The Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) in Hyderabad is enhancing the quality of life for patients with Parkinson’s disease by offering advanced treatments and comprehensive care.
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive condition that affects movement and motor control, causing symptoms such as tremors, slowness, stiffness, and balance issues. Patients may also experience non-motor symptoms like anxiety, depression, and sleep problems. To address these challenges, NIMS has established a dedicated Movement Disorder Clinic that provides various treatment options, including medications and surgeries.
Dr. Sireesha Yareeda, a senior neurologist at NIMS, emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and timely treatment to improve patient outcomes. One of the key procedures offered is Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), which is usually recommended after several years of medication when it becomes less effective or leads to side effects. DBS involves implanting electrodes in specific areas of the brain, which connect to a battery placed in the chest. This stimulation can help manage symptoms with minimal risks due to refined surgical techniques.
Dr. Yerramneni Vamsi Krishna, the head of neurosurgery at NIMS, notes that some patients might also benefit from ablation procedures, which involve using heat to target and lesion a specific brain area to improve their quality of life.
NIMS’s Movement Disorder Clinic not only focuses on Parkinson’s disease but also treats related conditions like dystonia and tremors. Importantly, the clinic offers financial assistance through Telangana government health schemes like Aarogyasri and the Employee Health Scheme, making these advanced treatments more accessible. Since August 2024, over 93 patients have received DBS at NIMS under these schemes.
-Rashmi Kumari
