Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects movement. It occurs due to a gradual loss of dopamine-producing cells in a region of the brain called the substantia nigra. Dopamine is a key chemical that helps regulate movement, coordination, and balance. As its levels fall, individuals begin to experience tremors, stiffness, slowness of movement, and difficulty with balance and coordination.

Contrary to popular belief, Parkinson’s isn’t just a condition of old age. While it’s more common in people over 60, early-onset cases are not rare and can significantly impact quality of life.

The symptoms of Parkinson’s extend beyond just movement. Many patients also struggle with mood changes, sleep disturbances, constipation, memory issues, and fatigue. This makes it a complex condition requiring a personalized, multidisciplinary approach.

Traditionally, treatment involves medications like Levodopa, which replenish or mimic dopamine. These medicines remain the cornerstone of therapy, especially in early stages. However, with time, their effectiveness may wane or cause  motor fluctuations, referred to as unpredictable “ON” and “OFF” periods—making symptom control challenging.

This is where Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) offers renewed hope.

DBS is a highly advanced, minimally invasive brain surgery in which thin electrodes are implanted into specific areas of the brain, most commonly the subthalamic nucleus or globus pallidus internus. These electrodes are connected to a pacemaker-like device placed under the skin in the chest, which delivers controlled electrical impulses to modulate abnormal brain activity. While it might sound complex, DBS it is generally a very safe procedure and has been life-changing for many patients.

For carefully selected patients, especially those with disabling motor fluctuations or medication-related side effects, DBS can significantly improve quality of life. Though it doesn’t cure the disease it can dramatically reduce symptoms, medication dosage, and the associated complications.

Recent innovations in DBS technology—like directional leads, Brainsense technology, Adaptive DBS and remote programming—have made the procedure safer, more precise, and more adaptable to patient needs. In addition to DBS, treatments like apomorphine injections, levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel (Duodopa), and Magnetic Resonance-guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) in carefully selected patients are emerging as promising options.

In a time when neurodegenerative conditions are on the rise, awareness and early diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease is crucial. Encouragingly, with modern treatment approaches like DBS, living well with Parkinson’s is not just possible—it’s becoming the norm.

If you or your loved one is living with Parkinson's Disease and noticing that medications aren't enough anymore, it may be time to speak to a Movement Disorder Specialist about newer treatment options like DBS.