India’s 7 Most Common Neurological and Spine Disorders You Should Know

Stroke

Stroke is the second leading cause of death in India. According to Global Burden of Disease approximately 70% of people in our nation die of stroke. This means every four minutes a person dies of stroke. These numbers need attention and prevention! 

Stroke or cerebrovascular accident (CVA) is defined as a sudden onset of a neurologic deficit from a vascular mechanism. Stroke is the leading cause of neurologic disability in adults. It is more common in males and mainly affects elderly people. Blacks have almost twice the risk of stroke compared to whites. There are majorly two types of stroke, ischemic and hemorrhagic. Common risk factors are hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and obesity. 

Stroke treatment in India has advanced significantly in recent years, with a growing focus on early diagnosis and intervention. Treatment typically begins with emergency care, where clot-dissolving medications like tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) are administered within a critical 3 to 4.5-hour window for ischemic strokes. Thrombectomy, a procedure to remove clots from large arteries, is increasingly available at specialised centres. Rehabilitation, including physiotherapy and speech therapy, plays a key role in recovery, helping patients regain function and independence. India is also improving access to stroke units and telemedicine in rural areas, though challenges such as awareness, access to care, and financial barriers remain significant hurdles. Max hospital in India provides best stroke treatment with major focus on rehabilitation of the stroke patient.  Average cost of the treatment is around 2.5 to 5.5 lacs which is further dependent on many factors. 

Headache

Causes of headache vary from poor lifestyle to cancers or tumours. The intensity, magnitude as well duration plays a key role in defining the cause of headache. Most people experience headaches at least once during their life. Most causes of headache are benign, but rarely headache can be due to potentially life-threatening central nervous system (CNS) diseases such as brain tumour, intracranial haemorrhage. To address the various types of headache globally, the Internationally Headache Society has laid various guidelines to diagnose primary and secondary headache.  

Primary causes of headache include migraine, tension and cluster headache. The prevalence of headache is high. It is three times more common in women than men. It tends to run in families, and is more common in young females. It is found that most of the patients have strong genetic history. 

Secondary headaches are caused due subarachnoid headache, severe hypertension, metabolic disturbances and metabolic disturbances. A primary headache occurs as a result of overactivity or problems with pain-sensitive structures in the head, but it is not triggered by an underlying medical condition. In contrast, a secondary headache is a symptom of an underlying condition, such as a sinus infection, head injury, hypertension, or brain tumour. These headaches arise due to a specific health problem, and treating the underlying cause is essential for relieving the headache. 

You can definitely find natural remedies to treat your headache but it is crucial to differentiate to remove the underlying cause of headache. Visit your healthcare provider to find the exact cause of your headache. 

Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most prevalent motor disability in children. Recent global population studies show that CP occurs in approximately 1 to 4 per 1,000 live births or children. The likelihood of developing CP is greater in infants born prematurely or with low birth weight. 

Cerebral palsy is a collection of disorders that impact movement and posture, resulting from damage to the developing brain, typically before birth. Symptoms usually become noticeable during infancy or early childhood and can range from mild to severe. Children with cerebral palsy might experience exaggerated reflexes, floppy limbs and trunk, or stiff muscles, a condition known as spasticity. Other symptoms can include abnormal posture, involuntary movements, unsteady walking, or a combination of these challenges.

While there is no cure for cerebral palsy, treatments can help improve functionality. The symptoms may change as the child grows, but the condition itself does not worsen over time. Generally, cerebral palsy remains stable throughout life. 

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterised by recurrent, unprovoked seizures caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. These seizures can vary in severity and type, ranging from brief lapses in attention or muscle control to more severe convulsions. Epilepsy can affect individuals of all ages, though it often starts in childhood or in people over 60. The causes of epilepsy can be diverse, including genetic factors, brain injuries, infections, or developmental disorders, but in many cases, the exact cause is unknown. With proper treatment, such as antiepileptic medications or, in some cases, surgery, many people with epilepsy can lead normal, healthy lives. However, living with epilepsy often requires ongoing medical management and lifestyle adjustments to prevent triggers and ensure safety during daily activities.

According to the data by NCBI the average cost of epilepsy in the USA goes around $1000 to $1900 per person, and can go high if the seizures are not improving on repeated dose and surgery. 

After repeated doses and continuous medications, it is often advised to go for a surgical treatment. During the treatment part of the brain is removed causing seizures. The cost of the treatment highly varies in India. The treatment cost is usually around 2.5 lakhs to 4.5 lakhs. It is highly variable depending on the frequency, duration and ease of doing a surgical procedure especially the part of the brain involved. 

