Low-cost neurosurgery in India

Indian hospitals to offer low-cost neurosurgery in India

Neurosurgery in India is a very good option for abroad patients seeking low cost and safe surgical treatment for the correction of their disorders. Medical tourism in India provides very good assistance to international patients for their comfortable treatment in India. For neurosurgery, patients must find surgeons who are appropriately trained. Another factor to consider is cost and reimbursement. And finally, patients need to be aware that like any new medical technology, this surgery carries with it a certain level of unknown technical risks. SinceNeurosurgery  in india it is still a relatively new procedure in India with a certain level of risks. The cost of Neurosurgery in India is very less compared to that of its cost in other developed countries. Most advanced surgery hospitals for Neurosurgery  in India are in most prominent cities of India.

The large number of neurosurgeries in India enables Indian hospitals to offer low-cost neurosurgery in India. Further, cost of neurosurgery in India is amongst the lowest in the world.

The neurosurgeries performed at hospitals in India include the following

• ·         Surgery of the Skull Base

• ·         Micro Vascular Surgery

• ·         Brain Surgery for Epilepsy

• ·         Interventional Neuroradiology

• ·         Neurological Endoscopy

• ·         Non-Invasive Stereotactic Radiosurgery

• ·         Craniotomy

• ·         Surgery for DBS (Deep Brain Stimulation)

• ·         Spine Decompression Surgery

• ·         Spine Decompression with Fusion

• ·         Laminectomy

• ·         Spine Disc Replacement

• ·         Scoliosis Surgery

• ·         Endoscopic Discectomy

• ·         Spina Bifida

Neurosurgeons in India gravitate towards super specialisation in focus areas such as interventional neuroradiology, skull base surgeries, paediatric neurosurgery, etc. Unlike in the past when orthopaedic surgeons used to perform some spine surgeries, spine surgeries are now performed at leading hospitals in India exclusively by surgeons specially trained in spine surgery.
Success rates of Neurosurgery in India very often exceed international standards. Further, neurosurgery cost in India, is amongst the lowest in the world.

Cost of Neurosurgery in India

The cost of neurosurgery in India is truly economical. Some examples:
·         Neurosurgery cost in India for the removal of Pituitary Gland Tumour : Cost of Neurosurgery in India for the excision of pituitary tumour will involve an expenditure of US dollars three thousand to six thousand. The comparable cost of neurosurgery in the USA would be approximately 5 times as much.
·         Neurosurgery cost in India for Lumbar Spine Fusion: Cost of Neurosurgery in India for this procedure will be approximately US dollars 5000. The comparable cost of neurosurgery in the USA would be US dollars 20,000 at least
·         
Neurosurgery cost in India for spine decompression: Cost of Neurosurgery in India for this procedure would be between US dollars 6000; the cost of neurosurgery in the USA would be at least four times as much

Leading neurosurgery hospitals in India rank amongst the finest in the world. They combine the best of human resources in terms of highly qualified neurosurgeons, neurologists, interventional radiologists, interventional neuroradiologists and the best of material resources in terms of hospital infrastructure and medical equipment.

Why should you choose to get Neurology & Endovascular Neurosurgery in India?
Neurosurgery in India's top hospitals is extremely successful on account of the world class operation theatres and cutting edge technology that is available to neurosurgeons in India. For example:

·        Indian doctors are known all over the world for their skill and knowledge and have the experience of studying and working at the best neuron surgery hospitals in the world.·         Most advanced Technology Infrastructure - Blood Bank with 24 hour apharesis facility, advanced laboratory and microbiology (infection control) support, advanced cardiology, DSA and interventional radiology, portable and colour ultra-sonology, Liver Fibro-scan, 64 slice CT scanner, 3 T MRI, PET-CT and nephrology (including 24 hour dialysis and CVVHD).·         Neurosurgery Hospitals in India are equipped with the latest and high end technology.·         Cost of epilepsy surgery in India at best brain surgery hospitals in India is very low as compared to the cost at best hospitals in America or UK with the same level of care and services.

Treatment of brain and spine disorders are becoming less invasive with the advent of better imaging and interventional technologies. Interventional neuroradiologists in India now offer a wide range of minimally invasive neurosurgeries through angioplasty, placement of stents, treatment of vascular tumors, large aneurysm, embolization for resolution of arteriovenous malformations, etc

Rehabilitation care at hospitals for neurosurgery in India:

In the aftermath of complex neurosurgery, several patients will require intense physical and neuro rehabilitation. Leading hospitals for neurosurgery in Indiahave specialised equipment as well as rehabilitation specialists. Rehabilitation post neurosurgery is targeted in the following areas:

• ·        Functional Therapy

• ·         Mobility of Patients

• ·         Enhanced Movement Therapy

Advantages of Endovascular Neurosurgery/ Interventional Neuroradiology in India

Endovascular neurosurgery, is the field of medicine that combines neurosurgery with interventional neuro- radiology and treats the diseases of blood vessels of the brain and spine. This is a minimally invasive technique which entails using catheters and embolic agents or clotting agents rather than open surgeries.

The procedures are done in angiographic suite (located in the x-ray department), rather than the operating room and is done within the blood vessels using catheters to fill blood vessel abnormalities with particles, polymers or stents.

