For the first time in Central and Eastern Europe, a remotely programmable, rechargeable deep brain stimulation system was recently implanted at the University of Pécs Clinical Centre Department of Neurology. The brain stimulation system, which helps improve symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, dystonia, and various tremors, was introduced in Pécs for the first time apart from the United States and Germany.
During deep brain stimulation therapy, electrical stimulation delivered by a brain pacemaker (stimulator) can normalise brain function, resulting in symptomatic improvement in Parkinson’s disease, dystonia, and various tremors. Deep brain stimulation is a safe procedure that can be used in childhood dystonia (a condition characterised by abnormal muscle contractions, abnormal posture, limb positioning, and involuntary movements) starting as early as age seven.
Professor Norbert Kovács, the medical director of the team performing the implantation and professor at the UP CC Department of Neurology, commented on this revolutionary procedure: “The introduction of rechargeable systems capable of remote programming represents a breakthrough for our patients who require high levels of stimulation energy. In cases of dystonia and Parkinson’s disease, these systems may be capable of treating patients for as long as 20–25 years. For them, this simultaneously provides access to remote programming and the benefits of deep brain stimulation systems that remain functional for decades.”
Since 2001, more than 500 patients, including many children, have received deep brain stimulation treatment at the University of Pécs, which is a procedure covered by social security. For a long time, periodic adjustment and monitoring of the stimulator could only be performed through in-person examinations, which placed a significant burden on patients living far from the clinic.
In August 2022, a new system enabling remote programming was introduced for the first time in Central and Eastern Europe at the UP CC Department of Neurology for patients undergoing neuromodulation therapy for chronic pain or movement disorders. The goal of remote programming is to improve care for patients undergoing deep brain stimulation or spinal cord stimulation who live far from the programming centre or are unable to visit their specialist due to external circumstances.
The remote programming system introduced in Pécs in 2022 has so far been usable only with non-rechargeable deep brain stimulation systems, which have the disadvantage that the generator may need to be replaced every 3 to 6 years. In contrast, the deep brain stimulation system, now implanted for the first time, is rechargeable and capable of remote programming, representing a huge step forward.
Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder, and its incidence has doubled over the past 20 years. This condition, characterised by slowness of movement, clumsiness, and periodic tremors, is increasingly being diagnosed in younger, working-age adults. The disease very often leads to early retirement. Deep brain stimulation offers a significant improvement in the quality of life for Parkinson’s patients in whom combined drug therapy has only limited effectiveness. In addition to preserving and improving the quality of life, the treatment also helps maintain the ability to work.
Source:
PTE