Neurology

Neurology is a highly specialized branch of Neuroscience that deals with the management of the entire gamut of diseases, disorders, and malignancies involving both central, as well as peripheral nervous systems. The former comprises the Brain and the Spinal Cord, whereas the latter includes the peripheral nerves and muscles. Neurological problems may range from simple disabilities to complex disorders and can prove to be debilitating, or even life-threatening, without proper care. Neurology focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, assessment, and management of such conditions using different surgical and non-surgical modalities.

Why choose Sanar International Hospitals? 
Sanar Internationl Hospital brings to you a world-class Neurology Unit, catering to the needs of patients with a wide gamut of diseases and ailments affecting the organs and structures of the nervous system.  Our experts use the finest modalities to assess and treat the patients while keeping their safety and satisfaction at the forefront. The comprehensive treatment plans are carefully curated to address the specific needs and requirements of all the patients. 

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

• Dystonia - It is a movement disorder that is marked by the involuntary contraction of muscles, which leads to repeated twisting movement. Dystonia is progressive in nature, which means that it tends to aggravate with time. Surgical management of dystonia is possible with Deep Brain Stimulation, which is usually recommended when the patient is not responding to medication and therapy.
• Parkinson's disease - It is a progressive neurological disorder that affects the patient’s motor functions, giving rise to symptoms like slowing down of movement, frequent tremors, and muscle rigidity. The symptoms are not evident initially and these tend to aggravate slowly. There is no cure for Parkinson’s, however, the condition can be managed with the right treatment and care. 
• Essential Tremors - Essential tremor is the most common movement disorder, marked by the involuntary rhythmic shaking of the head, hands, legs or even voice. These can affect people belonging to any age group, however, they are more common in those above 60 years of age. The condition affects nearly 1 percent of the world's population and 5 percent of the population above 60 years of age. 
• Epilepsy - It is a neurological disorder marked by repeated seizures, loss of awareness, and change in behavior, all triggered by a disturbance in the brain activity. Epilepsy is non-communicable and can affect anyone, including small children. With the right treatment and care, epilepsy can be effectively managed with the right treatment and care.
• Alzheimer’s Disease - It is a progressive brain disorder that leads to the gradual loss of memory and thinking capacity. It is the most common cause of dementia (memory loss) and accounts for about 60 to 80 percent of the cases. Ageing is one of the major risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease but it can affect the younger population as well. 
• Headaches - It is a very common problem, marked by throbbing, sharp or dull pain in the head. There are several different types of headaches, classified on the basis of frequency, intensity, and location. Primary headaches are caused by overactivity of the pain-sensitive areas of the brain whereas secondary headaches are a symptom of some underlying condition. 
• Cerebral Palsy - The term is used for various disorders that affect the patient’s movement, posture, and balance. It develops in early childhood and is a result of damage to the developing brain while the child is still inside the womb.

FAQ'S

When is the right time to see a Neurologist?

You should consider seeing a neurologist if you can relate to any of the following:

• Persistent neurological symptoms that keep on aggravating, such as headaches, seizures, facial pain, blackouts, loss of motor function, impaired movement, and disturbed balance.
• If you suspect that you have a neurological condition,
• If you have been diagnosed with a neurological condition and want to get a second opinion,
• If you have been referred by some other specialist to see a neurologist,

What conditions does a neurologist treat?

A- Various conditions that are diagnosed, assessed, treated, and managed by a neurologist include:

• Movement disorders like Parkinson’s disease and Dystonia
• Headaches and migraines
• Neurovascular diseases
• Neuromuscular diseases
• Multiple sclerosis
• Epilepsy
• Stroke
• Congenital malformations
• Neuropathy
• Dementia and Alzheimer’s
• Neurodegenerative diseases

What are the common neurological conditions that affect kids?

A: Common neurological conditions that can affect kids include:

• Epilepsy
• Cerebral Palsy
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Tourette’s syndrome
• Neurodevelopmental defects
• Paediatric stroke
• Developmental Delay
• Migraine
• ADHD (attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder)
• Muscular dystrophy
   

Can neurological problems be treated without surgery?

A-Yes, neurological problems can be treated without surgery in certain cases. In fact, conservative treatments are the first line of approach, and surgery is recommended only when the patient is not responding to the former. Some of the common non-surgical treatment options for neurological ailments include:

• Medication that aims at relieving or controlling the symptoms or slowing down the progress of the condition. These include anti-epileptic drugs, pain medication, and immunosuppressants.
• Occupational therapy, which aims at helping the patients regain their ability to indulge in normal day-to-day activities by improving motor and cognitive skills
• Physical therapy, which focuses on improving the movement, balance, strength, and coordination of the patient,
• Speech therapy is used to help patients regain their ability to speak properly.
• Assistive devices for patients with severely impaired mobility
• Rehabilitation programmes that are personalised to meet the individual needs of the patients
• Lifestyle and dietary modifications that promote neurological health and the overall well-being of the patient
   

Can neurological problems be diagnosed with the help of a blood test?

A- Blood tests are not generally used as a primary diagnostic modality; however, they can be performed to rule out the possibility of some other medical condition and provide important information that can play a crucial role in diagnosing the patient. It may be performed for the following reasons:

• Genetic testing for detecting mutations related to specific conditions or disorders
• To assess specific biomarkers
• To identify metabolic abnormalities
• To identify the levels of certain hormones

What are the common indications of a neurological problem?

A-There is a wide range of symptoms that can point towards the prevalence of a neurological problem. These include:

• Frequent or persistent headaches
• Recurrent episodes of seizures
• Numbness or an unexplained tingling sensation
• Weakness in the muscles
• Paralysis or loss of limb function
• Problems related to balance and coordination
• Changes in cognitive function
• Tremors and uncontrolled movements
• Unexplained changes in behaviour
• Restlessness, anxiety, and depression
• Problems related to sleep