A young man born deaf and mute, suffering from severe involuntary movements in his hands and legs, has found hope at the Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) in Hyderabad. Despite seeking treatment at various private hospitals, his family was unable to afford the high costs, with some quotes reaching several lakhs of rupees. However, at NIMS, the patient underwent a complex procedure called Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) that restored control over his movements, free of cost under the Aarogyasri and Chief Minister’s Relief Fund schemes.
DBS is an advanced neurosurgical procedure that treats neurological and movement disorders by implanting a device with electrodes in specific areas of the brain. The device delivers controlled electrical impulses to targeted brain regions, regulating abnormal brain activity and reducing tremors, stiffness, and involuntary movements. This allows patients to regain control over their bodies and perform daily activities independently.
Over the past year, around 130 patients have undergone DBS treatment at NIMS, with more than 100 treated under the Aarogyasri and Chief Minister’s Relief Fund schemes. Those not covered under these schemes were offered the treatment at a minimal expense compared to corporate hospitals. DBS has proven highly effective in helping patients overcome severe movement disorders and neurological conditions, restoring dignity and independence to their lives.
The treatment is primarily used to treat conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, dystonia, tremors, and certain psychiatric disorders like severe depression. DBS can dramatically improve the quality of life for patients who have not responded well to medications. In contrast to private hospitals, which charge nearly Rs 25 lakh for the procedure, NIMS provides DBS treatment at no cost or at a significantly reduced expense, making it accessible to those who cannot afford it otherwise. This initiative has brought hope to many patients and their families, offering a chance to regain control over their lives and live with dignity.