Hyderabad: AIG performs Asia’s first high cervical spinal cord stimulator implantation

Hyderabad: In a recent breakthrough in neurosurgery and pain management, a 23-year-old female patient from Mauritius underwent Asia’s first high cervical spinal cord stimulator implantation at AIG Hospitals, Gachibowli.

Suffering from medically refractory chronic migraines with autonomic symptoms, the patient had exhausted all existing medical therapy options and continued to endure excruciating pain before the surgery.

Dr D Nageshwar Reddy, chairman of AIG Hospitals, expressed pride in the institution’s relentless pursuit of excellence, stating, “Chronic pain impairs a patient’s life sometimes throughout their lifetime. It is great news for all such patients suffering from any type of chronic pain.”

Led by Dr Siddharth Chavali, senior consultant of Chronic Pain & Neuromodulation, and Dr Subodh Raju, director of Neurosurgery, the operation represents a significant advancement in neuromodulation.

How does the procedure work?

The neurostimulator implant procedure involves the placement of a device delivering mild electrical impulses to targeted nerves, effectively interrupting pain signals and providing relief to patients.

Dr Raju highlighted the crucial role of the high cervical area in bodily functions and expressed optimism about the implant’s potential to improve the patient's quality of life.

Dr Chavali emphasised the sophistication of the procedure and its potential to offer relief to patients with similar debilitating conditions, stating, “Our success with this operation opens new doors for patients suffering from chronic pain.”

“This innovative approach offers new possibilities for patients to reclaim their lives from chronic pain conditions,” said Dr Chavali.

“With this groundbreaking achievement, patients suffering from chronic headaches have newfound hope for a better quality of life, free from the burden of persistent pain,” he added.