Pace maker in the brain relieves chronic alcoholic addiction !!
Man returns to normal life!!
First time in India, KMCH doctors inserted a small electrode connected with a pacemaker into deep parts of the brain to connect. This is called as deep brain stimulation(DBS). This treatment is used-in the advanced stages of parkinson’s disease, generalised dystonia and some cases of epilepsy.
55years old retired Mr. Arumugam from Sathyamangalam (Name has changed to conceal the identify) came to meet Dr. ArulSelvan, Consultant Neurologist for his Long Standing alcohol abuse since 2013.
He re-assured and carefully councelled him. He referred him to Dr. Srinivasan-a consultant Psychiatrist at KMCH, He was started on de -addiction programme but the patient failed for follow up appointments. He again returned to consume alcohol.
Mr. Arumugamseeked the help of other de-addiction centers but failed on several attempts. Finally in 2017, the family approached Dr. ArulSelvan in desperation. By the time patient had deteriorated considerably. He had shivering in hands, uncontrolled movements in the lips, memory loss and loss of sensation in the hands and legs. Dr. Arulselvan formed a team along with Dr. Srinivasan, Consultant Psychiatrist and Dr. Ganesan, Specialist in functional Neuro Surgeries.
After detailed discussion with the family it has been decided to do this unique treatment. They finally placed a small electrode in nucleus accumbence, a tiny nuclei in II. The deep parts of the Brain . This area controls the desire to drink. It is connected with a wire to a pacemaker which continuously sends the electrical signals throughout the day and night.
Alcoholic addiction is biggest socio economic burden in India. According to WHO, more than 30% of Indian population consume alcohol and it is on rising trend. The per capita consumption of alcohol in the country increased from 1.6 liters to 6.2 liters.
Alcohol consumption contributes about 10% of the disease burden due to TB, high blood pressure, stroke, epilepsy and irreversible liver damage. On the “years of life lost” India has been rated 4 on the scale of 1-5, implying our country loses most years of their life because of drinking and its consequences. Worryingly more and more young are getting addicted to alcohol_miartier-in-ha-zardous-and binge drinking. Alcohol abuse is associated with an increased risk of committing criminal offences including rape, child abuse, domestic violence, burglery and assault. It is also associated with loss of employment, financial problems, drunk driving, road traffic accidents and poor judgment.
While Congratulating the doctors, KMCH Chairman Dr. Nalla Palaniswami said “Kovai Medical Center continues to prove and excel in innovative and new treatments. It has an art of technology and cutting edge facilities. I am glad that this treatment had led the patient came out of the addiction behavior”. He was also hoping that more and more people will come forward to get this new treatment not only for alcohol but other addictive habits.