Today, Maastricht UMC+ celebrates a special milestone: 25 years of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS). This technique, in which electrodes are placed in the brain, helps patients with complex neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s and tremors (involuntary, rhythmic shaking of one or more body parts).
DBS has improved the lives of many patients since 1999. The MUMC+ DBS team invites healthcare professionals, patients and their families to reflect on the past and the future of this treatment.
Faster, better, and working together
Neurosurgeon Linda Ackermans has been working at the MUMC+ since 2013 and has successfully operated on dozens of patients. She says: “When we started 25 years ago, an operation took up to 12 hours and the patient had to stay awake. Now we are faster and patients can opt for anesthesia. The best moment remains when you see that the shaking immediately decreases during the operation. That gives so much relief!”
Teamwork
According to Ackermans, the success is due to teamwork: “From the initial selection by neurologists and psychologists to the aftercare by a specialized team, everything has to be right. We cannot cure the condition, but we can make daily life much better.”
Important
With approximately 40 DBS operations per year, the MUMC+ is one of the most important centers in the Netherlands. The team is proud of what they have achieved together and is celebrating this anniversary together with patients, families and colleagues.
25 Years of Deep Brain Stimulation: A Milestone in Neurosurgery
Today, Maastricht UMC+ is throwing a party. And not just any party—this is a bash to celebrate 25 glorious years of firing up the brain with Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS). It’s like a brain spa day, but with electrodes! Who knew that sticking things in your head could lead to a more relaxed life?
What’s the Buzz About DBS?
Since the dawn of 1999, DBS has been the superhero swooping in to save individuals battling the dastardly duo of Parkinson’s and tremors. Picture this: you’re already juggling the chaos of daily life, and then your body decides to audition for a human maraca in the middle of it all. With DBS, the brain’s inner electrical chaos is calmed down, one electrode at a time.
From 12-Hour Marathons to Quick Snaps
Take it from Neurosurgeon Linda Ackermans, who’s been working her magic at MUMC+ since 2013. Back in the early days, getting a DBS operation was like signing up for a whole season of a Netflix drama—12 hours in the operating theatre while you’re wide awake. Fast forward to today, and you can nap through your surgery. If that’s not a win, I don’t know what is! And let me tell you, the moment those tremors chill out during the procedure—well, it’s like discovering your favorite band is still together after all these years. Pure relief!
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
As Dr. Ackermans puts it, the magic of DBS isn’t just a solo act. We’re not talking about one person wearing all the hats here; it’s a full-on Broadway ensemble! With neurologists, psychologists, and dedicated specialists working in harmony, this team proves that while they can’t cure everything—like my awful attempts at karaoke—they certainly can make daily living feel a lot less like a circus act. Honestly, it’s about quality of life, and it’s fantastic to see such a dedicated crew working behind the scenes.
The DBS Center That Could
MUMC+ is not just any hospital, folks. With about 40 DBS operations under their belt each year, they’re showing the rest of the Netherlands how it’s done. They’re like the Avengers of the medical world—combining powers to tackle the toughest challenges (minus the capes, of course). You’ve got a team proud of their achievements, celebrating not just their successes, but also those of the patients fighting the good fight.
Reflect, Rejoice, and Look Ahead
As we reflect on 25 years of DBS, it’s a testament to how far we’ve come in the world of neurosurgery. This isn’t just about what’s past; it’s about what’s to come. As we blow out the candles today, let’s remember that every shake halted, every tremor calmed, means a person can get back to what they love—be it painting, gardening, or, dare I say, dancing (in a controlled way, of course). So, here’s to the next 25 years of frying electromagnetism, boosting brain function, and giving people back a bit of their lives. Cheers to that!
