Parkinson’s disease gradually limits movement, balance, and daily functioning—making routine tasks like walking, writing or eating a challenge. When medicines stop controlling symptoms effectively, patients experience tremors, stiffness, and fluctuations that severely affect their quality of life. In an effort to strengthen treatment options across India, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, organised the country’s first-ever dedicated Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) workshop for movement disorders on December 19–20, 2025.
DBS is a globally recognised therapy that uses controlled electrical impulses to targeted areas of the brain, significantly reducing tremors and improving motor control in eligible Parkinson’s patients. Although the therapy exists in India, it demands advanced expertise in neuroimaging, neurosurgery, programming, and long-term follow-up. The workshop was designed to build this specialised capacity nationwide.
A National-Scale Training Initiative
More than 200 neurologists, neurosurgeons and clinicians from across the country participated. The academic programme was led by Prof. Manjari Tripathi, Head of Neurology at AIIMS, along with senior neurologist Dr. Achal Srivastava. The Movement Disorders team—including Dr. Elavarasi A., Dr. Animesh Das, Dr. Roopa Rajan, Dr. Divya M.R., and Dr. Divyani—designed the scientific sessions.
Both Dr. Elavarasi and Dr. Animesh, trained in Neuromodulation and Movement Disorders in London, curated workshops that covered both foundational and advanced DBS practices.
The programme highlighted AIIMS’ strong collaborative approach. Experts from Neuroradiology—Prof. Shailesh Gaikwad and Prof. Ajay Garg—demonstrated imaging precision essential for DBS accuracy. The Functional Neurosurgery team led by Prof. Sarat Chandra performed the delicate surgical implantation procedures, while the Neuroanesthesia team ensured safe perioperative care.
Adding international depth, five global DBS specialists conducted hands-on programming sessions, image-guided DBS demonstrations, and interactive case discussions. Dedicated sessions also helped clinicians new to DBS understand the fundamentals of patient selection and device management.
Why DBS Matters for Patients
DBS becomes an option when medication no longer provides stable symptom control. To make the therapy clearer for families and patients, experts from AIIMS explained the treatment in simple terms.
Speaking to Health Dialogues, Dr. Animesh Das clarified how patients are chosen for DBS:
“A Movement Disorders neurologist determines DBS candidacy. Parkinson’s patients with significant motor fluctuations are assessed by a multidisciplinary team before selecting the procedure.”
On the issue of affordability—a common concern—Dr. Elavarasi A. explained that the treatment is increasingly within reach for ordinary families: “Several national schemes like PMJAY, Rashtriya Aarogya Nidhi, and various state programmes now support DBS. This has made the therapy more accessible in government institutions like AIIMS, New Delhi.”
She also highlighted how dramatically life can improve after the surgery: “Patients experience major improvement in their quality of life. Many can walk, talk and even eat on the same day after DBS. They are usually discharged within five days and can lead a normal life.”
