Deep Brain Stimulation

Brain diseases

Last Updated November 2nd, 2023

What is deep brain stimulation?

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a medical procedure that involves placing stimulating electrodes in the brain as a treatment for movement disorders.

These include essential tremor, Parkinson’s disease, and dystonia. Your primary care provider may elect to use DBS as the treatment of choice for neuropsychiatric conditions or movement disorders.

This is if side effects from other treatments are affecting your daily activities or when the medication prescribed is less effective.

The procedure involves the delivery of electrical current to a particular section of your brain to stimulate brain cells.

Your surgeon implants a small programmable generator under the skin in your upper chest for the control of brain stimulation.

While DBS is not a cure for the underlying condition, it allows for effective management. It also means you require less medication for your condition and hence fewer side effects.

Who needs deep brain stimulation?

Before you can undergo DBS surgery, your primary healthcare provider will have conducted a battery of tests, procedures, and evaluations to determine that you are the right candidate for this procedure.

You will also have to undergo a series of post-surgery consultations and evaluations to ensure the procedure went on successfully.

This may involve a lot of travel to and from the healthcare facility where DBS is conducted for such appointments. It means also that DBS can be an expensive procedure.

Most insurance products can cover DBS but the extent of coverage is determined by the insurance policy you have taken.

Your primary care provider will prepare you to have realistic expectations regarding this procedure.

DBS can considerably improve the quality of your life besides eliminating or minimizing movement problems. However, it is not a guarantee for the resumption of perfect health.

You may need deep brain stimulation to treat the following conditions:

Essential tremors

A tremor can occur because of various disorders, including inherited conditions. Essential tremors could also be because of a stroke or head injury

DBS has proven to be an effective therapy for the treatment of severe essential tremors, especially where shaking interferes with a person’s daily activities or is disabling

DBS allows such individuals to function normally and their overall health improves significantly.

Parkinson’s disease

Individuals with the following forms of Parkinson’s disease will benefit from DBS:

  • Individuals suffering from uncontrollable tremor that does not improve with medication
  • Individuals suffering from severe motor fluctuations after medication, as the effects of drugs wear off
  • Persons who would benefit from higher mediation dosages but who experience severe side effects from medication adjustments

Psychiatric conditions

DBS surgery can be effective for persons diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), depression, or Tourette’s disorder.

Dystonia

Dystonia handsThis is a rare movement disorder that is characterized by unusual twisting and posture movements.

Patients with dystonia respond well to DBS surgery after medication cannot offer sufficient relief.

Different people respond differently to DBS based on whether dystonia is drug-induced or genetic.

In case your doctor cannot identify the cause of your dystonia, he or she will conduct additional tests as part of the DBS procedure.

Other conditions that DBS can help with:

  • Addictions
  • Anxiety
  • Eating disorders
  • Medication-resistant depression

Reasons why you may not be a good candidate for DBS

You may not make a good candidate for DBS surgery if you present with one or more of the following symptoms:

  • In case of speech difficulty
  • Problems with walking or balance
  • Ongoing problems with thinking, memory, and confusion
  • If your anxiety or depressive condition fails to stabilize or improve despite other treatments
  • In case you have an underlying condition that puts you at risk of surgery complications

Preparing for DBS

Before DBS surgery, your primary healthcare provider will arrange an initial evaluation with the movement disorder team.

This team comprises a neurologist, a neurosurgical physician assistant, a neurosurgeon, a DBS nurse coordinator, a neuropsychologist, and a movement disorders specialist.

The goal of this team is to establish that DBS surgery is the most appropriate treatment for your conditions.

During the evaluation appointment, your primary healthcare provider will order the following tests:

  • Urine and blood tests – These tests are essential for the identification of abnormalities and toxins
  • A neuropsychologist will conduct a detailed emotional and physical readiness evaluation for DBS
  • A cognitive evaluation allows the surgical team to ascertain that you can take part in the DBS surgery

Such an assessment provides your surgeon with feedback throughout surgery and across the neurostimulator adjustment process.

A cognitive assessment informs the medical team of a risk such as cognitive problems or worsened confusion after DBS surgery.

A specialist in movement disorders will also undertake a comprehensive assessment of your movements.

Once the team has concluded with the evaluation, you will meet with them and explore whether DBS is the right medical procedure for you, and the likely risk factors that might accompany this procedure.

The next medical visit is with a neurosurgeon. If you have questions regarding the surgical risks or options, feel free to ask your neurosurgeon.

This meeting will help you decide on whether to pursue DBS surgery. Your psychiatrist may assess you for anxiety, depression, or other psychiatric problems that require treatment before undergoing the DBS surgery.

Your healthcare provider may also conduct swallowing, speech, or language evaluation

Before DBS, your healthcare provider will be interested in:

Whether you are on any medication: If you are taking any medication including blood thinner, you will be asked to stop taking these.

In case you are taking other medication such as supplements and vitamins, let your healthcare provider know of this too.

Bathing – You will be instructed on how to bathe before DBS surgery. You will be provided with a special shampoo that will prepare your skin for DBS surgery.

Fasting – your healthcare provider will ask you to fast before DBS surgery due to the use of general anaesthesia.

You may not take any solid foods for at least 8 hours before DBS surgery.

Avoid taking any liquids two hours before the procedure.

Instructions on bathing and grooming – Your doctor will recommend a special shampoo for bathing.

Fasting – For at least 8 hours before DBS

During DBS

DBS surgery consists of two procedures administered at varying times.

