PANCHKULA: Paras Health Panchkula, on the occasion of World Movement Disorders Day, shared the remarkable recovery of a 72-year-old Parkinson’s patient who regained mobility and independence following a successful Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) procedure conducted in an awake state.
The patient, Mr Singh, had lived with Parkinson’s disease for 12 years. His medications, including levodopa and dopamine agonists, had progressively lost effectiveness, providing only short-term relief and requiring 5–7 doses daily. At Paras Health Panchkula, Dr Jaslovleen Kaur, Director – Parkinson’s & Movement Disorders, Neurology, assessed that his symptoms could no longer be adequately controlled with medicines alone.
During the 4-hour awake brain surgery, a 14-member team implanted electrodes in the specific brain regions that regulate tremors and movement. Throughout the awake phase, neurologists interacted with the patient to assess symptom response and ensure precise electrode placement. In the second stage, performed under general anaesthesia, a small pulse generator was implanted in the chest and connected to the brain electrodes.
Within four to five days, the patient was discharged. Two months after surgery, his reliance on medication has reduced from seven tablets a day to just one. Tremors have stabilised, gait and balance have improved significantly, and he has resumed driving and daily household activities — tasks that had become increasingly difficult over the past decade.
Speaking about the case, Dr Pankaj Mittal, Facility Director, Paras Health Panchkula, said, “DBS is not just a technological advance; it helps patients reclaim independence and dignity. Cases like this reinforce the importance of timely evaluation and expert neurological care.”
Dr Jaslovleen Kaur added that many Parkinson’s patients continue struggling despite medication because they are unaware of advanced medical options like DBS. “Early referral and timely intervention can dramatically improve quality of life, ” she said.
Expressing his gratitude, Mr Singh said that being awake during surgery initially made him anxious, but constant reassurance from the medical team kept him calm. “The results have given me confidence and freedom I thought I had lost, ” he said.