Indeed, many people in India do not understand the importance of Deep brain stimulation surgery. That is why Dr.Gurneet Singh Sawhney, one of the best neurosurgeons in India, prescribes his patients to undergo DBS surgery; his patients want to know the best time for surgery.
When medicines alone aren’t giving enough relief but still have some impact, DBS is the best option. The best time to talk to your doctor about DBS is right now, so you’ll be aware of all your options and ready to act when the time comes.
This article will explain the best time to undergo deep brain stimulation surgery. However, before discussing the suitable time, we should discuss the reason for performing a DBS surgery.
Why do you need deep brain stimulation surgery?
People with movement disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, essential tremors, dystonia, and mental issues like OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder), can benefit from deep brain stimulation.
This treatment is only for those who haven’t been able to control their symptoms with medicines.
How can you get ready for the surgery?
Deep brain stimulation is a technique that is both serious and potentially dangerous. So even if you think you could be a candidate for deep brain stimulation, you should consider the risks and advantages very carefully. It is best if you rely on your neurosurgeon for it.
After that, it’s time to get ready for surgery.
Before surgery, medical testing will be required to ensure that deep brain stimulation is a safe and acceptable treatment choice for you. In addition, before the operation, you’ll need brain imaging examinations, such as an MRI, to map the regions of your brain where the electrodes will be implanted.
Now let us see when you can opt for DBS surgery:
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive condition, meaning that the symptoms worsen over time. You may require a DBS surgery if you have Parkinson’s disease and symptoms have progressed beyond what is known as “the window of opportunity,” you should seek DBS treatment.
This is the point when your drugs are no longer as effective as they once were, but before your symptoms cease responding to them. If you have Parkinson’s disease, DBS treatment will be most successful if you:
- Have had an excellent response to dopaminergic medications (such as levodopa)
- Medication is still beneficial, but it is becoming ineffective or producing unacceptable adverse effects.
- To control your symptoms, you’ll need additional medicines, larger dosages, or more frequent doses.
Starting DBS early will benefit you more:
Your neurosurgeon wants you to get the most out of your DBS treatment. The higher the benefits of DBS, the earlier it is implemented. If you wait until the following dates, DBS therapy will no longer be a possibility.
If you wait for long, other medical issues may make DBS surgery impossible, such as cognitive impairment, balance issues, and gait.
So it is better to speak with your doctor right now:
Even if your symptoms are still managed by medication, talk to your neurologist about DBS therapy early in your treatment plan. Allow yourself time to examine the therapy’s potential advantages and dangers so you can decide whether DBS is suitable for you when the window of opportunity opens.
Now, what results from the DBS surgery you can expect:
Although deep brain stimulation will not cure your condition, it may help to alleviate some of the symptoms. Your troubles will improve considerably if deep brain stimulation is successful, but they will not disappear altogether. Certain conditions may still necessitate the use of medicines.
Deep brain stimulation isn’t always effective. The effectiveness of deep brain stimulation is dependent on a variety of factors. Before surgery, speak with your doctor about the sort of improvement you may expect for your disease.
