Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Surgery at Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai

The Department of Neurosurgery at Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre is home to India's first and most experienced Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) programme. Established in 1998 by Prof. Dr. Paresh K. Doshi, the programme has performed over 750 DBS surgeries across 28 years — the largest single-centre DBS experience in India. Jaslok is the only hospital in India equipped with two complete sets of stereotactic frames, planning stations, MRI, and microelectrode recording (MER) equipment, ensuring uninterrupted surgical scheduling and the highest standards of patient safety.

DBS is a surgical procedure in which a small device — similar to a cardiac pacemaker — is implanted to deliver precisely calibrated electrical impulses to specific regions of the brain. This modulation of abnormal brain activity provides sustained relief from the motor and non-motor symptoms of several neurological and psychiatric conditions, often transforming the quality of life of patients for whom medication alone is no longer adequate.

A Legacy of Excellence in Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)

• 750+ DBS Surgeries Performed – One of India's most experienced centres in Deep Brain Stimulation procedures.
• India's First DBS Surgery in 1998 – A pioneering milestone that established new standards in advanced neurosurgical care.
• 28 Years of Continuous Patient Follow-up – Demonstrating long-term expertise and commitment to patient outcomes.
• Only Centre in India with Two Complete Stereotactic Equipment Sets – Ensuring enhanced precision, efficiency, and uninterrupted surgical capabilities.

Leading the Way in DBS Innovation, Expertise, and Patient Care for Nearly Three Decades.

Conditions Treated by the Jaslok DBS Programme

The DBS programme at Jaslok Hospital evaluates and treats the following conditions. All patients undergo a formal multidisciplinary assessment — including neurological, neuropsychological, and surgical review — before surgery is recommended.

Parkinson's Disease

The most common indication for DBS. Recommended for patients experiencing motor fluctuations, medication-induced dyskinesias, or tremor that is no longer adequately controlled by medication alone. DBS does not cure Parkinson's disease but can significantly extend the duration and quality of 'on' time and reduce dependence on high-dose levodopa.

Essential Tremor

DBS of the thalamus (Vim) provides highly effective and sustained suppression of hand, head, and voice tremors. Particularly valuable for patients whose tremor prevents writing, eating, or performing fine motor tasks. Results are often immediate and dramatic.

Dystonia

Generalised, segmental, cervical, and focal dystonias — including writer's cramp — are treated with DBS targeting the globus pallidus internus (GPi). Improvement may be gradual over several months but can be transformative in severe cases.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Jaslok Hospital is one of the few centres in India performing DBS for severe, treatment-resistant OCD. The procedure targets the anterior limb of the internal capsule / nucleus accumbens. Candidates are evaluated by a dedicated psychiatric neuromodulation team.

Treatment-Resistant Depression

DBS for depression is evaluated on an individual basis for patients with severe, chronic depression unresponsive to pharmacological and psychological treatments. Offered as part of a supervised, ethics-approved pathway.

Epilepsy

For patients with medically refractory epilepsy where resective surgery is not appropriate, DBS of the anterior nucleus of the thalamus (ANT) — the SANTE protocol — is offered. Reduces seizure frequency and severity in carefully selected cases.

Tourette Syndrome

Severe, debilitating Tourette Syndrome that has not responded to medication may be considered for DBS. Each case is evaluated individually by the multidisciplinary team.

Chronic Pain and Spasticity

Including spinal cord stimulation and intrathecal baclofen therapy for spasticity conditions, managed under the same functional neurosurgery programme.

Meet the Programme Director

Prof. Dr. Paresh K. Doshi

Director of Neurosurgery and Stereotactic & Functional Neurosurgery, Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre, Mumbai

Prof. Dr. Paresh K. Doshi is the founder and director of India's first Deep Brain Stimulation programme, established at Jaslok Hospital in 1998. He received advanced training in Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London — one of the world's foremost centres for neurological surgery — and trained in DBS under Prof. Alim-Louis Benabid in Grenoble, France, where Deep Brain Stimulation was first developed.

Over 28 years, Prof. Doshi has performed more than 750 DBS procedures, covering the full spectrum of movement disorders, psychiatric conditions, epilepsy, and chronic pain. He is an internationally recognised authority in functional neurosurgery, with publications in Movement Disorders Clinical Practice, Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, and Neuromodulation. He serves on the faculty of international meetings including the World Society for Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery (WSSFN) and is the Organising Chairman of the 15th AASSFN Meeting, to be held in Mumbai in May 2027.

