India's First Workshop on Advanced Deep Brain Stimulation at AIIMS

AIIMS Hosts Pioneering Workshop on Deep Brain Stimulation

New Delhi, Dec 19: The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) is conducting India's inaugural workshop focused on advanced Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) aimed at enhancing the skills of medical professionals in device-assisted treatments for Parkinson’s disease and various movement disorders.

This workshop, scheduled for December 19 and 20, is solely dedicated to DBS in the context of movement disorders and has received endorsement from the International Movement Disorders Society.

DBS is a proven and effective intervention that significantly alleviates motor symptoms and enhances the quality of life for appropriately selected patients.

According to Dr. Elavarasi A. and Dr. Animesh from the Movement Disorders Faculty at AIIMS New Delhi, “Deep Brain Stimulation has revolutionized the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, and developing expertise in advanced imaging, surgical techniques, and programming is crucial for providing optimal and equitable care to patients throughout India.”

In India, over 1 million individuals are affected by Parkinson’s disease, a condition characterized by the degeneration of dopamine-producing brain cells, resulting in symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and reduced movement. When conventional medical treatments fail to manage the condition effectively, device-assisted therapies like DBS can offer significant relief.

Although DBS is accessible in India, its successful implementation necessitates advanced technical skills for surgical procedures and sophisticated post-operative programming.

The workshop aims to showcase the latest advancements in DBS, including image-guided programming and innovative closed-loop systems, which facilitate personalized management and enhance clinical outcomes.

Structured training is being provided to over 200 registered delegates and faculty from various regions of the country.

Additionally, five international experts contributed their knowledge through specialized lectures, practical sessions, and case discussions, promoting a comprehensive understanding of advanced DBS programming techniques.

Sessions specifically designed for clinicians new to DBS were also included, aimed at fostering skill development among novices.

AIIMS New Delhi emphasized that this workshop underscores its dedication to advancing state-of-the-art neurological care, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, and enhancing national capabilities to improve outcomes for patients with Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders.