Magnetic Resonance-guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) offers an incision-free pathway for treating Parkinson’s disease and Essential Tremor, yet its adoption in India remains limited.
Understanding MRgFUS as a Non-Invasive Alternative
For patients facing the physical toll of Parkinson’s disease or Essential Tremor, traditional surgical options often involve significant risks, such as incisions or drilling into the skull. Dr. Gopal Krishna, a consultant neurosurgeon at KIMS Hospital, notes that the MRgFUS procedure eliminates these physical burdens. Because the treatment is performed entirely inside an MRI suite, it avoids the need for invasive openings, making it a viable option for older adults who may be poor candidates for conventional surgery.
Did you know?
The MRgFUS procedure typically lasts between 90 minutes and two hours. It is performed on one side of the brain to address symptoms on the opposite side of the body, with subsequent treatment for the other side considered after a six-to-nine-month interval.
Bridging the Gap in Indian Healthcare
While the technology is widely utilized in the United States and other international markets, it is not yet widely available across India. Dr. Aniruddha Bhagwat, a neurosurgeon at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital in Pune, highlighted this disparity during the NeuroNext Forum. He emphasized that the treatment is specifically designed for those whose symptoms remain unmanaged by medication or for patients who experience severe adverse reactions to existing pharmaceutical options.
The Vattikutti Foundation organized the forum to address these access barriers. Abhinav Vattikutti of the foundation stated that the goal is to connect medical experts directly with patients and caregivers, fostering a better understanding of modern treatment journeys that remain underutilized in the current clinical landscape.
Clinical Considerations for Patients
Doctors involved in the forum noted that the primary outcome of MRgFUS is a reduction in tremors, which can significantly improve a patient’s ability to perform daily activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary benefit of MRgFUS over traditional surgery?
MRgFUS is an incision-free procedure that does not require drilling into the skull or surgical stitches, reducing the physical trauma associated with traditional neurological surgeries.
Is MRgFUS suitable for all Parkinson’s patients?
According to Dr. Aniruddha Bhagwat, it is particularly indicated for patients whose symptoms are not adequately controlled by medication or those who suffer from severe side effects due to drug therapy.
How long does the recovery process take?
Because the procedure is non-invasive and performed within an MRI suite, it avoids many of the recovery hurdles associated with open brain surgery.
Can both sides of the brain be treated at once?
No. The procedure is performed on one side of the brain at a time. Treatment for the opposite side may be considered by a medical team after a period of six to nine months, depending on the patient’s condition.
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