The first of these procedures is known as lead placement. It entails inserting the stimulation lead into the brain.

The second procedure is called pulse generator and involves inserting a stimulator battery under the skin.

Before any of these procedures, your healthcare provider starts by inserting an IV line for administering medication during surgery.

Lead placement

Before the lead placement procedure, you will be sedated.

You will be shaven and your head placed on a frame with four pins to keep your head still.

After the frame has been set in place, the surgical team takes images of your brain using an intra-operative CT scanner.

The goal of these images is to reveal the trajectory adopted for placing the electrode.

After identifying the entry point, the surgical team will clean your head with surgical prep.

You will be injected with a local anaesthetic. This will numb the skull and scalp.

Your surgeon makes an incision on your scalp and makes a small opening using a surgical drill. This will aid in inserting the leads.

Your neurosurgeon may wake you up to undergo awake testing, based on the reason for DBS surgery.

After the leads have been placed, your neurosurgeon will ask you questions, and ask you to move your hands, legs, or arms in particular directions.  The goal is to assist the neurosurgeon in ascertaining that the leads are in place.

Your surgeon will order a further CT scan to ascertain the accuracy of the lead placement.

After your surgeon has confirmed your electrodes are secure, he or she will insert plastic caps at the ends of the electrodes for further protection. This is followed by cleaning of the incisions before closing.

As you recover, you will undergo another CT scan to reveal if there is any blood. This also helps to confirm electrode placement.

Your neurosurgeon may ask that you remain in the hospital overnight so that the surgical team can continue to monitor you closely.

Placement of pulse generator

This is the second procedure in DBS surgery.

The procedure is administered under general anaesthesia. It means you will not experience the discomfit or pain that accompanies the procedure.

The pulse generator placement begins with your surgeon making a small incision beneath your collarbone.

The surgeon creates a small space in the form of a punch beneath your skin. This space will hold the purse generator in place.

The next step is inserting an extension wire that is connected to the pulse generator on one end and the DBS electrodes on the other end.

Your neurosurgeon places the extension wire in the punch-like space.

The surgeon will close the incision. You will be allowed to go home on the same day of the procedure.

After DBS surgery

Brain diseasesA few weeks after the pulse implantation procedure, your doctor will organize a follow-up appointment. 

 

The aim of this follow-up appointment is to begin programming the pulse generator.

 

The device comes with an inbuilt wireless antenna. That way, your healthcare provider can access the pulse generator from outside your body and program it accordingly.

 

You may require more than one visit to your healthcare provider for the right settings of this device.

 

Most pulse generators do not require battery replacement. They are equipped with special batteries that can last for a very long time.

 

Other pulse generators come with rechargeable batteries with a lifespan of nine years. You will need to undergo a surgical procedure to replace the battery.

 

Such a procedure is quicker and shorter compared to the initial procedure when the pulse generator is implanted.

 

After battery replacement, you will be allowed to go home later in the day.

Benefits of DBS surgery 

A DBS surgery is associated with several benefits: 

 

A life-changing procedure – DBS treats various conditions that interfere with our daily routine activities.

 

A DBS procedure improves your symptoms, resulting in an overall improvement in the quality of your life.

 

Symptoms reduction: DBS surgery is associated with a considerable reduction in symptoms. For example, tremors, slowness, and stiffness.

 

For patients diagnosed with medication-resistant epilepsy who cannot undergo surgical resection, DBS minimizes the number of seizures.

 

Reversible – Your surgeon can remove the pulse generator or leads during a follow-up procedure if DBS is not working. The procedure can also be reversed if you can no longer handle the side effects.

 

It is an alternative when medication is no longer working: In case medication proves ineffective, DB can be an alternative to treatment.

 

With movement conditions like Parkinson’s disease, your healthcare provider needs to increase the dosage over time as the medication loses its effectiveness.

 

DBS surgery helps to increase the effectiveness of lower medication dosages. 

 

Minimal damage – Compared to other surgical procedures, DBS is not associated with the removal of nerve cells or damage to parts of the brain.

 

Individualized treatment – Your neurosurgeon may alter the frequency and intensity of stimulation and electrodes to suit your medical needs 

Risks 

DBS surgery may be accompanied by certain risks and complications.

 

Talk to your healthcare provider about the likely risks and complications that may accompany this procedure.

 

Some complications that may come with DBS surgery include:

 

Failure to address all the symptoms: DBS surgery may not resolve all the symptoms triggered by the movement syndrome you have been diagnosed with.

 

Invasive procedure – You are likely to be awake during DBS surgery and this can be scary for some patients.

The procedure is also invasive as the surgeon uses a scalp to access to deeper section of our brain.

 

Surgical side effects – DBS surgery is linked to such risks as bleeding, infection, stroke, fluid accumulation, swelling around the brain, and coma. 

 

Electrode malfunction and battery replacement – Shifting electrodes and wire disconnections can lead to hardware malfunction.

 

Also, you will need frequent monitoring of the controller and battery life.

 

Costly – Most insurance companies will cover DBS surgery fully or in part. It is still expensive to attend post-surgical appointments. 

Recovery 

Your recovery time after DBS surgery differs based on several factors such as your overall health, individual circumstances, and whether you have an underlying health condition.

Most patients remain in the hospital overnight after lead placement.

You will also be allowed to go home the same day the pulse generator is implanted.

On the whole, you will probably take several weeks to recover from DBS surgery.

