Apollo Hospitals Chennai Performs India’s First Adaptive Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson's

In a significant step forward for Parkinson’s care in India, Apollo Hospitals Chennai has successfully carried out the country’s first clinical activation of Adaptive Deep Brain Stimulation (aDBS). The procedure, performed in March 2026 by a specialised team led by Dr. Vijayashankar Paramanandam and Dr. Arvind Sukumaran, marks a major advancement in treating movement disorders.

Unlike conventional Deep Brain Stimulation, which delivers constant electrical signals, aDBS adjusts stimulation in real time based on the patient’s brain activity, offering a more personalised and responsive treatment approach.

This breakthrough comes amid a rising burden of Parkinson’s disease, with millions expected to be affected in India in the coming decades. Early results from the treated patient show improved stability and better symptom control throughout the day. Experts believe such technology could significantly improve quality of life, especially for patients with fluctuating symptoms, according to the press release.

The milestone highlights India’s growing adoption of advanced, brain-sensing therapies and reinforces the need for early diagnosis and access to specialised care.