Functional neurosurgery is a subspecialty that deals with functional disorders of the CNS system, for example, Parkinson's disease, movement disorders, epilepsy and pain. The development of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) enables widespread applications in functional neurosurgery. DBS thus becomes the trailblazer of electrical stimulation therapy to manage many neurological and psychological disorders, and allows growing understanding of the brain and deep brain functions.
The pioneering contributions to neuro-modulation by the Neurosurgery and Neurology team of Prince of Wales Hospital testify to their commitment to providing up-to-date and quality medical care. They performed the first DBS for Parkinson's disease in 1997. It was the first in Hong Kong as well as in Asia. The first DBS for dystonia was done in 2004, and the first DBS for genetic inherited generalized dystonia was in 2006. In subsequent years, the group achieved more milestones, including the first DBS for major depression (2010), the first DBS for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) (2011), the first DBS for drug-resistant epilepsy (2015), the first DBS for Essential tremor (2016), and DBS for genetic-related dystonia in the youngest-ever patient (a four-year-old child) in 2020. In additional, PWH became the first center in Hong Kong to perform DBS under general anaesthesia. Over the years, more than 200 patients with Parkinson's disease, dystonia and epilepsy have implanted DBS and experienced significant improvements to their lives-60% reduction in symptoms, 60% less drug usage, and a substantial enhancement in the quality of life. The therapy, with proven cost-effectiveness, was adopted as a standard therapy by Hospital Authority in 2013.
The Functional Neuroscience Team's journey reflects a commitment to people-centered care, a determination to pioneering medical advancements, and a culture of collaborative excellence. The story is a testament to the transformative impact a healthcare team can make in neuroscience collaboration.
