Deep Brain Pacemaker offers hope to UAE Parkinson’s Sufferers

Deep Brain Pacemaker offers hope to UAE Parkinson’s Sufferers
UAE sufferers of Parkinson’s disease and other neurological or psychiatric diseases will now benefit from the highest level of expertise and cutting-edge technology in their battle against the debilitating condition that affects thousands throughout the emirates.
A symptom of Parkinson's disease is uncontrollable tremors, which can completely disable the sufferer and massively diminish their quality of life. New technology in the field of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) has vastly improved success rates and this collaboration between the University of Cologne, Germany, and German Center for Neurology and Psychiatry (GNP) in Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC), will bring the advanced technology to the UAE for the first time.
Treatment with a DBS brain pacemaker can help patients with severe movement disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, that are no longer adequately controlled by drug therapy. The principle is similar to the better-known heart pacemaker, where electric current is applied via implanted electrodes stimulating the nerve tissue. The recently-improved Medtronic pacemaker is rechargeable, placing less strain on patients compared to previous versions.
This unique cooperation  between pioneer of DBS, Professor Dr Volker Sturm of University of Cologne, Germany, and Dr Arne Brosig of GNP will include combined research and practice and will allow patients access to treatments, pre and post operative care, both in Dubai and, when necessary, in Germany.
 Speaking at GNP’s clinic, Dr Utako Barnikol, faculty member and part of the DBS team at the University of Cologne, expressed her delight in bringing this facility on a permanent basis to the UAE.
“It is estimated over 150,000 patients are suffering from Parkinson’s disease in Germany and many are benefitting from this newly improved pacemaker technology, which greatly improves results and therapeutical options. Deep brain stimulations have been carried out in the emirates on several occasions with expertise flying in, but there has never been an established standard practice for sufferers here.
“Our first goal is the translational work, where concentrated knowledge about novel therapies will be transferred to GNP in Dubai. Through this it will very soon be possible to help patients presenting for these novel treatments at this unique and innovative practice in Dubai Healthcare City”.
 GNP’s Dr Arne Brosig added: “I believe this clinical research co-operation between GNP and the team of DBS specialists, which has operated on thousands of patients and is led by a pioneer of stereotactic neurosurgery, is a major coup for the UAE and Middle East.
“This is very much a last resort technique, as it is a very complex neurosurgery, but it can be incredibly effective and, with the new and improved techniques, results have been even more successful. As a result, I expect huge demand here in the UAE where this has not been readily available.”
In Germany over 20,000 patients suffering from Parkinson’s have been treated using DBS, with many going from being almost completely handicapped to leading a reasonable normal life.
“This very special co-operation is unique both in Germany and the UAE and we are grasping this opportunity to provide a lifeline to a multitude of sufferers of severe disease. Many who expected to suffer until death now having access to some of the most advanced expertise on the entire planet right here in Dubai.”
Many other conditions can be treated using DBS, including dystonia, chronic pain, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Tourettes Syndrome and various addictions. Users of DBS pacemakers were recently given a boost by groundbreaking technology developed in 2008, which means patients no longer need to replace pacemaker batteries. Once per week pacemaker patients wear a device for e few hours that recharges the unit under the skin without any need for invasive techniques.
Anyone wishing to arrange a consultation or check-up can call +971 04 429 8578 or visit www.gnp-dubai.com