Reviewed personally by Dr. Sunkara · Written for DBS Surgery in Hyderabad · Updated September 2026
Quick Answer
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery in Hyderabad implants a small device that sends controlled electrical pulses to a specific target inside the brain, easing symptoms of Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, and dystonia once medication alone stops working well. DBS does not cure these conditions. Most patients need several programming visits after surgery before benefits are fully in place.
Dr. Raveesh Sunkara considers deep brain stimulation (DBS) only after medication has been optimized by a movement disorder specialist. Most patients have already tried several drug combinations without lasting relief, and the best DBS treatment in Hyderabad starts with that honest review, not a rush to operate.
DBS is a good example of why surgery is not as scary as you think. It works through a small opening in the skull, not open brain surgery. And the stimulation can be adjusted, or switched off, at any time.
DBS gets considered once medication for these conditions stops giving reliable, lasting control of symptoms, and side effects start outweighing the benefit.
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A multidisciplinary team reviews your diagnosis, medication history, and brain imaging together, then confirms which target and approach gives you the best chance of benefit.
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Thin electrodes are placed at the chosen brain target using imaging and mapping guidance, then connected to a pulse generator implanted under the skin near the collarbone.
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You're monitored closely for the first day, with the device typically left off until the incision has settled and the first programming visit is scheduled.
DBS surgery needs more preparation than most procedures, since the surgical plan depends on detailed imaging and testing beforehand.
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Targets a small structure deep in the brain to ease tremor, stiffness, and slow movement in Parkinson's disease, often allowing a meaningful reduction in medication dose.
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An alternative Parkinson's and dystonia target, often preferred when dyskinesia (medication-related involuntary movement) is a bigger problem than the underlying tremor itself.
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The target used most often for essential tremor, focused specifically on reducing shaking rather than the slowness and stiffness seen in Parkinson's.
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Most DBS surgery at this practice is done with you awake, because microelectrode recording and your real-time feedback let the team fine-tune electrode placement precisely. Asleep DBS, using imaging guidance alone, is reserved for select cases.
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Expect a hospital stay of a few days, with pain managed by medication and neurological checks at regular intervals.
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The device usually stays off while the incision heals. Light activity resumes, and stitches or staples are checked at a follow-up visit.
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The first programming session activates the device and sets initial settings, usually adjusted gradually over several visits rather than all at once.
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Programming visits continue as settings are fine-tuned and Parkinson's medication is often reduced gradually, guided by how your symptoms respond over time.
DBS surgery in Hyderabad succeeds or struggles on patient selection and precise programming, not the operation alone.
DBS is generally safe, but like any brain surgery it carries risks Dr. Sunkara walks through with you individually beforehand.
Possible Risks
Cost depends on the device chosen and the surgical plan. Expect a total of about ₹12 lakh to ₹15 lakh, and many insurers cover DBS once medication has already been tried and failed.
Bring your medication diary and scans to a consultation, or ask for a second opinion on a DBS plan you've been given. No judgment either way, just a clear next step.
Written & reviewed by Dr. Raveesh Sunkara, Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon & Spine Surgeon · Last updated September 2026 · Next review due March 2027