AIIMS Experts Explain How Deep Brain Stimulation Helps Parkinson’s Patients

AIIMS Delhi organised India’s first-ever dedicated Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) workshop to train doctors nationwide in this advanced treatment for Parkinson’s disease. Doctors shared who needs DBS, how it improves life, and how government schemes make it more affordable.

Parkinson’s disease can gradually make everyday tasks—like walking, writing or even holding objects—difficult for patients. When medicines stop working well, many patients struggle with unpredictable movements, tremors, stiffness and poor quality of life. To support better treatment options in India, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, conducted the country’s first dedicated Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) workshop for movement disorders on 19–20 December 2025.

The workshop aimed to strengthen India’s expertise in advanced, device-assisted therapies used worldwide for Parkinson’s disease. DBS is a well-established procedure that sends mild electrical signals to specific areas of the brain, helping reduce tremors and movement fluctuations dramatically in selected patients. Although DBS is available in India, it requires highly specialised skills in imaging, neurosurgery, programming and post-operative care. This workshop focused on building those capabilities across the country.

How the Workshop Was Conducted

The event brought together more than 200 doctors and specialists from across India. The academic programme was led by Prof. Manjari Tripathi, Head of the Department of Neurology at AIIMS, along with senior neurologist Dr Achal Srivastava. The Movement Disorders team—Dr. Elavarasi A., Dr Animesh Das, Dr Roopa Rajan, Dr Divya M.R., and Dr Divyani played a central role in curating and conducting the workshop. Dr Elavarasi and Dr Animesh, who have received specialised training in Neuromodulation and Movement Disorders in London, Canada, structured the academic sessions to cover both fundamental and advanced aspects of DBS care.

The workshop reflected AIIMS’ deeply collaborative and multidisciplinary approach to DBS. The Department of Neuroradiology, led by Prof. Shailesh Gaikwad and Prof. Ajay Garg, provided essential imaging expertise required for precise electrode placement.

The Functional Neurosurgery team, under Prof. Sarat Chandra, performed the surgical implantation of DBS devices with high precision. Supporting them, the Neuroanesthesia team ensured patient comfort and safety throughout the procedure.

Adding global depth, five international DBS experts joined the workshop and conducted intensive hands-on training in device programming, image-guided DBS, and case-based clinical discussions. Special sessions were also held for clinicians new to DBS, helping build confidence among beginners. With such collaborative participation, the workshop marked an important milestone in strengthening India’s capability to deliver advanced neurological care.

Why DBS Matters

DBS is considered when medicines alone no longer provide adequate relief. It can significantly improve quality of life, reduce medication side effects and help patients regain independence in daily activities. To help patients and families understand DBS better, Health Dialogues spoke to Dr. Elavarasi A., Movement Disorders Specialist at AIIMS.

Health Dialogues speaks to Dr Elavarasi A and Dr Animesh Das on the complexity and affordability of DBS.

Que 1. DBS sounds like a complex procedure — how can an ordinary patient understand who needs Deep Brain Stimulation and when it becomes the right treatment option?

Dr Animesh Das: DBS candidacy is determined by a Movement Disorders expert Neurologist. Parkinson’s disease patients with motor fluctuations are assessed by a multidisciplinary team.

Que 2. DBS surgery is often considered expensive — is it becoming more affordable in India, and are there government schemes or support systems that can help common patients access it?”

Dr Elavarasi A: Yes, several national schemes like PMJAY, Rashtriya Aarogya Nidhi, and other state schemes allow DBS to be done in patients making it equitably distributed in government institutions like AIIMS, New Delhi.

Que 3. After DBS surgery, how much can a patient’s daily life actually improve? Can they walk, work, and function normally, and what are the possible risks or side effects they should be aware of?

Dr Elavarasi A: Patients have significant improvement in quality of life and motor fluctuations. They can walk, talk and eat on the same day. Discharged in 5 days. Can lead a normal life.

The workshop reinforced AIIMS New Delhi’s commitment to advancing cutting-edge neurological care, expanding access to DBS, and improving outcomes for patients with Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders across the country.