The country’s first deep brain stimulation surgery to treat Tourette syndrome was performed on March 27, 2025, by a medical team at the Neurological Institute.
Tourette syndrome is a movement disorder that typically begins in childhood. Patients experience uncontrollable movements or vocalizations. While some improve with age, severe or persistent cases require alternative treatments. After surgery, the medical team carefully adjusted the electrical stimulation levels and monitored the patient’s condition over two months. The result was nearly a 70% reduction in symptoms, no additional complications, and a clear improvement in quality of life.
The Neurological Institute plans to expand this treatment, aiming to perform about 10 surgeries per year for patients who qualify and need brain stimulation therapy. This effort will go hand-in-hand with ongoing development of medical technology related to neurological systems.
In celebration of its 68th anniversary on August 2, 2025, the institute is hosting events to raise awareness and support neurological research: the 6th annual "Seizure... I Want to Run" walk-run at Queen Sirikit Park, the "100 True Stories of the Brain" exhibition, the "Brain Boost Concert" at Le Thana Theater in Bang Phli, and the "Care and Share" campaign inviting donations through the Neurological Institute Foundation to assist patients in need. Donors can receive double tax deductions.
For more information, follow the Neurological Institute on Facebook or call 02-354-6118.
Additional info: Department of Medical Services
Link: https://www.dms.go.th
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