During recovery, your healthcare provider will ask you to do the following:

  • Avoid engaging in high-intensity or moderate exercise for several weeks
  • Do not engage in household chores and other activities like sexual activity for about a fortnight after each surgery
  • You will have any staples or stitches removed about two weeks following the procedure
  • You will be advised to cover the pin sites on your head with bandages to permit in drying of the site. You will need to change the bandages daily
  • Avoid scratching the site of incision to minimize the risk of infection or causing wound damage
  • When showering make sure the water runs over your head

If you experience the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

  • In case the site of the incision is bleeding
  • In case of loss of vision or blurred vision
  • If the area around the incision feels swollen or appears red
  • Severe headache does not subside with time
  • Fever of 38.3°C and above

Cost of DBS in India  

The cost of DBS surgery in India is between Rs. 8,000,000 and Rs. 15,00,000. The price difference is based on several factors including:

  • The location of hospital – Hospitals located in metro cities that offer DBS surgery charge more for this procedure than similar healthcare facilities located in remote regions
  • Admission fee – The admission fee differs from one healthcare facility to another and this will affect the overall cost of DBS surgery
  • Diagnostic tests – Your healthcare provider will order various tests, including ECG and X-ray, and this will impact the overall cost of the DBS procedure
  • Admission room chosen – If you choose to be admitted to a deluxe room, you will pay more than someone sharing a room with another patient
  • Doctor’s fee – The doctor’s fee differs based on the level of experience and educational qualifications of the surgeon
  • Age of the patient – Older patients could be at a higher risk of developing complications after DBS surgery
  • This may necessitate extra medical attention to correct such risks and hence an increment in the overall cost of DBS surgery

 

Want to live a healthy lifestyle?

Subscribe to free FactDr newsletters.

REVAMP YOUR

LIFE

HEALTH

WELLNESS

If you're enjoying our website, we promise you'll absolutely love our new posts. Be the first one to get a copy!

Get factually correct, actionable tips delivered straight to your inbox once a week.

I want the latest scoop on :

We hate spam too. We will never share your email address with anyone. If you change your mind later, you can unsubscribe with just one click

By clicking Subscribe, I agree to the FactDr Terms & Conditions & Privacy Policy and understand that I may opt out of FactDr subscriptions at any time.

Test Your Knowledge

Welcome to your Human Anatomy Quiz

Which part of the human body grows the fastest among these?
Which is the largest organ in the human body?
Where is the smallest bone in the human body located?
How much does your hair grow in a month?
What is the size of the smallest muscle of the human body?
Which is the largest bone in the human body?
Occurrence of calcium crystals is normal in this part of the body.
How many taste buds are there on the human tongue?
How many bones do new born babies have?
The anatomical name for the "windpipe" is

Take the full quiz

 

 

 

