Which Factors Need To Be Considered For A Successful Deep Brain Stimulation? - Dr. Shivam Mittal

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While there is no permanent cure for movement
disorders like Parkinsons disease, dystonia,
tremor, and the like, there are temporary
treatments that can help control and manage the
condition. For the initial stages of the
condition, there are medications and injections
that can be given to the patient, alongside which
various kinds of therapies and exercises are
suggested. But, if the condition has gone far
beyond what medications and therapies can
control, there is a Deep Brain Stimulation
surgery that can be performed to improve the
quality of life of patients. But, this surgery
can highly impact the life of patients in both
ways positive and negative. The positive
impacts are the improvement in the condition of
the patient, and the negative impacts are that
the surgery is an invasive one wherein a
neurotransmitter is implanted in the chest area,
and electrodes are implanted in the brain thus
affecting the physical components of the body.
This is why it is important to consider these
four significant factors for having an
appropriate surgery executed.
Determining the accurate diagnosis Before
performing the surgery, it is important that the
perfect diagnosis is done. Determining the
accurate diagnosis is important for optimal
surgical outcomes. Performing the Deep Brain
Stimulation surgery for a patient not suffering
from a movement disorder will provide little or
no benefit. However, the surgery also does not
pose any side effects, which clearly shows that
this surgery does not impose long-term changes to
the brain circuits. But, in spite of all this,
it is advisable to consult an expert movement
disorders specialist in Bangalore like Dr.
Shivam Mittal, to conduct an accurate evaluation,
taking into account the patients condition,
medical history, and clinical response.
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Identifying the appropriate brain and chest
targets It is important to identify the
appropriate brain and chest targets to implant
the electrodes and stimulator. For this, a team
approach is important, including professionals
like a neurosurgeon, movement disorder
neurologist, and neuropsychologist. Such a
professional team can consider the various
aspects of the patient like body anatomy, the
psychological state, the cognitive state, and
the specific symptoms causing the disability.
These aspects are important to consider in order
improving the symptoms without altering the
patients psychological state. Using a
customized guidance system to place the
electrodes Placing the electrodes in the right
position and placement is very important for an
effective surgery. Several technical
advancements have improved the precision of
electrode placements today. One such technology
is a custom-made mini frame, created specifically
for a patient. It is used only once and allows
bilateral electrode insertion simultaneously.
Also, the device is lighter than a conventional
frame and does not require any head fixation
during the surgery. Moreover, with customization
been already done, there is no need for any
measurements during the procedure, which makes
the surgery comfortable and shorter. Post-operat
ive long-term management Just as important the
surgery is, equally important is the quality of
care after the procedure. Optimal post-operative
management is important. For this, post-operative
imaging can show the position of the electrode.
Also, the patients medication should be
adjusted as the surgery is programmed, which can
be reduced once it is initiated. In this way,
considerations are important before, during, and
also after the surgery in case of a Deep Brain
Stimulation surgery. Equally important is an
experienced multidisciplinary team,
personalization, and quality of care. Stay
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