Experts at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi are emphasizing the importance of early referrals for Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) in patients with Parkinson's disease. Despite established clinical guidelines, many patients are referred only in advanced stages, which diminishes the potential benefits of DBS, a surgical therapy recommended for those experiencing disabling motor complications. Dr. P Sarat Chandra, Head of Neurosurgery at AIIMS, highlighted that patients often wait until symptoms like gait freezing develop, which respond poorly to DBS. The rising prevalence of Parkinson's, driven by an aging population, underscores the need for timely identification and referral.

Barriers to timely referrals include high costs, uneven distribution of specialized centers, and a lack of awareness among patients and general physicians. Experts suggest that structured referral pathways and awareness campaigns targeting both the public and healthcare providers could significantly improve patient outcomes. Additionally, there is a concerning trend of early-onset Parkinson's disease in younger individuals, attributed to genetic and environmental factors. AIIMS is also planning to introduce focused ultrasound (FUS) therapy, a non-invasive treatment option, by August 2026, which may benefit patients unfit for surgery. However, FUS has limitations compared to DBS, including its applicability to patients with bilateral symptoms.