Top Stories

Trending Topics

BCAAs powder
BCAA: Now get more out of your workouts with this miracle protein BCAAs are counted as one of the best supplements for increasing your physical endurance. Find…
thyroglobulin test
Thyroglobulin (TG) Test Thyroglobulin test helps in measuring and monitoring the concentration of thyroglobulin. This test can be…
Garlic health benefits cloves
Garlic: Nature’s white pill as an effective home remedy What are the secrets hidden in these tiny white pills? Find out the immense health…
Cayenne: The remarkable benefits of these red hot chili peppers These may make you rush for a glass of water, but cayenne pepper is actually…
beautiful smiling woman enjoying high fiber energy bar with roughage
The importance of roughage in diet Eat these high fiber foods to increase your dietary roughage. Quick tips to boost daily…
Ear infections check up
Troubled with ear infections? Find easy and instant home remedies here Ear infections are common in both children and adults and may lead to hearing loss…
Maltitol: Things you must know about this artificial sweetener Sugar alcohols are produced by fruits and vegetables. Maltitol is an artificially produced sugar alcohol…
turmeric skin
We bet you didn’t know that turmeric could be this beneficial! Did you know that turmeric, a humble ingredient found in most Indian kitchens could cure…
rubella IgG test
Rubella IgG Test The rubella IgG test is a blood test that checks for the rubella virus IgG…
Doctor with a COVID-19 testing kit
COVID-19: Know all about types of diagnostic testing, procedure, risks Check diagnosis and testing methods for COVID-19 in children, babies, and adults along with risks…
lifestyle diseases
The Big 5 lifestyle diseases: How your everyday living might be killing you You'd be shocked to know how unhealthy and potentially fatal your everyday routine could be.…
Milk Thistle skin
Milk Thistle: Find possible cures for fatal diseases in these purple blooms Milk thistle is well-known for treating liver conditions. However, did you know that it comes…
Tachycardia heart
Cardiac Profile Cardiac profile is panel of blood tests performed to check cholesterol level and other heart…
Pregnant couple happy
Egg freezing: Questions every woman has before preserving her eggs Know how egg freezing is done, benefits, success rate, timelines, risks, side effects. Click to…
ginger benefits healthy
Ginger: Why is it called the root of all remedies? Be it in form of tea or juice, ginger has a lot to offer when…
dhea adrenal
Androstenedione Test Androstenedione is produced by the adrenal gland, the test of the levels of Androstenedione helps…
Cellphones and Human Brain
Cellphones and Human Brain – Are Cellphones a Slow Poison to Our Brains? Cellphones have become an intricate part of our lives but they can be highly addictive…
random blood sugar test
Random Blood Sugar Test The random blood sugar or RBS test is prescribed mainly to check the level of…
How do neutrophils protect you from fatal bacterial attacks? During an infection, certain enzymes alert the mature neutrophils.  Neutrophils then travel through the bloodstream…
AUTOIMMUNE HEPATITIS liver
Hepatitis Profile A hepatitis profile or a hepatitis panel is a blood test that checks for markers…
hepatitis B envelope antigen
Hepatitis B Envelope Antigen (HBeAg) The HBeAg or hepatitis B envelope antigen test is a screening test used to diagnose…
dengue-test
Dengue NS1 test Dengue NS1 is a blood test used to determine the onset of dengue fever. Dengue…
Fluoride: An indispensible mineral or a potential toxin ? Fluoride, the main ingredient of toothpaste, has shown a great potential as a cleanser. However,…
occupational hazards types
Occupational Hazards: How to vouch for your health at your workplace Occupational hazards affect millions worldwide. Chemical spills, faulty wires, deadly pathogen, and work-stress can happen…
Cancer_1
Radiofrequency Ablation for Cancer Treatment Radiofrequency ablation or RFA is a minimally-invasive procedure that uses radiofrequency waves to treat cancer.
pcod profile
PCOD(Poly Cystic Ovarian Disorder) Profile PCOD(Poly Cystic Ovarian Disorder) Profile consists of the series of tests which are used for…
18 amazing uses of Baking Soda you didn’t know! Baking soda, a simple compound known as sodium bicarbonate, is not only helpful making fluffy…
TBHQ: A carcinogen lingering in your child’s favorite snacks TBHQ - Why you should shun the practice of eating instant noodles or microwave popcorn…
AHBC Igm
Anti-Hepatitis B Core Antigen (AHBc) IgM Anti-hepatitis B core antigen (AHBC) IgM is an investigative procedure to detect the presence of…
serum electrolyte test
Serum Electrolyte If there is an electrolyte imbalance in the body, a serum electrolyte test will help…
diabetes symptoms in women
FBS Test – Fasting Blood Sugar FBS or fasting blood sugar test is a blood test that is used to determine…
CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE diagnosis
Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery An off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery or CABG is a procedure to bypass blocked arteries…
EMA antibodies
Endomysial Antibodies (EMA) Test EMA test is an investigative blood examination to locate the presence of certain antibodies, called…
TPAB test
Treponema Pallidum Antibody(TPAB) test Treponema pallidum bacteria a gram-negative bacteria that has helically coiled, corkscrew-shaped cells, responsible for STDs…
How to make the apple cider vinegar diet work for you? Apple cider vinegar diet is a popular choice among health enthusiasts.Find out why nutritionists believe…
Cilantro: 11 health reasons that will make you wanna use this garnish more! Call it cilantro or coriander, it remains as every chef's favorite garnish. How can this…
estrogen-patch-HRT
Hormone Replacement Therapy-Symptoms, Benefits, Types, Side Effects, Lifestyle Changes Read how you can relieve symptoms of perimenopause and menopause through hormonal replacement therapy. Weigh…
confusion and neurological problem
COVID-19: Possible serious long-term side-effects for patients Check serious and long-term damaging effects of COVID-19 on the brain, heart, lungs, and other…
blood ketone test
Blood Ketone (D3HB) Test The Blood Ketone Test measures and monitors the levels of ketone in the blood which…
Tight phimosis ring
Phimosis Read to know everything about phimosis, types, symptoms, treatment, risks and prognosis for patients with…
Sweeteners-good or bad?
Sweeteners – Are They Good or Bad for Our Health? Sweeteners can be artificial and natural. Learn about the different types of sweeteners and their…
