In the realm of neuroscience, the human brain continues to be an enigma waiting to be deciphered. Over the years, researchers and medical professionals have been exploring various techniques to understand and treat neurological disorders.
One remarkable innovation that has emerged is deep brain stimulation (DBS). DBS is a groundbreaking therapeutic approach that holds great promise in unlocking the mysteries of the mind and providing new avenues for treating debilitating conditions.
What Is Deep Brain Stimulation?
Deep brain stimulation involves the use of implanted electrodes to deliver electrical impulses to specific regions of the brain. These electrodes are connected to a pulse generator, which is usually placed under the skin near the collarbone. The electrical stimulation modulates abnormal brain activity and helps restore a more balanced neural function.
The underlying principle behind DBS lies in its ability to alter neural circuits involved in various neurological conditions. By precisely targeting specific brain areas, DBS can modulate abnormal activity patterns, thereby providing therapeutic benefits.
The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, and the patient remains awake throughout to provide real-time feedback to the surgeon, ensuring accurate electrode placement.
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Applications of Deep Brain Stimulation
Parkinson’s Disease: DBS has revolutionized the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, a progressive movement disorder characterized by tremors, stiffness, and impaired motor control.
By stimulating the subthalamic nucleus or globus pallidus, two brain regions involved in movement regulation, DBS can alleviate motor symptoms and enhance the patient’s quality of life.
Essential Tremor: Essential tremor is a neurological disorder that causes uncontrollable shaking, particularly in the hands. DBS offers an effective solution for patients who do not respond well to medications. By targeting the thalamus, which plays a role in motor control, DBS can significantly reduce tremors and restore fine motor skills.
Dystonia: Dystonia is a condition characterized by involuntary muscle contractions, leading to abnormal postures and repetitive movements. DBS provides a ray of hope for patients who find little relief from medications. By stimulating specific areas such as the globus pallidus or thalamus, DBS can help alleviate muscle spasms and improve motor control.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): For individuals with severe and treatment-resistant OCD, deep brain stimulation has emerged as a potential therapeutic option. By targeting the cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical circuit, DBS can help regulate the overactive neural pathways associated with obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours.
DBS Surgery In Mumbai
Last month, an Australian woman became the first patient in Mumbai to get surgery for depression. After suffering from depression for 26 years to the point that her body no longer responded to conventional treatments, the 38-year-old had Deep Brain Stimulation surgery.
The Australian patient waited 10 months between her initial contact with Dr Paresh Doshi and her operation on May 28. According to a TOI article, the family received the recommendation from two Australian patients who had undergone the same treatment at Jaslok Hospital years earlier.
She tried more than 20 different antidepressants, according to her brother, and received at least five drugs in significantly larger doses than usual. Additionally, she had received inadequate treatment from ECT as well as cognitive behavioural therapy.
Dr Doshi was suggested to her family by two Australian patients who underwent the same treatment at the Jaslok Hospital years earlier.
Since DBS is regarded as an experimental treatment for depression, it is not offered in Australia.
Dr Doshi reported that throughout the surgery, the patient’s anxiety significantly lessened and her mood slightly improved.
What do you think of this psychosurgery’s future in India? Let us know in the comments.
Image Credits: Google Images
Sources: The Quint, Firstpost, The Indian Express
Find the blogger: Pragya Damani
This post is tagged under: deep brain stimulation, depression, surgery, mumbai surgery, australian woman surgery, depression surgery
Disclaimer: We do not hold any right, copyright over any of the images used, these have been taken from Google. In case of credits or removal, the owner may kindly mail us.
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