RML Hospital Successfully Performs Its First ‘Brain Pacemaker’ Surgery for Parkinson’s Patient

New Delhi: In a significant medical achievement, Dr Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital in New Delhi has successfully performed its first-ever Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery, commonly known as a ‘brain pacemaker’ procedure. The complex surgery was performed on a 55-year-old patient from Kathmandu, Nepal, who had been suffering from Parkinson’s disease and experiencing persistent motor symptoms despite medication.

The procedure marks an important milestone for the hospital’s functional neurosurgery services. The surgery was led by Professor Dr Sharad Pandey, with specialists from the departments of neurosurgery, neurology, radiology and anaesthesiology working together to complete the procedure.

How Can Brain Pacemaker Technology Help Parkinson’s Patients?

The patient had been experiencing persistent tremors, muscle stiffness, involuntary movements and difficulties with walking and mobility. Fluctuations in the effectiveness of medication had further complicated the management of his condition.

After assessing the patient’s medical condition, the doctors decided to proceed with Deep Brain Stimulation, a specialised treatment that uses electrical stimulation to help regulate abnormal brain activity associated with movement disorders.

The neurosurgery team, under the leadership of Professor Dr Sharad Pandey, performed the procedure with support from specialists in neurology, radiology and anaesthesiology. The coordinated efforts of the four departments played a crucial role in completing the complex surgery.

How Does Deep Brain Stimulation Work?

Deep Brain Stimulation is commonly referred to as a ‘brain pacemaker’ because it uses controlled electrical impulses to influence activity in specific regions of the brain involved in controlling movement.

During the procedure, specialised electrodes are placed in targeted areas of the brain. These electrodes deliver controlled electrical signals that help regulate abnormal neural activity.

In appropriately selected patients, DBS may help reduce tremors, muscle stiffness, slowness of movement and fluctuations in medication effectiveness. However, the extent of improvement varies depending on the patient’s condition, the nature of the disease and the clinical assessment.

Why Do Parkinson’s Symptoms Fluctuate Despite Medication?

According to Dr Sharad Pandey, the patient experienced tremors, involuntary movements known as dyskinesia, muscle stiffness, slowness of movement and fluctuations in the effects of medication.

Parkinson’s patients may experience periods when medication works effectively and movement becomes relatively easier. This is known as the “on” state.

When the medication’s effect diminishes, symptoms such as tremors, stiffness and difficulty moving may return or worsen. This is referred to as the “off” state. The transition between these periods is known as the “on-off phenomenon”.

DBS aims to help suitable patients manage these fluctuations and improve control over certain disabling motor symptoms. The treatment plan and expected benefits are determined through specialist evaluation.

Four Medical Departments Join Hands for Complex Surgery

Professor Dr Sharad Pandey led the neurosurgery team in carrying out the procedure. Specialists from multiple departments contributed their expertise to the operation.

The medical team included:

• Neurosurgery: Professor Ajay Chaudhary

• Neurology: Professor Jyoti Garg, Professor Ashish Duggal and Dr Devvrat Sahu

• Radiology: Professor Namrata Sachdeva

• Anaesthesiology: Professor Sandeep Kumar and Professor Sanjeev Sharma

Dr Himanshu Champarani, a neurosurgeon from Max Hospital, Gurugram, was invited to assist as a proctor, providing specialist guidance during the procedure.

The successful completion of the surgery highlighted the importance of technical expertise, coordinated planning and collaboration among different medical specialities in treating complex neurological conditions.

What Does This Achievement Mean for RML Hospital?

The successful completion of RML Hospital’s first DBS surgery represents an important step forward in its functional neurosurgery services and expands the treatment options that may be considered for appropriately selected patients with Parkinson’s disease.

The development also underscores the importance of modern medical technologies and multidisciplinary care in managing neurological disorders.

Treatment for Parkinson’s disease involves more than reducing tremors. Maintaining mobility, supporting everyday activities and improving quality of life are also key objectives.

For patients whose symptoms remain inadequately controlled despite medication, Deep Brain Stimulation may offer another treatment option following a detailed specialist assessment.