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Urvi Agrawal
If you are someone who is considering deep brain stimulation for your movement disorder or any other condition, there are certain things you should know about the procedure. Here, we have assembled 10 things to prepare you for your deep brain stimulation surgery
The process of deep brain stimulation can be divided into two parts:
The first part involves brain surgery in which the electrodes are placed in your brain. Here, the neurosurgeon will fit you with a unique head frame to keep your head still. The experts will next map your brain using neuroimaging techniques(MRI or CT) to determine where the electrodes should be placed. These electrodes are inserted while you are awake and conscious. This allows the experts to test the effects of stimulation. A local anesthetic will be administered to your scalp before surgery if you’re awake, but since your brain doesn’t have any pain receptors, you won’t need an anesthetic there. A small wire lead with electrodes at the tips is implanted by your neurosurgeon into a particular region of your brain. A pulse generator (neurostimulator) implanted close to your collarbone is connected by a wire under your skin. The neurosurgeon will monitor your brain function to ensure that the electrodes are placed correctly.
The next step involves chest surgery in which the surgeon will implant the pulse generator beneath your skin in the chest, close to your collarbone. This device is connected to the brain electrodes through wires. Your brain will receive electrical pulses constantly from the generator. This generator is under your control, and a specific remote control can be used to start or stop it.
The amount of time for which DBS is beneficial can vary from one patient to another. In some cases, DBS has been found to be effective for about 10-15 years. With DBS, as your condition progresses, it is possible to readjust the device according to your symptoms. Thus, DBS could be beneficial in the long run.
You should talk with your neurosurgeon to understand how beneficial the procedure will be in regulating your symptoms.
Undergoing DBS doesn’t mean that you won’t have to take medicines anymore. It is advisable that you take your medicines as recommended by your doctor. Deep brain stimulation surgery is aimed at controlling your symptoms and is not intended to replace your medications. However, it can reduce the dosage of your medicines and thereby minimize the possibility of side effects.
Many patients are worried about the cost of surgical procedures, especially intricate ones like deep brain stimulation. Before undergoing any treatment, it is necessary to get your finances sorted. You should talk to your insurance provider and find out if DBS is covered. Many factors can influence the cost of your deep brain stimulation. These include the location where you are receiving the treatment, the qualifications of your doctor, and the reputation of the hospital.
With us, you can get deep brain stimulation at affordable prices in the location of your choice.
Deep brain stimulation is not a suitable treatment for every patient. The neurosurgeon has to evaluate the suitability of the patient based on various factors. Usually, the treatment will be advised if your life is significantly affected by the symptoms of your condition despite taking medicines properly.
The activation of the pulse generator will be carried out after a few weeks of having the surgery. It can take up to six months to obtain the best setting for your stimulator. You may begin to notice the effects of the stimulator in a few hours or days. However, it can take up to a few months to observe the full benefits of the procedure.
Thus, you will not be seeing the effects of the DBS surgery immediately on your symptoms. However, with time your symptoms will improve. Though DBS may not be able to cure your condition, it can help in controlling your symptoms. The stimulation can be constant or your neurosurgeon may recommend you switch off the pulse generator at night and turn it on the next morning. You will be given a special remote that can control the generator. Thus, you should discuss with your neurosurgeon in depth the amount of time it will take to see the results of the procedure.
After having deep brain stimulation surgery, you will need some time to recover. However, once you have recovered completely, you can begin to live your normal life. This involves participating in routine activities like driving or going to work. You can resume your activities after 1 week of being discharged from the hospital.
Most patients expect that they would have to stay in the hospital for a long time after having brain surgery. However, deep brain stimulation is different. Most often, you will have a hospital stay of 1 night after the electrodes are placed in the head. Then, the doctor will perform surgery to place the stimulator around 2-7 days later. This will be an outpatient procedure.
Though there are several benefits of deep brain stimulation, there are possible
downsides of a stimulator as well, such as speech issues, problems with balance, numbness, muscle tightness, and lightheadedness. You should discuss these side effects with your doctor so that you are well-prepared during the recovery period. Thankfully, with the expertise of an experienced neurosurgeon, most of these side effects can be avoided.
It is a common misconception that brain surgery will damage or destroy your brain. But, you don’t have to worry about this possibility with deep brain stimulation. The surgery involves making very tiny incisions in your skull. It doesn’t cause any damage to your brain cells or tissues. Additionally, DBS is reversible. If it leads to unwanted effects, it can be removed or turned off.
MediGence can help you avail of deep brain stimulation surgery at the location of your choice. We offer pre-bundled DBS packages inclusive of benefits such as medical vouchers, free teleconsultation, airport transfers, and much more. You can book at just 10% of the price and pay the rest at the hospital. We offer highly affordable treatments without any compromise on the quality of treatment delivered.
| DBS Treatment | Starting Cost in USD |
|---|---|
| DBS Treatment in India | $23000 |
| DBS Treatment in Turkey | $25000 |
| DBS Treatment in Israel | $60000 |
| DBS Treatment in Spain | $85000 |
| DBS Treatment in Singapore | $55000 |
| DBS Treatment in Thailand | $70000 |
| DBS Treatment in Greece | $48000 |
| DBS Treatment in South Africa | $48500 |
| DBS Treatment in Tunisia | Enquire Now |
| DBS Treatment in Lebanon | Enquire Now |
| DBS Treatment in Lithuania | Enquire Now |
| DBS Treatment in Saudi Arabia | $42000 |
| DBS Treatment in South Korea | $60000 |
| DBS Treatment in Switzerland | $62500 |
| DBS Treatment in Malaysia | $45000 |
| DBS Treatment in Poland | Enquire Now |
| DBS Treatment in UK | $65000 |
A variety of disorders can be treated using deep brain stimulation (DBS). Although it is most frequently used to treat diseases like Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy, researchers are also looking at the possibility of using it for treating other disorders. Deep brain stimulation can be highly effective in reducing your symptoms and improving your quality of life.
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Urvi is an avid reader who is passionate about writing. Having worked in hospital settings like AIIMS, She has experience working as a healthcare writer and has written about many healthcare and medical topics. Besides her role as a content specialist, she likes to spend her time cooking, dancing, and painting. She believes that positive thinking is crucial for being happy.
Urvi is an avid reader who is passionate about writing. Having worked in hospital settings like AIIMS, She has experience working as a healthcare writer and has written about many healthcare and medical topics. Besides her role as a content specialist, she likes to spend her time cooking, dancing, and painting. She believes that positive thinking is crucial for being happy.
(+1) 424 283 4838