Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery (DBS) Cost in India - Get Cost Estimate

What is the Cost of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Surgery in India?

Deep brain stimulation (DBS), a neurosurgical procedure, is used to treat movement disorders. The cost of DBS surgery in India generally ranges from INR 5,00,000 to INR 20,00,000 for Indian patients, while the same costs USD 22,000 to USD 28,000 for international patients. This cost includes specialists’ fees, medical consumables, and the number of sessions.

What is DBS Surgery?

Sometimes, the symptoms of neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease (PD), dystonia, essential tremor, epilepsy, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), etc., cannot be controlled through medication or other treatment. In such cases, DBS surgery is recommended to treat these movement disorders.

In deep brain stimulation (DBS), electrodes are implanted in specific regions of the brain. These electrodes generate electrical impulses to treat abnormal brain activity. The DBS is placed under the patient's skin in the chest to control the amount of stimulation delivered to the brain. 

A DBS system has three parts that are implanted inside the body:

• Neurostimulator: This programmable battery-powered pacemaker device creates electric pulses.
• Lead: It is a coated wire with several electrodes at the tip that delivers electric pulses to brain tissue. 
• Extension: This insulated wire connects the lead to the neurostimulator. 

DBS treats individuals with malfunctioning neurons and helps activate these neurons and improve symptoms of various brain conditions.

What are the Factors Affecting DBS Surgery Costs in India?

The cost of DBS surgery in India varies depending on several factors, including the type of surgery, hospital, type of device used, etc. Some of these factors are mentioned below:

• Type and brand of the DBS device: Different types and brands of DBS devices are available in the market, each with its own features, advantages, and disadvantages. Depending on the type and brand, the device's price can range from INR 2 lakh to INR 6 lakh.
• Hospital charges: Hospital charges include the fees for surgery, anaesthesia, hospital stay, medications, and other expenses. They can differ depending on the hospital's location, reputation, and facilities. 
• Doctor's charges: The doctor's charges include the fees for the neurologist, neurosurgeon, and other specialists involved in the DBS procedure. The doctor's charges can vary depending on the experience, expertise, and reputation of the doctor.
• Pre-surgery evaluation: The pre-surgery assessment may consist of blood tests, MRI, CT scan, PET scan, EEG, neuropsychological tests, and others. 
• The follow-up sessions: Follow-up sessions include regular visits to the doctor to evaluate your condition, adjust the device's settings, and provide support and guidance. Depending on the frequency and duration of the sessions, they may add to the overall cost.

What are the Pre-surgical and Post-surgical Expenses of DBS Surgery?

The expenses linked to DBS surgery in India may differ significantly based on the hospital, city, and individual patient requirements. The procedure involves certain pre- and post-surgical costs, including the following:

• Pre-treatment expenses (Consultations, Blood tests, CT, MRI, EEG, EKG): INR 15,000 - INR 20,000 (USD 500 - USD 700)
• Post-treatment expenses (Follow-up consultations, investigations, medications, and device programming): INR 4,000 - INR 5,000 (USD 200 - USD 300)

It is advisable to get a detailed cost estimate from the hospital before proceeding with DBS surgery. This should include all potential expenses to avoid any surprises and to plan accordingly.

What is Involved in the Recovery After DBS Surgery?

The recovery process after DBS surgery involves various stages and requires careful management to ensure good outcomes. Here is an overview of what is typically involved in the recovery process:

• Proper care of the surgical incisions to prevent infection.
• Avoid any strenuous activity that might disrupt the healing process.
• Regular check-ups with the neurologist to monitor the device's performance and make any necessary adjustments.
• Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, if required
• Immediately address any signs of infection.

Recovery after DBS surgery involves medical, physical, and emotional support to ensure the best possible outcomes. Regular follow-ups are key components of successful recovery.

DBS represents a powerful tool in the management of certain neurological disorders. It offers hope and improved quality of life for many patients who have not responded adequately to other treatments.

Does Insurance Cover the Cost of DBS Surgery?

DBS is FDA-approved and covered by most health insurance companies. Some insurance companies require prior authorization before surgery, and some may initially deny coverage due to a lack of understanding of DBS. However, it is important to note that coverage extent and specific terms can vary depending on the insurance provider and policy details.

It is recommended that you thoroughly review your policy's specifics to increase the likelihood of receiving the maximum coverage available for the surgery.