Successful Deep Brain Stimulation surgeries performed in Bangladesh

Two patients with advanced Parkinson's disease (disease affecting the central nervous system that causes tremors, slow movements, stiffness, and walking problems) and one with generalised Dystonia (muscles contract involuntarily, causing repetitive movements) underwent successful Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgeries in Dhaka, Bangladesh - says a press release.

Dr Jalal Uddin Mohammad Rumi, Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery, National Institute of Neurosciences (NINS), and Dr Anirban Deep Banerjee, Associate Director, Neurosurgery, Medanta Institute of Neurosciences, Gurugram, Delhi-NCR, India, were the two lead doctors performing the surgeries, and a group of Neurologists supported them from the National Institute of Neurosciences & Hospital (NINS).

DBS is a proven and well-established treatment to treat movement disorder conditions like Parkinson's, Dystonia, and essential tremors. The procedure involves the implantation of electrodes in specific areas of the brain, which send electrical impulses or stimulations to treat advanced movement disorder conditions. However, this treatment is only for patients who cannot control their symptoms with medication.

Dr Imran Sarker, Assistant Professor, Neurology, NINS, a specialist of Parkinson's & Movement Disorder and a member of the team said, "These DBS surgeries in the public sector is a promising milestone for Bangladeshi patients seeking this kind of treatment for which people used go abroad earlier. We hope it will go a long way."

More than 10 million people worldwide live with Parkinson's disease. It is also understood that Parkinson's disease increases with age, but an estimated four per cent of people with Parkinson's are diagnosed before age 50. Also, men are 1.5 times more likely to have Parkinson's disease than women.