Apollo Hospitals leads the way in treatment of Parkinson's Disease with advanced Deep Brain Stimulation technology

• Revolutionary technique allows doctors to listen to beta signals in brain, map disease activity

Chennai, 11 April 2023: In an effort to offer hope to patients with Parkinson’s and stay true to its cutting-edge spirit, Apollo Hospitals is offering treatment at a first-of-its-kind Advanced Deep Brain Stimulation Centre in Chennai. The Centre, that is equipped with the latest technology in Parkinson’s treatment, has enabled doctors to provide personalized treatment to patients, resulting in better clinical outcomes and increased patient satisfaction. The Centre has, so far, treated the highest number of patients in Tamil Nadu with these advanced technologies. 

(L to R) Dr RK Venkatachalam, Director, Medical Services , Dr Vijay Shankar, Senior Consultant, Neurologist, Movement Disorders, and Deep Brain Stimulation Specialist, Apollo Hospitals, Dr. Arvind Sukumaran, Senior Consultant, Functional & Epilepsy Neurosurgeon, Apollo Hospitals,  Naveen V, CEO, Apollo Hospitals

The establishment of this Centre is significant as Parkinson's disease can be severely disabling even in its early stages as it impedes the ability to control movement. With conventional Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), a thin electrode is implanted through minimally invasive keyhole surgery using computer-assisted stereotactic technology, where the electrical fields are projected in all directions equally. This approach has helped several patients achieve clinical benefits. However, the Centre has kept pace with more recent advances in medicine and adopted cutting-edge technology for patients with this condition. 

Dr.Arvind Sukumaran, Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon, Epilepsy & Functional Neurosurgery /DBS specialist, said, “The Percept PC technology adopted at this Centre allows for listening and recording tiny electrical fluctuations called beta band,  in the target area.  Sensight is an advanced electrode that allows doctors to listen to the beta band signals in the brain and gain crucial information about disease activity. This allows us to identify the direction of maximum beta band activity, and direct the electricity in that direction, while assessing the clinical benefits.” This approach results in the delivery of precise electrical current with limited adverse effects, resulting in targeted treatment of the disease.

Dr. Vijay Shankar, Senior Consultant, Neurologist, Movement Disorders, and Deep Brain Stimulation Specialist, Apollo Hospitals, said, "We are proud to be at the forefront of advancing treatment for Parkinson's disease. With the adoption of this technology, we have helped patients make significant progress and report improvements in their quality of life.  Our patients have reported improved limb movement and other functional outcomes. This technology not just marks a giant leap in the treatment of movement disorders but will also help patients connect better within their communities and lead happier lives.”

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