Best DBS Centre in India and How to Choose the Right Care for Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders
Quick Summary
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) has the ability to help patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders experience a smooth life. The following document provides information on the process of DBS, criteria for qualifying and how to find the Best DBS center in India, using the expert advice of Dr. Sujith Ovallath from BMH.
If you are affected by Parkinson’s disease yourself or your loved one has been affected, then you would definitely be aware of the exhausting process that comes with the disease – the “on-off phenomenon”. Medications which used to work very well earlier become ineffective sooner, tremors resurface, and simple actions like buttoning your shirt and drinking your tea seem too much of an effort.
It is very common to hear the reply as DBS. The natural follow-up would be ‘where can we get it?’ It is a question that is frequently asked by the families of patients in Dr. Sujith Ovallath’s Parkinson’s and DBS clinics in BMH. We are answering that question in this blog post, simply and truthfully.
What Is Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) and How Does It Work?
DBS involves implantation of tiny electrodes within the brain areas responsible for controlling body movements. The electrodes are then wired to a small device, which resembles a heart pacemaker, that is implanted into the patient's chest just under the collarbone area. This device provides impulses that will help regulate the abnormal brain impulses causing tremors, rigidity, and slowness.
DBS is not a cure for Parkinson's disease and should not be considered a last resort for patients. It is actually a safe procedure that is able to relieve patients' symptoms, stabilize their medication effects, and in many cases decrease the doses of medications.
Who Is a Good Candidate for DBS?
Not everyone needs DBS, and that honesty matters.
You may be a candidate if you have:
- Parkinson’s disease for several years, with a clear benefit from levodopa
- Medicine “wearing-off” periods or sudden on-off swings
- Troublesome involuntary movements (dyskinesia)
- Disabling tremor, dystonia, or essential tremor not controlled by medicines
- Good general health and stable memory and thinking
A thorough evaluation by a movement disorder neurologist is the only way to know for sure.
What Makes the Best DBS Centre in India?
It is rarely about a fancy building. The Best DBS centre in India is defined by its people, process, and long-term support.
Look for these essentials:
- A movement disorder neurologist who leads the programme
- A skilled neurosurgical, anaesthesia, and imaging team working together
- Careful patient selection, not surgery for everyone
- Dedicated programming clinics after surgery
- Physiotherapy, speech, and rehabilitation support
- Honest counselling about benefits, risks, and limits
How Do You Compare DBS Centres Before Deciding?
Use this quick checklist to separate a truly Best DBS centre in India from one that only advertises itself that way:
- Patient selection: Multi-step evaluation vs. surgery offered quickly
- Team: Neurologist-led, multidisciplinary vs. single-specialist decisions
- Programming: Regular fine-tuning visits vs. one-time device setup
- Counselling: Realistic expectations vs. over-promising
- Follow-up: Long-term care and rehab vs. discharge and done
Why Do Families Trust Dr. Sujith Ovallath for DBS?
A center that promises to be the Best DBS center in India always wants a doctor with experience and compassion. Dr. Sujith Ovallath has both.
- Over 20 years of experience as a neurologist
- Started the first DBS programme in North Kerala
- Post-doctoral training in Parkinson’s and DBS at the University of British Columbia, Canada
- MBBS with a Gold Medal in Medicine, followed by MD, DNB, and DM in Neurology
- Director of the James Parkinson’s Movement Disorder Research Centre
- Author of 4 books, with national and international publications
Just as important is a clear, patient-first approach: explaining options plainly, involving caregivers, and setting realistic goals from day one.
Which Other Conditions Does the Team Treat?
DBS is only one part of the care available.
Dr. Sujith also manages:
- Tremor, balance disorders, and dystonia
- Tics and chorea
- Botulinum toxin therapy for dystonia and spasticity
- Post-stroke spasticity and neurological rehabilitation
- Epilepsy, migraine, and chronic headaches
- Acute stroke, dementia, and neurodegenerative diseases
What Happens Before, During, and After DBS Surgery?
Before Surgery
There will be a thorough neurologic examination, brain scans, and a test of your mood and memory. Your medication effect is also assessed very well. Caregivers are highly recommended to participate in the process.
During Surgery
With accurate imaging and mapping of the brain, the surgeon inserts the electrodes in the correct location, attaching them to the pulse generator. The patient’s safety and comfort are the first considerations at all times.
After Surgery
The programming process normally starts a couple of weeks after the operation when swelling subsides. The settings will be adjusted through several appointments in conjunction with medication adjustments. Physiotherapy and rehabilitation assist in making the best of newfound freedom.
Is DBS Safe, and What Are the Risks?
As with any operation on the brain, DBS has risks such as bleeding, infection, trouble speaking or balancing, as well as problems with the device itself. When done by professionals and for the right patients, however, complications are rare. This is precisely why the quality of your team makes all the difference.
How Much Does DBS Cost, and Is It Worth It?
The cost is dependent upon the type of equipment, the hospital you go to, the class of the room, and your insurance, so request for a quotation first. A lot of parents have realized the importance of reduced accidents, less stress, and decreased dependence.
How Can You Book a DBS Consultation?
Taking the first step is simpler than most people expect. If you are looking for the Best DBS centre in India, start with a consultation at one of Dr. Sujith Ovallath’s clinics:
- BMH Kannur: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM; Thursday Parkinson’s and DBS Clinic, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- BMH Calicut: Saturday Parkinson’s and DBS Clinic, 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM
- Phone: +91 7025 903 871
- Email: sujithok@gmail.com
Please confirm timings with hospital reception before visiting. Carry your old prescriptions, MRI reports, and, if possible, a short video of your symptoms when medicines wear off.
Patient Resources
What Do Patients Ask Most About DBS?
01 Does DBS cure Parkinson’s disease?
No. It controls symptoms and improves quality of life, but the underlying disease continues.
02 Can I stop my medicines after DBS?
Most people still need medicines, though often at lower doses. Your doctor will guide the changes.
03 Is there an age limit for DBS?
There is no fixed cut-off. Overall health, memory, and medicine response matter more than age.
04 How long does the DBS battery last?
It depends on the device type and your settings. When a replacement is needed, it is usually a short, minor procedure.
05 How do I know if I am a candidate?
Only a specialist evaluation can answer this. Book a consultation, and the team will assess your symptoms, scans, and medicine response.
Ready to Take the Next Step Toward a Better Movement?
Life with Parkinson’s disease or a movement disorder can be challenging, but you don’t have to go through this alone. By selecting The Best DBS centre in India, you will have access to expertise, integrity, and commitment, all of which are what Dr. Sujith Ovallath and his team at Baby Memorial Hospital (BMH) are committed to providing to their patients.