post circumcision
Circumcision Check to know everything about open , laser, stapler circumcision, and about preparation, procedure, risks,…
ear surgery
Ear Surgery Ear surgery, also known as otoplasty is a minimally-invasive surgery done to reshape the ears.…
chia seeds weight loss
Chia seeds: How to consume this staple Aztec food to get a leaner body Chia seeds: What is the actual reason for its sudden popularity? Why are celebrities swearing…
GGt test
GGT – Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase Test GGT or gammaglutamyl transferase test is a liver function test that is used to detect…
Treponema Pallidum Hemagglutination Test
Treponema Pallidum Hemagglutination Test Treponema Pallidum Hemagglutination Test is a blood test that is a very specific and accurate…
Pomegranate: Why are they called ruby red pearls of health? The shrub Punicagranatum yields a red fruit which is what you normally call pomegranate. The…
liver cleanse detox
14 go-to foods that are best for a complete natural liver detox Liver cleanse can be achieved by just choosing or avoiding certain types of food. Liver itself…
Nitric oxide: Why is this heart-healthy supplement every sportsman’s first choice? Once considered a vastly toxic substance, nitric oxide is now deemed to be a great…
knee prosthesis
Revision Total Knee Replacement surgery A revision total knee replacement surgery is a procedure to remove original prosthesis and replace…
beta 2 glycoprotein 1 IgG
Beta 2 Glycoprotein 1 IgG Beta 2 glycoprotein 1 antibody test involves detecting and measuring the presence of the IgG…
fructosamine test
Fructosamine Test A fructosamine test measures blood sugar glucose content. Fructosamine level can indicate blood sugar level…
HELICOBACTER_PYLORI---IgG
Helicobacter Pylori – IgG Test Helicobacter pylori IgG test is a blood, saliva, and urine test performed to determine if…
serum zinc test
Serum Zinc Test The serum zinc test is a blood test performed to assess the zinc level in…
antihepatitis core antigent
Anti-Hepatitis B Core Antigen (AHBc) Total Anti-hepatitis B core antigen (AHBC ) is a blood examination and the only serological marker…
The right way to prepare Alfalfa sprouts at home Alfalfa or lusan ghas is not just a nutritious animal fodder. This flavonoid-rich herb has…
arterial-blood-gas
Arterial Blood Gas Analysis Arterial blood gas analysis is a diagnostic procedure used to determine the volume of oxygen…
Plexus Slim: Is this pink slimming drink the ultimate one-stop fat burner? How effective is Plexus Slim in helping people lose weight? What are its ingredients? Can…
CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE surgery
Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) Coronary artery bypass graft or CABG is a medical procedure to improve the blood flow…
Low fat diets
A complete list of low-fat diets and how to follow them Low-fat diets help you lose weight in a healthy way, but it works only with…
kefir bottle
Kefir: Top reasons why this probiotic drink should be consumed by you Yet another remarkable fermented food, kefir is a much healthier version of yogurt. These chewy…
babyled weaning
What is Baby Led Weaning and how does it compare to traditional weaning? Baby led weaning is where the infant is allowed to gradually get into the habit…
Can’t eat eggs? Here are the best egg substitutes for you Maybe you are allergic or a vegan. But these shouldn't keep you away from airy-light…
Patient under observation
COVID-19: What is the treatment and how long is the recovery? Check precautionary measures, antiviral drugs, and therapies for COVID-19 to accelerate the recovery process both…
Coffee Enema: Turn your favorite morning beverage into a powerful colon cleanser The wonders of coffee are not just limited to waking you up every morning. You…
Lectin: The common link of proteins between peas and people Lectins are a type of protein that are found majorly in legumes. Most people are…
DEVIATED SEPTUM surgery
Rhinoplasty Rhinoplasty is surgical procedure that improves the shape and the size of the nose. It…
Inversion Therapy: The anti-gravity way of healing chronic back pain Inversion therapy involves suspending a person upside dow using different types of equipment. This works…
C-Reactive Protein Test A CRP or c-reactive protein blood test is an important diagnostic tool used to determine…
Pulmonary Function Tests Pulmonary function tests (PFT’s) are non-invasive breathing tests employed for diagnosing and monitoring lung diseases…
Congestive Heart Failure ekg
EKG – Electrocardiogram An electrocardiogram, abbreviated as an ECG or an EKG, measures the electrical activity in the…
sodium blood test
Blood Sodium Test A blood sodium test measures the amount of sodium (an important electrolyte) in your body.…
Free T3 test
Free Triiodothyronine (FT3) Test The free triiodothyronine or FT3 test is an important blood test that is used to…
Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) test Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is an enzyme that is found in every cell of the body…
complement c4 test
Anemia Profile Anemia Profile test (Basic) is a blood screening test that measures the levels of important…
Tissue Transglutaminase Antibody (tTG) Test Transglutaminase is an enzyme present in our body and is involved in protein metabolism. A…
nutritional yeast bread
Nutritional Yeast : How can a fungi culture be good for your body? Nutritional yeast: How a simple culture of fungi can transform your skin, digestion, immunity ,…
knee-replacement-3
Minimally Invasive Total Knee Replacement Unlike traditional knee replacement, a minimally invasive total knee replacement uses a shorter incision to…
ACL tear
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction Surgery ACL surgery is a tissue graft replacement surgery of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) to…
sugar toxic health
Sugar: 7 new shocking truths revealed about the sweet poison Can drinking soda bring you closer to death? Is sugar slowly poisoning you and your…
green poop causes
Green poop : What are the reasons and how can you correct it Ever sneak a peek down the toilet only to shockingly find green poop? Why does…
PROSTATE-SPECIFIC-ANTIGEN
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test Prostate specific antigen test is a blood test used to determine the presence of prostate…
TSH test
TSH Test – Thyroid Stimulating Hormone TSH test measures the level of thyroid secreting hormone in the blood. The level of…
Mood swings
