Parkinson’s is a progressive disorder caused by the degeneration of a small part of the brain called Substantia nigra. There is no cure for the disease till now but it can be treated for symptomatic improvements using multiple methods like medication, therapy, and other surgical procedures.
But with the increasing severity of Parkinson’s, medications reduce their effectiveness. In quite a few cases, medicines stop showing effects completely. These conditions can lead to increase dependence on caregivers and a very poor quality of life. However, the alternative solution of Deep Brain Stimulation is a boon in some scenarios.
What Is Deep Brain Stimulation?
Deep brain stimulation is a USFDA approved surgical treatment for people suffering from the indicated patients are selected by a trained movement disorder specialist and the benefits of the therapy are discussed before the surgery.
The DBS works through a small, pace-maker-like device placed under the skin of the chest to send electronic signals or impulses to the area of the brain that controls movement. These signals block some of the messages that cause Parkinson’s disease symptoms.
Enhancing Life with Deep Brain Stimulation
Deep brain Stimulation is a therapy when the medicines when tend to stop working effectively It provides a significant improvement in quality of lives for the patients and has also shown to improve the activities of daily living. The medications reduce on an average 50% after the DBS surgery. Patients gets additional on time and do not have to worry during night time as well, as this therapy works continuously through day and night.
For the patients of Parkinson’s, DBS can almost bring them back to normal life and also make it possible to continue their career. The portability of DBS devices provides a lot more independence as well as confidence to the patient to take over the everyday challenges of life.
When to Start Deep Brain Stimulation Treatment
How Safe Is Deep Brain Stimulation Treatment?
DBS has now been in place for over 30 years and is actively used with approvals from FDA and CE universally for over a decade. It is a minimal risk procedure with a low risk of intra operative and post-operative complications to the brain tissue.
Only 2.5% patients annually get affected with skin infections after the procedure. Temporary complications occur in only 0.6% of patients, while up to 1% patients suffer from permanent health impairments. The risk of death in this procedure is approximately 0.4%.
It is recommended to consult from a neurologist or neurosurgeon before opting the DBS treatment so that you can get an expert advice as well as precautionary measures to deal with any complications that may lie ahead. An active discussion on risks vs benefits should be held between the patients, caregivers, neurologist and neurosurgeon.
There has been more than 1,50,000 DBS procedure till date and the safety profile and complications are relatively know to the operating neurosurgeon.
Deep Brain Stimulation Treatment Cost
The cost for any treatment is a cost unwillingly paid. But if it does well to the life of your beloved ones, it is all worth it. Parkinson’s is a progressive disorder without any proven cure.
General Cost of Deep Brain Stimulation in the Western World
Bilateral Deep Brain Stimulation procedure, according to the National Parkinson’s Foundation, costs upwards of $70,000 to $100,000 in USA, which is approximately Rs 45.5 lakh to Rs 65 lakh
Deep Brain Stimulation Cost
| Deep Brain Stimulation Treatment Cost | |
| Country | Cost |
| United States | $35,000-$50,0000 |
| India | 6,00,000 - 20,00,000 INR |
| Indonesia | $17000-$20,000 |
| Japan | $85,000 |
| Austrailia | $30,000 |
Deep Brain Stimulation Cost in India – Highly affordable
As compared to the treatment cost around the world, the treatment for Parkinson’s itself is quite cheaper in India. Deep Brain Stimulation treatment in the US goes upward INR 45,50,000 to INR 65,00,000. But when it comes to the same treatment in India, the cost drops down to merely 12% of western world cost. In India, the cost of DBS starts from INR 6,00,000 and may go up to INR 20,00,000.
Factors affecting Cost
The cost for the surgery can vary depending on various parameters. So, before going through the procedure, one should carefully determine the cost that they might incur.
The factors affecting the cost for the treatment are also similar to universal factors including:
- The hospital that one chooses (government or private)
- Type of battery and device (rechargeable or non-rechargeable
- Type of room (single or semi-private) and other personal preferences
Insurance
Some insurance policy in India cover some of the expenses of Deep Brain Stimulation treatment making it further cost effective. Still, it is recommended to talk to the respective Insurance company before choosing DBS treatment, for complete transparency and preparation beforehand itself.
What is the success rate of deep brain stimulation?
Deep Brain Stimulation has success rate of 92.5% while 75% people felt that symptoms are controlled after Deep Brain Stimulation!
What are the side effect of Deep Brain Stimulation?
The side effects like:
- Abnormal Sensation
- Numbness
- Muscle Contraction
