Evolution of Deep Brain Stimulation: Expanding Applications, Precision, and Cost-Effectiveness
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Date
2024-02-17
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SCTIMST
Abstract
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is currently the standard of care for patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease with motor complications and selected forms of generalised dystonias and medically refractory essential tremors. The therapeutic power of neuromodulation comes from targeting and modulating a specific network. The majority of implanted neuromodulation devices currently operate in an “open-loop” mode of operation, providing a train of impulses to a particular anatomic target continuously or on a fixed duty cycle. DBS has continued to evolve with several advancements and ongoing research. Newer developments include “closed-loop systems” that adapt stimulation in real-time and “Directional stimulation” that allows for more precise targeting of specific brain regions while minimizing stimulation of surrounding areas. Implementing DBS encounters obstacles in developing nations. The Comprehensive Care Centre for Movement Disorders at Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology is at the forefront of exploring cutting-edge developments in DBS technology. Additionally, we are expanding our scope by offering DBS treatments for conditions beyond Parkinson's disease like generalised dystonia, and Tourette syndrome. We also collaborate closely with the Biomedical Technology Wing to develop indigenous hardware aimed at enhancing cost-effectiveness in DBS procedures.