The real reasons for your mood swings and how to overcome them Are you prone to heated moods frequently? Do you also feel bouts of depressive feeling…
Anticholinergics: The diverse range of diseases a single drug can easily treat What started as a novel treatment for Parkinson' disease has now become an all-encompassing drug.…
Woman-with-chronic-fatigue
Is there more to your chronic fatigue than just tiredness? Don't let your fatigue become chronic or worse a syndrome. Check this to know when…
Depressed and lonely lady
Tips to take care of your mental health during COVID-19 top ten tips to stay mentally healthy during COVID-19. Here are easy to follow everyday…
Top Natural Repellents for Mosquitoes with negligible side-effects What are the best ways to keep mosquitos away from you? Try these natural and…
Cranberry: Top reasons why you should grow this “superfruit” in your own backyard Cranberry is a favorite among foodies and health enthusiasts alike. Read more on how it…
Staying home and protect against COVID-19
Best Practices to Prevent and Control COVID-19 Check proven ways to prevent and control COVID-19 at home, schools, universities, and healthcare centers…
autoimmune diseases facts
Autoimmune Diseases: Find out if your body is attacking you right now Did you know your body can harm itself? What are autoimmune diseases and why does…
Poop chart: Top things you didn’t you your poop could reveal about you Bristol poop chart was designed during the 1990s in order to help doctors identify various…
passion fruit juice
Passion fruit: How one exotic fruit can help you fight infections and cancer! Passion fruit: Why does this exotic fruit have such an enticing name? And how can…
Squid-ink-spaghetti
Squid Ink: A unique food coloring and flavoring agent Want to add a unique black color to your pasta, noodles and ice-creams? How can…
Squid-ink-spaghetti
Squid Ink: A unique food coloring and flavoring agent Want to add a unique black color to your pasta, noodles and ice-creams? How can…
Squid-ink-spaghetti
Squid Ink: A unique food coloring and flavoring agent Want to add a unique black color to your pasta, noodles and ice-creams? How can…
The real reason why you shouldn’t be eating ramen noodles Instant ramen noodles might be your go-to snack for your hunger pangs. But with each…
POSTPRANDIAL-BLOOD-SUGAR
Post-Prandial Blood Sugar Postprandial blood sugar test is an important diabetes diagnosing tool. This simple blood test measure…
hidden causes obesity
8 hidden causes of obesity you probably didn’t know! Did you know that around 2 billion people worldwide are either overweight or obese? Are…
17 OH Progesterone test The 17 OH progesterone test is a simple blood test that is mainly used to…
smelling-salts-benefits
The actual science behind smelling salts and how it helps in injury recovery Most smelling salts are a mixture of ammonium carbonate and some perfumes which are sniffed…
Inhale oxygen, exhale worries: The top breathing exercises and how to perform them Performing the breathing exercise is like becoming mindful of how you breathe.  Here is a…
social media adddiction
Your health in the age of Social Media: Why is digital detox a necessity? Did you know that more than 400 million people are dangerously addicted to social media?…
ANTI-MICROSOMAL-ANTIBODY-(AMA)
Anti-Microsomal Antibody AMA Test AMA or anti-microsomal antibody test is a blood test that measures the activity of AMA…
beta 2 glycoprotein 1 IgG
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel The comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) comprises a screening panel of 14 different tests that provides…
Cystoscopy Cystoscopy is intended to look at the abnormalities in the ureters, bladder, and urethra, to…
Hemp Seeds: The actual science behind this controversial crop Inspite of being credited as a superfood, hemp seeds are still shrouded with layers of…
Echinacea: Why is this ancient herb re-emerging as an all-rounder supplement? Echinacea is a long-used herb that is finding ground as an immunity booster and perhaps…
Bubble Tea: Bubbling with nutrition or a hidden sugar mine? The tapioca pearls present in the tea looks like bubbles and hence the name bubble…
lp-pla2
LP-PLA2 Test The LP-PLA2 test is a test which is carried out to assess the levels of…
Spinach: The ultimate way to boost health with this green superfood! Spinach is a green superfood that ranks high in both taste and nutrition. Read more…
Tamarind: The top health benefits of this staple Asian ingredient Did you know this sweet and sour pulpy fruit does more than just add a…
Paleo snack
Paleo snacks Paleo snacks are healthy diet options that emphasize fresh foods and eliminate processed foods, dairy…
The Cabbage Soup Diet: The healthiest way to instant weight loss Cabbage soup diet rapid weight loss diet for those who want to shed those extra…
Thyroid disorders
Thyroid Profile Thyroid profile is a panel of blood tests performed to check if an individual is…
dandelion health benefits
Dandelion: Little parachutes of health and wellness for your whole body Dandelions are not just bright looking blossoms that cheer your mind. These are powerpacked with…
cystatin C
Cystatin C Test Cystatin C is a specific single-chain protein that is found in body fluids and is…
thyroid_scan
Thyroid Scan Thyroid scan is a diagnostic procedure that aims to view the thyroid gland and detect…
lose weight fast
12 easy and instant steps to successful weight loss Do you want to lose weight without losing your mind? Does weight loss always mean…
The Shepherd's diet
Facts about the Shepherd’s diet Kristina Wilds promoted Shepherd's diet, a Christian-based diet that highlights Jesus Christ's diet as mentioned…
Spirulina: Battle diabetes and cholesterol with this blue-green algae Spirulina, a species of salt water algae, has now become a billion dollar industry. How…
bradycardia fainting
What does hypoglycemia look like when you don’t have diabetes? Hypoglycemia is not just a disease that co-occurs with diabetes. Non-diabetics could also become hypoglycemic.…
about mediterranean diet
Why you should be adopting a Mediterranean style of diet today Ever wondered why the Mediterranean diet is so healthy? One simple solution to lowering risk…
Congestive Heart Failure man
Hypertension: The best ways to prevent the onslaught of this mass-killer Hypertension or high blood pressure is responsible for millions of deaths worldwide every year. Find…
calories unhealthy
Experts believe these are the healthiest diets for you Narrowing down to the healthiest diets for your body isnt easy. We bring to you…
