement of his DBS device and precise programming, we’ve witnessed a remarkable resurgence in his mobility and overall well-being. This success reinforces the potential of DBS as a safe and effective option for patients seeking relief from the challenges posed by Parkinson’s” Disease.
Mr. Menon’s journey serves as a testament to the efficacy of DBS surgery in managing PD symptoms. Deep brain stimulation, as a minimally invasive procedure, has demonstrated its ability to significantly alleviate the burdens of PD. Individuals grappling with PD are advised to initiate a dialogue with their healthcare professionals regarding the potential suitability of DBS surgery as an option. This surgical approach, involving the placement of electrodes in targeted brain areas, has proven safe and effective in ameliorating symptoms like tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia, and gait disturbances. Ultimately, DBS has the capacity to enhance quality of life and promote increased independence among PD patients.
