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Context:

Polarized Light Imaging (PLI) and catheter-based Polarization-Sensitive Optical Coherence Tomography (PS-OCT) are improving Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) accuracy.

Background 

Neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, cause daily life struggles for many people, such as walking steadily due to stiff muscles.

Medical advancements like Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) can help patients overcome these daily struggles they face.

What is Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) ? 

It is a surgical procedure where doctors precisely place tiny wires, called electrodes, into specific areas of the brain. 

• These electrodes connect to a small device, similar to a heart pacemaker, which surgeons implant under the skin, near the collarbone. This device is called an Implantable Pulse Generator (IPG). 
• IPG are small, battery-powered devices containing a computer chip.
• It generates the electrical pulses and sends them through the extension wires to the electrodes. 
• Patients can control some settings of the IPG using a remote control.

Applications and Transformative Impact

Movement Disorders => DBS is most commonly used for movement disorders when medications no longer provide enough relief.

Parkinson's Disease => Causes tremors, stiffness, slow movement, and balance problems. DBS can reduce these symptoms, allowing patients to move more freely and perform daily activities.

Essential Tremor => Causes involuntary, rhythmic shaking, in the hands, making it hard to eat, write, or drink. DBS can reduce the intensity of these tremors.

Dystonia => Causes prolonged muscle contractions, leading to twisting, repetitive movements or abnormal postures. DBS helps to relax these muscles and reduce involuntary movements.

Challenges and Way Forward

High Cost => In India, DBS surgery cost ranges from Rs 10-20 lakh, which makes it largely inaccessible to a vast majority of the population.

• The largest portion of the cost is contributed by DBS implant device, which can cost between Rs 7-12 lakhs.
  • Rechargeable devices are more expensive, but are preferred for their extended battery life (up to 15 years).
  • Non-rechargeable batteries need replacement every 3–5 years.
• However, this cost is lower than many western nations, which results in increasing medical tourism in India; foreigners visiting India for medical purposes or treatment.

Accessibility => Because of the specialized expertise and equipment required, DBS procedures are mainly available only in major urban centers and highly advanced hospitals.

• The Ayushman Bharat scheme could potentially cover DBS. If DBS becomes part of such large-scale public health programs, it would improve accessibility for millions, especially those from economically weaker sections.

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Source:  EUREKALERT