Growth of Neurology In India

Growth of Neurology In India
Growth of Neurology In India

There has been rampant inflation in the estimate of neurological diseases in our country. They treat these with varying neurological treatments. An imbalance in the brain, memory, or emergence of diseases like Parkinson’s, brain tumours, strokes, etc., fall under this domain. India is an explicit team player and is tapping into this lucrative opportunity. The best neurosurgery hospitals in Bangalore have also opened new gates of hope. A qualified team of individuals designates the best courses of treatment. The development of our country is undeniable. As on date, India harbours nearly 355 restorative schools.

Over the years, India has witnessed remarkable growth and affirms a bright future in Neurology. With the presence of institutions like the best neurosurgery hospitals in Bangalore, the country is brimming with opportunities. Although, the country needs more trained officials to make a significant breakthrough in this field. Neurologists are quintessential in managing neurological disorders. We need to harness the country’s potential to the fullest and cater to those in need. People suffering from neurological disorders can lead to an impaired life. Helping them to cope up with their lives and shaping them with effective treatments should be the goal.

HISTORY

In 1847, Lunatic Asylum, the first neurology hospital was set up in Bangalore which treated mentally ill patients. They renamed the Lunatic Asylum to Mysore Government Mental Hospital in 1926. The years that followed marked a shoot of manpower and competence among doctors. Neurosurgeries were sprawling and paved the way for psychosurgery, which helped in maintaining severely ill patients. They pacified them by performing leukotomies on their frontal lobe. The procedure entailed severing neural tracts in the frontal lobe. This surgery could enhance personality and cognition.

1942 saw the emergence of the first psychiatrist in India. His name was Dr. Govindaswamy, who published his work in collaboration with another doctor. He helped in implementing Mysore Lunacy Act and used electroconvulsive therapy for mentally ill patients. They used shock therapy to relieve seizures. India received several accolades for its medical breakthrough in the years that followed.

Leukotomy performed on patients started mounting in 1958. Dr. RM Varma devised a chemo thalamotomy for his patients. It helped assuage the troubles of Parkinson’s and tremors among patients. Under this method, they injected patients with anesthesia and approached the thalamus, and chemically ablated it. This approach could minimise the usage of hospital resources and can be referred to as Varma’s Technique.

1979-1982 witnessed an upsurge in Laitinen’s stereotactic frame and two operating microscopes. Followed by the installation of microscopes with colour TV monitoring and recording this came in handy while performing surgeries.

The number of operations widened. From microsurgery for tumours, cerebral and spinal vascular malformations, intramedullary tumours, and intra- and extra-cranial small vessel anastomosis were now conducted under the same roof.

By 2006, endoscopic surgeries for lesions were highly common, along with stereotactic and vascular spine injuries. The present-day scenario exhibits validated means to undertake the complexities of neurosurgery.

PRESENT DAY SITUATION

India has many patients suffering from neurological disorders. It is a further common sighting in rural areas. We have professionals who strive to comprehend and care for patients adequately. By assimilating multi-disciplinary approaches, we have come a long way. Doctors offer comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and surgical interventions. They specialise in interventional neuroradiology, functional neurosurgery, minimally invasive spine surgery, skull base surgery, traumatic brain and spine injuries, brain hemorrhages, epilepsy, congenital disorders, strokes, Parkinson’s, and so on.

Being adept in so many fields, India has stimulated healing patients. However, India suffers from the drawback of a lack of hospitals in rural areas. Most of these trained professionals live in metro cities. The cost of migration may often be far-fetched for people, denying them the necessary treatment.

ROADBLOCKS

The disparaging gap between limited workforce and a limitless workload is a major strain. There are 1200 neurologists registered with the Indian Academy of Neurology. However, only 400 have settled in metropolitan cities.

The discrepancy between demand and supply of clinical neurologists is a big roadblock faced by the country. By lessening the training period of neurology and offering diploma courses, may amplify the working numbers. This will, in turn, aid in coping up with the tremendous demand.

Essential coordination among primary, secondary, and tertiary sectors is fundamental. Creating awareness among people and propagating telemedicine is the only way forward.

CONCLUSION

Neurology has witnessed a developmental gain in India and is also responsible for several inventions. Dr. Varma’s contribution in this field is of paramount relevance. Young minds are continuously researching and contributing more to the ongoing system.