For full credentials, publications, and academic appointments: Click here 

Frequently Asked Questions — DBS Surgery at Jaslok

Is DBS surgery safe? What are the risks?

DBS is an established, FDA-approved procedure with a well-characterised risk profile. The primary surgical risks include bleeding within the brain (approximately 1–2% of cases) and infection (approximately 3–5%). Hardware-related issues such as lead displacement or device malfunction can occur and are manageable. The majority of patients who undergo DBS at Jaslok experience no serious complications. The risk-benefit discussion is individualised for each patient during the pre-surgical evaluation.

How do I know if I am a candidate for DBS surgery?

Candidacy is determined by formal multidisciplinary evaluation, not by a single consultation. For Parkinson's disease, the key criteria are: a confirmed diagnosis, a clear and meaningful response to levodopa medication (assessed by formal challenge), adequate cognitive function, and symptoms that are no longer controlled satisfactorily by medication despite optimised dosing. For other conditions, specific criteria apply. The Jaslok team conducts this evaluation comprehensively before any surgical recommendation is made.

How long does DBS surgery take at Jaslok?

The awake lead implantation phase typically takes 3–5 hours, depending on the number of leads being placed (unilateral or bilateral) and the complexity of the microelectrode recording. The IPG implantation, which may be performed in the same session or the following day, takes approximately 1–2 hours. Total hospital stay is typically 5–7 days.

What is the cost of DBS surgery at Jaslok Hospital?

The cost of DBS surgery at Jaslok depends on the type of DBS system selected (rechargeable or non-rechargeable), the number of leads placed, and the patient's specific clinical requirements. A detailed cost estimate is provided during the pre-surgical consultation. International patients may request a cost estimate in advance by contacting the programme coordinator. For indicative pricing, please contact: +91 99309 90777.

Can international patients undergo DBS at Jaslok?

Yes. Jaslok Hospital has extensive experience with international patients from the Middle East, East Africa, South-East Asia, and Europe. Pre-operative evaluation can be conducted remotely using available clinical records and imaging. The programme team coordinates medical visa support, airport transfer, accommodation referrals, and post-operative telemedicine follow-up. Contact the international patient coordinator at: +91 99309 90777.

Does DBS surgery cure Parkinson's disease?

DBS does not cure Parkinson's disease or alter its underlying progression. It is a highly effective symptomatic therapy — it significantly reduces tremor, rigidity, slowness of movement, and motor fluctuations, and can dramatically reduce the required medication dose. Many patients describe a return to near-normal function for several years after surgery. The programme's 28-year follow-up data at Jaslok provides realistic, evidence-based guidance on long-term outcomes that is shared with every patient before surgery.

Can DBS be used for conditions other than Parkinson's disease?

Yes. The Jaslok DBS programme treats Essential Tremor, Dystonia, OCD, treatment-resistant Depression, Epilepsy, and Tourette Syndrome in addition to Parkinson's disease. Each condition has specific candidacy criteria. Please contact the programme team to discuss whether DBS may be appropriate for your specific situation.

What happens if DBS does not work adequately after surgery?

DBS programming is an iterative process that may take several months to optimise. In cases where initial programming does not achieve the expected benefit, the Jaslok team performs systematic re-evaluation to assess lead placement accuracy, programming parameters, and concomitant medication. The programme has also evaluated and revised patients referred from other centres following suboptimal DBS outcomes. This experience — accumulated over 28 years — is a core competency of the Jaslok DBS team.



Patient Experiences — Life After DBS at Jaslok

Mr. Suresh Menon, a 59-year-old IT professional, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2015. Over the years, he developed severe tremors, rigidity, slowness of movements, and disabling motor fluctuations that progressively affected both his personal and professional life. Despite increasing medications, his symptoms continued to worsen, eventually forcing him to voluntarily resign from his job due to declining functional abilities and reduced quality of life. After comprehensive evaluation, he was found suitable for Deep Brain Stimulation surgery and underwent the procedure in January 2025 under the care of Dr. Paresh Doshi. Following surgery and personalized DBS programming, Mr. Menon experienced remarkable improvement in tremors, mobility, rigidity, and motor fluctuations. Today, one year after DBS surgery, he has regained independence in daily activities, enjoys an active social life, and has rediscovered his passion for hobbies and writing. His journey reflects the life-changing impact DBS can have when performed with the right diagnosis, expertise, and long-term follow-up care. Click to Read full story

