Seven-year struggle ends for 53-year-old banker battling focal hand dystonia

The abnormal involuntary movements of his right hand significantly impacted his daily activities such as writing, eating, dressing, and shaving because he experienced continuous pain in his right hand

A 53-year-old working professional battling dystonia has been successfully treated with advanced lesioning surgery in Mumbai. The surgery promises to offer renewed hope to him and other patients with tremors, dystonia, and Parkinson’s disease and is an alternative to deep brain stimulation (DBS). 

Patients suffering from debilitating conditions like severe tremors, dystonia, and Parkinson's disease/essential tremor often struggle to perform basic activities like eating, drinking, using a cup or spoon, buttoning clothes, shaving, writing, or using a mobile phone.

Sachin Nadkarni, a 53-year-old banker, suffered from severe focal right-hand dystonia- abnormal involuntary movements of his right hand for the past seven years, which significantly impacted his daily activities such as writing, eating, dressing, and shaving. He experienced continuous pain in his right hand, and his hand would move inward while walking or using small objects causing clumsiness while using the hand. Despite being on several dystonia medications, there was only partial, temporary improvement. However, he found substantial relief through Lesioning surgery (of the left ventro-oralis nucleus of the thalamus), which provided immediate pain relief and almost complete resolution of the involuntary movements. This revolutionary procedure offers hope for many patients with similar conditions.

Dr Pankaj Agarwal, head of the Department of Neurology at Gleneagles Hospital in Parel Mumbai said, “Lesioning surgery is an excellent option for many patients with severe Tremor and Dystonia, either isolated or as part of diseases such as Parkinson’s disease or Essential Tremor or other neurological diseases. Unlike DBS (deep brain stimulation), which requires the implantation of a pacemaker and is often expensive, Lesioning surgery uses a heated metal tip (that uses radiofrequency waves) to silence abnormal circuits in certain nuclei or targets in the deep part of the brain. By using precise radiofrequency waves to target abnormal brain circuits, this technique delivers immediate and lasting relief, significantly improving patients' quality of life. Many of our patients, who have been suffering for years, can now perform simple tasks like eating or writing without difficulty. The results are life-changing, and the procedure itself is highly specialised yet cost-effective.”

He adds. “This procedure is an excellent option for many movement disorders patients due to its immediate efficacy, affordability, and relative longevity. For patients who have struggled with chronic symptoms for many years, the results are almost miraculous and on-table, seen within minutes of the lesion being created. Moreover, the reduced cost and shorter recovery time make it an accessible option for many individuals who cannot afford DBS (deep brain stimulation)."

Dr. Naren Nayak, functional neurosurgeon, at Gleneagles Hospital, added, “Lesioning surgery requires immense (millimeter) precision and represents a highly specialized form of functional neurosurgery. These surgeries are rarely performed but have great scope and potential to help our patients.  At our hospital, we have successfully treated patients who were unable to lead normal lives due to the severity of their conditions. The improvements we have seen are immediate, allowing patients to regain control over their lives. This minimally invasive surgery only offers hope but also ensures affordability, making it a viable option for those in need.”

“Lesioning surgery marks a breakthrough in the treatment of chronic movement disorders. With its immediate results, long-lasting benefits, and affordability, it offers hope to patients whose lives have been significantly impacted by severe neurological conditions by transforming lives,” concluded Dr Bipin Chevale, CEO of the hospital.

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