Can Deep Brain Stimulation Help with Parkinson’s Tremors?

Living with Parkinson’s disease can be challenging, especially when tremors affect simple daily activities like writing, eating, or dressing. For many people, medications may initially help control these symptoms. However, as the disease progresses, tremors may become resistant to medication. This is where an advanced treatment called Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) can make a remarkable difference.

What is Deep Brain Stimulation?

Deep Brain Stimulation is a highly specialized neurosurgical procedure used to manage movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, dystonia, and essential tremor. It involves implanting a small device known as a neurostimulator or brain pacemaker that sends mild electrical impulses to specific areas of the brain responsible for motor control.

These electrical signals help regulate abnormal brain activity and improve movement, stiffness, and tremors without damaging brain tissue. DBS is a reversible and adjustable treatment, making it safer compared to traditional brain surgeries.

How Does Deep Brain Stimulation Work?

The brain contains several regions that control movement. In Parkinson’s disease, nerve cells in these regions don’t function properly due to reduced dopamine levels. This imbalance leads to tremors, stiffness, and slow movement.

DBS helps by:

• Delivering continuous electrical impulses to targeted brain areas like the subthalamic nucleus or globus pallidus internus
• Modifying abnormal signals that cause tremors and rigidity
• Allowing doctors to adjust stimulation settings to match each patient’s needs

Unlike medications that circulate throughout the body, DBS works directly on brain circuits, providing precise control over symptoms.

Who Can Benefit from Deep Brain Stimulation?

DBS is not suitable for every person with Parkinson’s disease. It is usually recommended for patients who:

• Have had Parkinson’s disease for at least five years
• Experience tremors, stiffness, or movement fluctuations despite taking medications
• Responded well to levodopa earlier but now face side effects or reduced effectiveness
• Do not have severe memory, speech, or balance issues

A multidisciplinary team of neurologists, neurosurgeons, and rehabilitation specialists carefully evaluates each patient before recommending DBS.

Benefits of Deep Brain Stimulation

Many patients experience significant improvement in their symptoms and quality of life after undergoing DBS. Key benefits include:

Reduced tremors: DBS effectively controls tremors that do not respond to medications.

Improved motor function: It enhances movement, balance, and coordination.

Lower medication dependence: Many patients can reduce their Parkinson’s medication doses after DBS.

Better daily functioning: Activities like writing, walking, and eating become easier.

Improved mood and confidence: As tremors decrease, patients regain independence and emotional stability.

What to Expect During the Procedure

DBS surgery is performed in two stages under highly controlled and sterile conditions:

Electrode Placement:
Tiny electrodes are implanted into specific brain regions using advanced imaging and computer-guided technology.

Neurostimulator Implantation:
A small battery-powered device is placed under the skin near the chest, connected to the brain electrodes through thin wires.

After surgery, doctors program the neurostimulator to deliver precise electrical impulses. The device settings can be adjusted externally to suit the patient’s symptoms.

Life After Deep Brain Stimulation

After recovery, patients may notice gradual improvement in tremors and stiffness. Follow-up visits are essential to fine-tune the stimulation and medication balance. With regular monitoring, DBS can provide long-term symptom relief for several years.

To maintain results, patients should continue physiotherapy, regular exercise, and medical checkups.

Why Choose Continental Hospitals for Deep Brain Stimulation?

At Continental Hospitals, Hyderabad, patients receive world-class care through a comprehensive and patient-focused approach. The hospital is known for its excellence in neurosciences and movement disorder management, offering cutting-edge surgical technology and international standards of care.

Key reasons to choose Continental Hospitals:

Expert team of specialists: Highly experienced neurologists and neurosurgeons trained in advanced DBS techniques.

State-of-the-art facilities: Equipped with the latest intraoperative MRI, neuro-navigation systems, and hybrid operation theatres.

Multidisciplinary care: Collaboration among neurology, neurosurgery, rehabilitation, and psychology teams for holistic recovery.

Personalized treatment plans: Every patient’s DBS settings and rehabilitation programs are customized for optimal results.

International accreditations: Continental Hospitals is JCI (Joint Commission International) and NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals) accredited, ensuring the highest standards of safety and quality in patient care.

Comprehensive support system: From pre-surgical evaluation to long-term follow-up, patients receive continuous support from dedicated care coordinators.

Does Deep Brain Stimulation Cure Parkinson’s Disease?

DBS does not cure Parkinson’s disease, but it significantly helps control its symptoms. It can reduce tremors, stiffness, and movement problems, allowing patients to live a more active and fulfilling life. With early intervention and proper management, DBS can slow disease progression and improve independence.

Risks and Considerations

Like any surgical procedure, DBS carries some risks such as infection, bleeding, or temporary speech or balance issues. However, these are rare and can be effectively managed by experienced neurosurgeons. The team at Continental Hospitals follows strict safety protocols to minimize complications and ensure a smooth recovery.

The Future of Deep Brain Stimulation

DBS technology continues to evolve. Today’s systems allow wireless programming and rechargeable batteries that last longer. Researchers are developing adaptive DBS, where stimulation automatically adjusts based on real-time brain activity, offering even greater precision and comfort.

At Continental Hospitals, such innovations are regularly adopted to provide patients with the latest and most effective neurological treatments.

If You Suffer from Parkinson’s Tremors

If you or a loved one is struggling with Parkinson’s tremors that medications can no longer control, Deep Brain Stimulation could be the next step toward a better quality of life. The team at Continental Hospitals, Hyderabad, combines expertise, advanced technology, and compassionate care to help you regain control and confidence.

Conclusion

Deep Brain Stimulation offers new hope for patients living with Parkinson’s disease. By targeting the brain’s movement centers, it can greatly reduce tremors and improve mobility. At Continental Hospitals, patients receive internationally accredited, patient-centered care from some of the best neurosurgeons and neurologists in India.

If you suffer from Parkinson’s tremors and wish to explore advanced treatment options, consult our expert neurosurgeons at Continental Hospitals, Hyderabad.

Related Blog Topics;

1. What Is Deep Brain Stimulation and How Does It Work?