Parkinson’s disease is a long-term brain disorder that
affects movement. It damages the cells that control body movements, causing
tremors, slow movement, stiffness, and balance problems. In the early stages,
medicines help manage the symptoms. But over time, their effect reduces, and
patients often shift between “on” (when medicines work) and “off” (when they
don’t) phases. This makes daily life difficult and affects confidence.
A newer technology called Adaptive Deep Brain Stimulation
(ADBS) is offering fresh hope. In this treatment, tiny electrodes are placed in
specific areas of the brain. These electrodes control abnormal electrical
signals and help reduce tremors and stiffness.
In traditional Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), the device
sends constant stimulation to the brain. But ADBS is more advanced. It
“listens” to brain activity in real time and adjusts the stimulation
automatically, depending on what the brain needs at that moment. This makes the
treatment more precise and effective.
Dr Naren Nayak, a well-known neurosurgeon from Thane, is
among the experts using this advanced technology at KIMS Hospitals. He trained
in Functional Neurosurgery at Tokyo Women’s Medical University in Japan and has
performed hundreds of brain surgeries over the past 15 years. In 2015, he
helped start one of India’s early DBS programmes at Gleneagles Hospital in
Mumbai.
According to Dr Nayak, ADBS acts like an intelligent device
that understands the patient’s needs. It helps improve walking, speaking, and
daily activities. Since the stimulation adjusts automatically, patients
experience better symptom control, fewer medication changes, and longer battery
life of the device. Many patients also report reduced tremors, less fatigue,
and fewer sudden movement problems. They don’t need frequent hospital visits
for reprogramming, which reduces stress for both patients and families.
Beyond Parkinson’s, adaptive neuromodulation is also being
explored for conditions like epilepsy, OCD, and depression. Researchers around
the world are studying how this responsive technology can help treat other
brain disorders as well.
ADBS is not just about giving more stimulation; it is about
giving the right amount at the right time. For many patients who have struggled
with unpredictable symptoms for years, this technology is helping them regain
independence, dignity, and hope.
Dr Naren Nayak
KIMS Hospitals
