How MRgFUS is Changing Parkinson's Treatment in Hyderabad

Parkinson's Disease (PD) is an illness that affects coordination, movement, and balance and is neurologically progressive. While the conventional treatment options include medications and surgeries such as deep brain stimulation (DBS), care in Hyderabad is now being transformed with the introduction of a groundbreaking therapy, non-invasive Magnetic Resonance Guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS). 

What Is Parkinson's?

Parkinson's disease is diagnosed when specific nerve cells that produce dopamine start to become damaged or cease functioning altogether. Smooth and coordinated muscle movements require dopamine. The exact reasons why these cells die remain a mystery, but it is widely accepted that both genetic and environmental factors may trigger it. 

Common Symptoms

Parkinson's disease is progressive, and symptoms may appear at different times and in different variations for everyone. Common signs encompass the following:

• Tremors: Starting at a limb, tremors often include shaking and are most prominent when a person is at rest.
  
  
• Bradykinesia: a condition that leads to a person becoming extremely slow and eventually makes even the simplest tasks time-consuming.
  
  
• Muscle Stiffness: Rigid Muscles can be painful and limit the range of motion.
  
  
• Postural Instability: loss of balance and coordination, which then leads to falls.
  
  
• Changes in Speech and Writing: significantly reduced strength in speech along with slurred words and cramped writing.

Other than motor symptoms, cognitive shifts such as bustetiction and sleep disturbances are common as well.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of Parkinson's is mainly clinical, relying on a thorough medical history along with a neurological assessment. There is no definitive blood or lab tests for non-genetic cases. Imaging studies, such as MRI or dopamine transporter (DAT) scans, may be performed to exclude other conditions. Initiating Parkinson's medications with a favourable response helps strengthen the diagnosis.

Surgical Options

Surgical procedures can be considered for patients with uncontrolled symptoms despite adequate medications.

• MRgFUS: A non-invasive procedure that employs focused ultrasound waves to identify and obliterate tremor-causing brain tissue.

• Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS): To regulate abnormal electrical impulses, the procedure applies implanting of electrodes into specific areas of the brain

DBS is an invasive technique, but it is effective. It may not be suitable for everyone.

What Is MRgFUS?

Magnetic Resonance guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) is a revolutionary, non-invasive technique that focuses ultrasound waves to destroy specific areas of the brain responsible for tremors. It is performed under MRI guidance and requires no incisions or implants.

Benefits of MRgFUS

•  Non-invasive: No surgical incisions or implants.

•  Immediate results: Patients may experience relief from tremors during the procedure.

•  Minimal recovery time: The same-day discharge is common.

•  Reduced risk: Lower probability of infection or complications than traditional surgery.

MRgFUS in Hyderabad 

Hyderabad has become the centre of MRgFUS treatment in India:  

KIMS Hospitals: The only neuro care centre in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh that provides MRgFUS for the treatment of Parkinson's disease and essential tremors. 

These facilities offer new hope to patients seeking effective and less invasive treatments. 

Who Can Benefit from MRgFUS? 

Patients with advanced Parkinson's disease who have a tremor-dominant type are best suited for MRgFUS if they:  

•  Seldom respond to medications. 

•  Do not qualify for an invasive surgical procedure. 

•  Prefer non-invasive treatment

Consulting a neurologist is crucial to assess a patient's eligibility for MRgFUS. 

The launch of MRgFUS in Hyderabad marks a significant achievement in the treatment of Parkinson's disease in India, providing an alternative option to surgical procedures. With the future developments in technology, which will be enhancing the care for people living with Parkinson's disease. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is MRgFUS a cure for Parkinson's disease? 

No, it is not. MRgFUS does not cure Parkinson's disease, but it does assist in managing some symptoms, such as severe tremors in patients suffering from tremor-dominant type Parkinson's disease.

Q2: What is the duration of the MRgFUS Procedure?

This process usually takes several hours to complete, and patients may be able to go home the same day.

Q3: Are there risks associated with undergoing the MRgFUS Procedure?

Mild headaches or dizziness may affect some patients, but serious complications are infrequent.