Bromelain: 11 reasons why you should start adding pineapple to your pizza! If you didn't love pineapples already, here are some of the top health benefits that…
Vaccines child
Children Nutrition and Toxicity Profile The Children Nutrition and Toxicity Profile series of blood & urine tests helps in determining…
Thyroid disorders
T3 Test T3 is an important thyroid hormone. It's level is detected with the help of the…
anti-thyroglobulin antibody
Anti-Thyroglobulin Antibody test Anti-thyrogloubin antibody test measures the level of antibodies that attack the thyroid gland cells and…
Hysteroscopy_procedure
Hysteroscopy Hysteroscopy is a minimally invasive tool to help specialists view the uterus to diagnose and…
diverticulitis diet
Diverticulitis diet: The right way to eat if you suffer from the disease Are you suffering from diverticultis but clueless about your diet ? Read this complete plan…
Threatened abortion
A few facts about threatened abortion A threatened miscarriage indicates an early pregnancy loss. Look out for symptoms like bleeding, vaginal…
antinuclear antibody test
Antinuclear Antibody Test – (ANA) Antinuclear antibody or ANA test is a blood test that measures the level of ANA…
Astaxanthin: Why experts believe it could be 550x more potent than vitamin E! What is astaxanthin and why is this new supplement on the block touted as the…
Olive Leaf Extract: The healthy goodness of olives in a capsule Olive oil is not the only gift from the Olea Europea tree. Olive leaf extract…
How accurate is the hair follicle drug test? Hair follicle drug test is one of the best ways to identify drug use in…
Chest X-Ray A chest x-ray is a diagnostic test that uses x-rays to visualize the structures inside…
aspartame or sugar
Aspartame – Hidden truths about this storm in a teacup Aspartame, the artificial sweetener, has gone under the scanner on several occasions for allegedly doing…
chloride test
Chloride Test A chloride test of the blood checks the level of chloride in body, an important…
hsv igg test
Herpes Simplex Virus I (HSV)-IgG Test Herpes Simplex Virus I (HSV)-IgG is used to detect the presence of the herpes virus…
phenytoin test
Phenytoin test Phenytoin is a drug that is administered mainly to epilepsy patients. The phenytoin blood test…
Anti-CCP Test – Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Anti-ccp or ACCP test is a blood test that is primarily employed to diagnose the…
cytomegalovirus igm test
Cytomegalo Virus (CMV) – IgM Test The CMV antibodies include both IgM and IgG antibodies which are the immune system's response…
Urologist: When should you visit one and why? A urologist can treat not only genitourinary problems of both men and women but also…
Psyllium Husk: More than just an effective natural laxative Psyllium husk, or isabgol, is a popular natural laxative . But did you in addition…
Buddha bowl
Buddha bowl Buddha bowl is a healthy nutritious meal that is served as a single meal that…
Buddha bowl
Buddha bowl Buddha bowl is a healthy nutritious meal that is served as a single meal that…
Lauric Acid: 8 health benefits you can derive from coconuts Appropriate use of saturated fats containing lauric acid can provide you numerous health benefits. This…
CHIKUNGUNYA IgM
Chikungunya-IgM Test Chikungunya-IgM is a blood test that is used to check the elevated levels of the…
beta alanine energy powder
Beta-alanine: A powerhouse of proteins to charge up your workout How can a simple amino acid be a crucial health supplement for champion athletes? Find…
Appendix pain: Recent findings on this not-so vestigial organ The exact function of the appendix is still not clear. Some consider it as an…
apolipoprotein a1 test
Apolipoprotein -A1 (APO-A1) Test Apolipoprotein A-I (Apo-A1) constitutes 70% of protein content in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and helps in…
Beware of these common foods that cause high bodily inflammation! Maybe its the long list of inflammatory foods in your diet that is making you…
xylitol gum
Xylitol : Is this the right sugar substitute for you? Discovered during World War 2 owing to sugar shortage, xylitol has become a common name…
Vitamin K2: 8 reasons why you need this bone-building & cancer-fighting nutrient Vitamin K2 is claimed to be essential for your bone health, for reducing the risk…
Grass-fed meat
Facts about grass-fed meat Grass-fed meat has a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and are low in fat and…
Find all the instant ways to get rid of blackheads Blackheads - Not only are they aesthetically unappealing but if left untreated these can cause…
malarial antigen test
Malaria Antigen Test A malaria antigen test is a rapid diagnostic test (RDT) that can detect malarial antigens…
Proteinuria and blood pressure
Hypertension Profile Hypertension profile is a panel of blood tests done to analyse the cause of hypertension…
liver biopsy procedure
Liver Biopsy Liver biopsy or hepatic biopsy is a diagnostic tool that collects a sample of live…
ketoacidosis diabetes
HB1Ac Test HB1Ac test is an important blood test that is used to measure the levels of…
Hot cups for detox? Read all about the ancient technique of cupping Did you know inverted hot cups on your back can squeeze out and eject toxins…
Essential oils: Choose the right one based on your need Essential oils can effectively treat the triggers causing migraines and address the root cause of…
Creatine: Is this the right peak athletic-performance supplement for you? Creatine is the amino acid that boosts our energy. Did you know creatine supplements can…
Ultrasound Ultrasound is a safe, non-invasive procedure that uses sound waves to create images of internal…
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Why does the human body experience burnout and how to manage it? Burnout is a syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.…
charcoal toothpaste safe
Does your teeth really need charcoal toothpaste? Charcoal toothpaste, made out of activated charcoal is gaining large popularity owing to its teeth-whitening…
Patient under observation
What can you do if you are COVID-19 positive: Practical coping tips If you tested positive for COVID-19, follow these steps if you are under home or…
hsv-igg
Herpes simplex virus (HSV)-IgG Test Herpes simplex virus I(HSV)-IgG is an Immunoglobulin protein that acts as an antibody which stays…
Helicobacter pylori IGA
Helicobacter Pylori – IgA Test The H.pylori IgA test is a blood test used to identify the level of IgA…
HSV-IgM test
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)-IgM Test The HSV-IgM class antibody is produced by the body a few days after an initial…