Tumors

Brain tumors are abnormal growths of cells in the brain, which can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). These tumours can disrupt normal brain function depending on their size, location, and rate of growth, leading to symptoms such as headaches, seizures, cognitive difficulties, or changes in behaviour. Traditional treatments for brain tumours include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, but recent advancements have introduced more precise and less invasive options. Technologies like Gamma Knife, CyberKnife, and Zap-X are revolutionising brain tumour treatment by delivering focused, high-dose radiation to the tumour while minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Gamma Knife and CyberKnife use advanced imaging and robotics to target tumours with pinpoint accuracy, often eliminating the need for open surgery. 

On average, the cost of CyberKnife treatment in India ranges from INR 5,00,000 to INR 15,00,000 or more, making it a highly affordable option. Average ZAP X cost in India per session is 4.9 lakhs. ZAP-X sessions are 30 minutes long and don’t require anaesthesia or hospital admission. The cost of tumours in India is much lower compared to other parts of the world. 

Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a condition characterised by an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine, commonly diagnosed during adolescence. While it can be associated with conditions like cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy, the majority of childhood scoliosis cases have no identifiable cause. Most scoliosis cases are mild, but some spinal curves can become more pronounced as children grow. In severe cases, scoliosis can lead to significant disability, with extreme curvatures potentially reducing chest space and impairing lung function.

Children with mild scoliosis are typically monitored through regular X-rays to track any changes in the curvature. Often, no treatment is required. However, some may need to wear a brace to prevent the curve from worsening, while more serious cases may require surgery to correct the spinal deformity.

Teenagers suffering from scoliosis are generally monitored regularly as they are growing while adults are on supportive measures to reduce the discomfort. Surgery is often the last option to prevent disability, nerve compression or a severe curve.  

Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects movement. It occurs when nerve cells in the brain responsible for producing dopamine, a chemical that helps control movement, become damaged or die. As dopamine levels decrease, individuals with Parkinson’s may experience symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, slow movement, and difficulty with balance and coordination. The disease tends to develop gradually, and symptoms worsen over time. While there is no cure for Parkinson’s, medications and therapies can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life for those affected.

Frequently ask questions 

• What triggers an epileptic seizure? 

Triggers vary but can include lack of sleep, stress, flashing lights, and certain medications or infections.

• Is cerebral palsy progressive?

No, cerebral palsy (CP) is not a progressive disorder. The brain damage that causes CP is permanent and does not worsen over time. However, the symptoms can change as a person grows, and secondary issues like muscle tightness or joint problems may develop if not properly managed. With therapy and appropriate interventions, individuals with CP can improve their mobility and quality of life, but the underlying condition remains stable.

• When should I visit a doctor for a headache?

You should consider visiting a doctor for a headache if it becomes severe, sudden, or is the worst you have ever experienced. Additionally, if your headache persists for several days or recurs frequently, medical attention may be necessary. Headaches accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, confusion, weakness, changes in vision, or difficulty speaking are concerning and should be evaluated by a doctor. If you notice worsening headaches over time or experience one after a head injury, it is important to seek medical advice. Other warning signs include headaches with fever or a stiff neck, which could indicate an infection, or if you notice changes in personality, behavior, or cognitive function. Furthermore, a new headache pattern in people over 50 should not be ignored. In any of these cases, it’s wise to consult a doctor for proper evaluation and management.

• What are the recent treatments of Parkinson’s disease? 

Recent treatments for Parkinson’s disease focus on improving symptoms, slowing disease progression, and enhancing patients’ quality of life. One of the most promising developments is deep brain stimulation (DBS), a surgical procedure that uses implanted electrodes to regulate abnormal brain activity, which can significantly reduce tremors and rigidity. Levodopa remains the gold standard for symptom control, but newer formulations aim to provide more consistent drug levels throughout the day. Advances in dopamine agonists and MAO-B inhibitors offer alternative ways to manage symptoms with fewer side effects. Gene therapy is being explored to restore dopamine production, and stem cell research is investigating ways to replace lost neurons. In addition, focused ultrasound therapy is a non-invasive treatment being studied for tremor control.

• Is stroke always deadly? 

A stroke is not always deadly, but it is a serious medical emergency that can cause significant complications or even be life-threatening if not treated promptly. The outcome of a stroke depends on the type, location, and severity of the brain damage. Some individuals recover fully, especially with quick treatment, while others may experience long-term disabilities such as speech difficulties, paralysis, or cognitive impairments. Early recognition of stroke symptoms and immediate medical attention are crucial in reducing the risk of death or permanent damage, highlighting the importance of knowing the signs of a stroke, such as sudden weakness, confusion, or difficulty speaking.