 

Mr. Mahindra Pawar, a 54-year-old event organizer working at the Mantralaya, spent most of his professional life managing large-scale events that demanded coordination, leadership, communication, and constant activity. Known for his disciplined work ethic and energetic personality, he took great pride in handling responsibilities with confidence and precision. Around 2011, he gradually began noticing subtle changes in his movements. Over time, slowness, stiffness, and increasing difficulty performing routine activities started affecting both his personal and professional life. Despite these challenges, he continued fulfilling his responsibilities with determination, refusing to let his condition interfere with his commitment to work. As the years progressed, the symptoms became more disabling and emotionally exhausting. Activities that once felt effortless started requiring significant effort, and the growing physical limitations slowly affected his confidence and overall quality of life. After comprehensive medical evaluation, Mr. Pawar was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Initially, medications provided partial relief, but over time, fluctuations in symptom control and worsening physical limitations continued to impact his daily functioning. Considering the progression of symptoms and their effect on his independence and career, he was evaluated for Deep Brain Stimulation surgery and successfully underwent the procedure on 16/02/2022 under the care of Dr. Paresh Doshi. Following DBS surgery and long-term follow-up care, Mr. Pawar experienced significant improvement in mobility, stiffness, and overall functional capacity. Most importantly, he gradually regained the confidence and independence that Parkinson’s Disease had slowly taken away over the years. Over the past four years, he has steadily returned to his normal routine and resumed his professional responsibilities with renewed confidence and energy. One of the most meaningful milestones in his recovery journey was successfully organizing a major office event once again — an achievement that symbolized not just professional success, but also his return to the life and identity he once feared losing. Even four years after DBS surgery, his symptoms remain under very good control, allowing him to continue working actively, independently, and confidently. His journey is a powerful example of the long-term benefits of DBS when combined with the right diagnosis, expert surgical care, continuous follow-up, and personal determination. Click to Read full story


 

Mr. Mahindra Dingra, a 60-year-old gentleman living with Parkinson’s Disease since 2005, experienced progressive tremors, slowness of movements, rigidity, and increasing difficulty performing daily activities. What began as tremors in the right upper limb gradually progressed to involve the right lower limb and later affected his overall mobility and independence.

As the disease advanced, routine activities became increasingly difficult and physically exhausting, significantly affecting his confidence and quality of life.

After comprehensive neurological evaluation, he underwent Deep Brain Stimulation surgery in 2014 under the care of Dr. Paresh Doshi.

Following DBS surgery and personalized programming, Mr. Dingra experienced remarkable improvement in tremors, rigidity, mobility, and overall functional independence. Over the past 10 years, he has continued to maintain good symptom control and a significantly improved quality of life.

Beyond his personal recovery, Mr. Dingra became an inspiration for many patients and families living with Parkinson’s Disease. His long-term journey reflects the transformative impact of DBS surgery and the hope it can offer patients struggling with progressive neurological disease.

Before DBS Surgery

• Tremors involving the right upper and lower limbs
• Slowness of movements and rigidity

After DBS Surgery

• Significant improvement in tremors and rigidity
• Better mobility and functional independence
• Sustained long-term symptom control
• Improved quality of life and confidence
• Became a source of inspiration for other Parkinson’s patients
• Difficulty performing daily activities
• Reduced mobility and independence  

DBS Resources and Patient Information
 

For comprehensive patient education on Deep Brain Stimulation, the DBS India knowledge centre provides detailed information on the procedure, outcomes, risks, programming, and life after DBS:

• DBS patient education and procedure guide
• DBS surgery at Jaslok Hospital — programme overview
• Prof. Dr. Paresh Doshi — academic profile and publications
• Appointments and consultation booking
  
  Book a DBS Consultation at Jaslok Hospital

  Phone: +91 99309 90777

  WhatsApp: +91 99309 90777

  Email: pdoshi@neurologicalsurgery.in

  Hospital Address:
  Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre
  15, Dr. G. Deshmukh Marg, Pedder Road,
  Mumbai – 400 026, India

  OPD Appointments:
  Consultation by appointment only. Please call or WhatsApp to schedule an appointment.

  International Patients:
  Pre-operative remote consultations and evaluations are available. Dedicated support is provided for medical visa assistance, treatment planning, and patient coordination.