PGH Performs Its First DBS

Last December 14, 2022, the UP-PGH X-linked Dystonia-Parkinsonism (XDP) Team, together with the full support of PGH Department of Neurosciences Chair, Dr. Ma. Carissa Dioquino, performed the first Deep Brain Stimulation in the hospital.

The procedure was done on a 54 year-old male patient who had been living with XDP for 14 years.

XDP is a neurodegenerative movement disorder usually diagnosed in males with maternal ancestry in the island of Panay. Management involves the combination of pharmacologic, surgical, and non-pharmacologic interventions.

Deep Brain Stimulation is a type of functional neurosurgery in which electrodes are implanted inside the brain to target specific areas with the goal of symptom control or palliation. Studies on this procedure have showed patients having improvements in terms of dystonia or the abnormal twisting movements as well in parkinsonism-related symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, or even speech difficulties.

The XDP team was composed of Dr. Roland Dominic Jamora from the Division of Adult Neurology, Department of Neurosciences, Dr. Jose Aguilar and Dr. Mairre Gaddi from the Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosciences, Dr. Geraldine Jose from the Division of Neuro-anesthesiology, Department of Anesthesiology. Together with them as well are Dr. Theodore Vesagas and Dr. Rosalia Teleg from the Philippine Movement Disorder Surgery Center, the resident staff of the different Departments, and the nursing staff of the OR.

This is one step forward in achieving the Department of Neurosciences’ vision of being a center of excellence and leadership in Neuroscience-related service dedicated to the underserved Filipinos.