Bengaluru, India – April 17, 2024. Fortis Hospital Bannerghatta Road has achieved a medical breakthrough by performing India’s first high cervical spinal cord stimulation surgery on a 65-year-old French patient suffering from Parkinson Plus Syndrome.
A New Lease on Life for Wheelchair-Bound Patient
The patient, Mrs. Mary (name changed), had been battling the condition for four years. She experienced a variety of debilitating symptoms including stiffness in her legs, difficulty walking, tremors, weakness, depression, and swallowing difficulties. Confined to a wheelchair for eight months, her condition did not improve despite treatment at hospitals in Africa, England, and Paris.
Upon arrival at Fortis Hospital Bannerghatta Road, a team led by Dr. Raghuram G, Additional Director of Neurosurgery, and Dr. Guruprasad Hosurkar, Additional Director of Neurology, diagnosed her with Parkinson Plus Syndrome. Unlike Parkinson’s disease, this condition does not respond well to traditional treatments.
A Groundbreaking Surgical Approach
Recognizing the severity of her condition, the doctors opted for a novel approach – high cervical spinal cord stimulation, the first of its kind in India.
Dr. Raghuram G Explains the Procedure
“We first performed a trial surgery using an external pacemaker to monitor the patient’s response to stimulation,” explained Dr. Raghuram G. “Following this trial, we observed significant improvements in her mobility and a reduction in symptoms. Encouraged by these results, we proceeded with permanent spinal cord stimulation surgery. This involved precise placement of electrodes along the spinal cord to modulate neural activity and alleviate the symptoms of Parkinson Plus Syndrome.”
Dr. Guruprasad Hosurkar Discusses Treatment Options
“Since Deep Brain Stimulation surgery was not suitable for this patient’s condition, we recommended spinal cord stimulation surgery,” said Dr. Guruprasad Hosurkar. “We placed the electrode at the high cervical level to improve not only her gait but also her upper limb function, speech, and bladder control. This treatment offered her hope for relief from the debilitating symptoms of Parkinson Plus Syndrome.”
Successful Surgery and Rehabilitation
Following the successful surgery, Mrs. Mary was discharged after ten days and began a rehabilitation program to improve her mobility. She experienced significant improvement in her condition, including minimal assistance required for walking, and improved speech, swallowing, and bladder function.
A Commitment to Advanced Medical Care
“This achievement by Dr. Guruprasad, Dr. Raghuram and their team highlights Fortis’s commitment to providing advanced medical care and pioneering treatments to patients worldwide,” said Mr. Akshay Oleti, Business Head, Fortis Hospitals Bengaluru. “It represents a significant milestone in the field of neurosurgery and offers hope to individuals battling Parkinson Plus Syndrome.”
