Deep Brain Stimulation in West Bengal

Is DBS a cure for Parkinson's disease?

No, DBS doesn't cure Parkinson's or halt its progression, but it can significantly reduce tremor, rigidity, and medication-related fluctuations, often allowing lower drug doses and better quality of life.

Is DBS surgery safe?

DBS is a well-established procedure with success rates around 85% for symptom improvement in appropriately selected patients, though as brain surgery it carries risks like bleeding, infection, or hardware issues that your neurosurgeon will discuss in detail.

Will I be awake during DBS surgery?

Many centers keep patients awake (under local anesthesia) during electrode placement so the team can test stimulation and confirm optimal positioning, while the battery implantation is usually done under light sedation or general anesthesia.

How soon do DBS benefits appear?

Some benefits are apparent soon after the device is activated, typically a few weeks after surgery, but fine-tuning the stimulation settings can take several months to achieve the best results.

Who is not a good candidate for DBS?

Patients with significant cognitive decline, certain psychiatric conditions, or symptoms that don't respond to levodopa are generally poor candidates; a movement disorder specialist performs detailed testing beforehand to confirm suitability.