From our correspondent
Oranjestad – Patients suffering from Parkinson’s benefit from Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS). The device helps to control the well-known vibration.
Checking and adjusting the device used to have to be done in Colombia, but that is no longer necessary. The Horacio Oduber Hospital (HOH) has the expertise itself.
Neurologist Roberto Weiser has followed training in Colombia to deal with DBS and to help patients. The HOH Neurology outpatient clinic organized an information day last Saturday for nineteen patients suffering from Parkinson’s who use the DBS.
Several companies were present during the information days. First of all, the producer of the device, the Colombian Medtronic. A team from this company has come to Aruba to provide an update on the device. Oduber Agencies was present, they sell all materials in Aruba that patients need to use this device. Representatives of insurer AZV were also present. Previously, insured persons had to go to Colombia to obtain more information about the DBS. AZV representatives attended the information day to hear for themselves what their policyholders are hearing about the device.
Weiser explained what the DBS is. Most patients using the device suffer from advanced Parkinson’s disease. Medications no longer work in these patients. One solution is the DBS, a neurostimulator. This device is placed under the patient’s skin during surgery. The device has a thin wire that is connected to the brain. The DBS gives a constant electronic pulse. This ensures that the familiar trembling in a Parkinson’s patient stops. “The DBS influences brain activities and ensures that the patient has control over his body again. The DBS therefore has a direct impact on the patient’s quality of life,” says Weiser.
Previously, patients had to go to Colombia every six months for a check-up. Then the operation of the DBS was checked and any adjustments were made. Weiser has followed a training and is now able to make these checks and adjustments himself. “We can therefore now treat patients in Aruba.” The HOH is proud of this step, because it is more pleasant for patients and because the medical costs for AZV are lower.
2023-07-21 01:48:43
#Treating #Parkinsons #patients #Aruba