EEG
Electroencephalogram – EEG EEG or electroencephalogram is a diagnostic tool used to access the functioning of neurons and…
CLA: A breakthrough weight loss supplement with minimal side effects Tried every weight loss supplement in the market with no substantial gain? Why not try…
Ferritin blood test
Ferritin Test Ferritin test is a blood test that provides vital information on the level of RBCs…
diabetic foot ulcer remedy
Diabetic foot ulcer Read to know everything about diabetic foot ulcer,causes,symptoms,diagnosis,treatment prevention and outcome for patients
Hymenoplasty
Hymenoplasty Read on to find out all about hymenoplasty, the procedure, post-surgery care, the risks, and…
Stye : The best natural home remedies to ease the pain Styes developing inside the eyelid tend to be more painful whereas external styes are less…
carrageenan seaweed
Carrageenan: How a simple seaweed extract could better your gut health & immunity Eat more ice cream to prevent cold and flu? –With carrageenan you get one simple…
PROLACTIN-(PRL)
Prolactin Test (PRL) Prolactin or PRL is a lactogenic hormone produced to induce milk production in lactating mothers.…
bilirubin-test-result
Bilirubin Test Bilirubin is a substance produced in the body as a result of red blood cell…
How can berberine supplements help you live longer and healthier? Berberine is a turmeric look-alike herbal extract that is credited with numerous health benefits ranging…
sleep deprivation
Don’t let your sleep deficit grow into memory loss or heart attack Why is sleep important for us? How could sleep deprivation harm you? We bet you…
belly fat reduction
Easy and effective ways to get rid of the stubborn belly fat The accumulation of fats in your belly region is the toughest to get rid of…
Strep throat pain
Anti-Streptolysin-O Test The ASO or Anti-Streptolysin-O is a blood test designed to check for the presence of…
Vaginoplasty - Post-op care
Vaginoplasty Know more about vaginoplasty, the procedure, post-operative care, best options for treatment, cost, and possible…
reflexology massage
Top reasons why you should go for a reflexology massage today Reflexology involves the application of pressure to your feet and hands to encourage self-healing. Could…
Splenda
Splenda Splenda is an artificial sweetener derived from Stevia plant extracts. It is low in calories…
lipid-profile
Lipid Profile Lipid profile is a blood test that provides complete information on how much cholesterol is…
castor oil hair
Castor oil : A vitamin-rich oil for shiny locks and healthy bowels Castor oil bestows unlimited benefits, whether you use it for your hair or skin. But…
iron deficiency profile
Iron Deficiency Profile An iron deficiency profile is a battery of blood tests which are performed in order…
dance health benefits
5 unbelievable effects of dance on your overall health! You enjoy dancing, but did you know what else it does to your body? Dancing…
Chromium Picolinate: An essential mineral supplement for faster weight loss Did you know that about 1.6 million deaths were directly linked to diabetes globally? How…
Amnesia brain
Amnesia: It’s not just a blow on the head that can erase your memory Amnesia, a condition popularized by many a tv shows, is a condition of partial or…
Pumpkin Seeds: Why pumpkins are more than just for pies! Pumpkins have been long associated with Halloween carvings and delicious pies. But did you know…
IGE test
IgE test – Immunoglobulin E IgE or immunoglobulin E test is a test that measures the level of IgE in…
6 arguments in favour of glucosamine and where can you find it Studies have shown that glucosamine works by preventing the breakdown of cartilage of the joints.…
Quinine: How gin and tonic came to be known as a potent health elixir The discovery of quinine-containing tree bark is sometimes considered the most serendipitous medical discovery of…
Potassium healthy
Potassium: How only 100 mg a day can dramatically increase your lifespan! The word potassium comes from the process where wood ashes were stored in pots for…
Silicon Dioxide: How can a component of sand be essential to your wellbeing? Silicon is one of the most abundant elements in the nature. Find out how silicon…
Activated charcoal: The instant health benefits of this “diamond in the coal mine” How can the pitch black activated charcoal help you whiten your teeth? Or have a…
DHEA wrinkles
DHEA: Now get unbelievable age defiance with this wonder hormone! DHEA is known popularly as the age-defying hormone. This supplement is widely used to slow…
CBC blood test
CBC (Hemogram 6-part diff) blood test CBC (Hemogram 6-part diff) blood test refers to the test that measures the number of…
appearance after septoplasty
Septoplasty Click to know procedure, benefits, risks and cost of septoplasty along with information about post…
piles
Best treatment for piles in Bangalore All you need to know about piles and piles treatment in Bangalore - the types…
sinusitis breathing difficulty
Sinusitis Click to read everything about sinusitis, types, treatment options, available surgical procedures, cost and post-op…
sinusitis breathing difficulty
Sinusitis Click to read everything about sinusitis, types, treatment options, available surgical procedures, cost and post-op…
Bronchoscopy procedure
Bronchoscopy Bronchoscopy is a procedure where in a scope is inserted into the lung pathway to…

Top Stories

Want to live a healthy lifestyle?

Subscribe to free FactDr newsletters.

REVAMP YOUR

LIFE

HEALTH

WELLNESS

If you're enjoying our website, we promise you'll absolutely love our new posts. Be the first one to get a copy!

Get factually correct, actionable tips delivered straight to your inbox once a week.

I want the latest scoop on :

We hate spam too. We will never share your email address with anyone. If you change your mind later, you can unsubscribe with just one click

By clicking Subscribe, I agree to the FactDr Terms & Conditions & Privacy Policy and understand that I may opt out of FactDr subscriptions at any time.

Test Your Knowledge

Welcome to your Human Anatomy Quiz

Which part of the human body grows the fastest among these?
Which is the largest organ in the human body?
Where is the smallest bone in the human body located?
How much does your hair grow in a month?
What is the size of the smallest muscle of the human body?
Which is the largest bone in the human body?
Occurrence of calcium crystals is normal in this part of the body.
How many taste buds are there on the human tongue?
How many bones do new born babies have?
The anatomical name for the "windpipe" is

Take the full quiz