Endo vascular neuro surgery treats a variety of cerebro vascular diseases which are untreatable through conventional surgery such as:

• Stroke
• Aneurysms
• Arterio-venous malformations
• IArterial stenosis
• Dural arterio-venous fistulas
• Vascular Tumours
• Carotid Cavernous sinus fistulae
• Cerebral revascularization after clotting
• Vasospastic arteries
• 
  

Advantages of Endovascular Neurosurgery/ Interventional Neuroradiology

The most important advantage of the endovascular approach for the treatment of aneurysms, AVMs and tumors of the brain is one, they can be treated, because sometimes they are considered inoperable or too risky to be operated and thus the patient goes without treatment. Endovascular neurosurgery is the procedure of choice in following patients:

• 
  
• Old age
• High risk patients with diabetes and heart disease
• Patients with contraindication for surgery or anaesthesia

Second, craniotomy or opening of the skull is avoided and thus the procedure is done through minimal invasive technique. 

This means:

• 
  

Minimal damage to the normal brain tissue
Almost no mortality
Minimal chances of complications
No brain or spinal cord tissue manipulation
No scarring, pain and least discomfort to the patient
No blood loss and need for blood transfusion
Short hospital stay and fast return to normal activities
Acute stroke patients can be treated even many hours after the stroke.
Can be used to stabilize the bones and reduce pain in patients with specific types of spinal fractures such as compression fractures and fractures caused by osteoporosis.

Why should you choose to get Neurology & Endovascular Neurosurgery in India?

·         Indian doctors are known all over the world for their skill and knowledge and have the experience of studying and working at the best neuron surgery hospitals in the world.

·         Most advanced Technology Infrastructure - Blood Bank with 24 hour apharesis facility, advanced laboratory and microbiology (infection control) support, advanced cardiology, DSA and interventional radiology, portable and colour ultra-sonology, Liver Fibro-scan, 64 slice CT scanner, 3 T MRI, PET-CT and nephrology (including 24 hour dialysis and CVVHD).

·         Neurosurgery Hospitals in India are equipped with the latest and high end technology.

·         Cost of epilepsy surgery in India at best brain surgery hospitals in India is very low as compared to the cost at best hospitals in America or UK with the same level of care and services.

Deep Brain Stimulation, Parkinson Surgery, Tremor, Dystonia, OCD Treatment at World Best Hospital in India

World-class Hospital with dedicated Neurosurgery and Neurology ICUs and centres of Specialisation for brain tumours, spinal disorders, stroke, epilepsy, movement disorders and headache.

Most Advanced Technology like Brain Suite, Biplane Neuroendovascular Angiography, Synergy S Linac System, S-7 Navigation System, Endoscopic Neurosurgery Theatre, 3 Tesla MRI, 256 slice CT scan, PET scan.

 Low Cost Treatment package which includes Airport Pick up and Drop from Airport in India, Hospital Stay, Testing/Screening, Deep Brain Stimulation Treatment, Consultations with Specialist Doctors , Nursing care, Surgeon Fee, Medicines and Consumables.

Experienced Team of professionals having a specialist Neurologist (Movement Disorder specialist), Specialist Neurosurgeon, Neuroradiologist, Physiotherapist and Dietary specialists who provide high-quality care

For more information visit:          http://www.medworldindia.com     
                    https://www.facebook.com/medworld.india

Please scan and email your medical reports  to us at care@medworldindia.com and we shall get you a Free Medical Opinion from India’s Best Doctors.

Call Us : +91-9811058159

Mail Us : care@medworldindia.com

Early diagnosis of Parkinson's disease gives you the best chance of a longer, healthier life.

Early Warning Signs of Parkinson's Disease

Sometimes it is hard to tell that you might have Parkinson'sdisease. Parkinson's disease is when your brain stops making an important chemical called dopamine. This chemical helps your body to move, and helps your mood. If you do have Parkinson's, you can feel better by taking a pill that helps your body to replace that chemical. Parkinson's disease will get worse slowly over time, and your doctor can help you stay healthy longer. Some of the problems listed here could be signs of Parkinson's disease.

No single one of these signs means that you should worry about Parkinson's disease. If you have more than one symptom, you should make an appointment to talk to your doctor. 

What you can do if you do have Parkinson's disease:

·         Work with your doctor to create a plan to stay healthy. This plan might include:

·         A referral to a neurologist, a doctor who specializes in the brain

·         Care from an occupational therapist, physical therapist or speech therapist

·         Meeting with a medical social worker to talk about how Parkinson's will affect your life

·         Start a regular exercise program to delay further symptoms.

·         Talk with family and friends who can provide you with the support you need.

Tremor or Shaking

Have you noticed a slight shaking or tremor in your finger, thumb, hand, chin or lip? Does your leg shake when you sit down or relax? Twitching or shaking of limbs is a common early sign of Parkinson’s disease.

Small Handwriting

Has your handwriting suddenly gotten much smaller than in it was in the past? You may notice the way you write words on a page has changed, such as letter sizes are smaller and the words are crowded together. A sudden change in handwriting is often a sign of Parkinson’s disease.

Loss of Smell

Have you noticed you no longer smell certain foods very well? If  you seem to have more trouble smelling foods like bananas, dill pickles or licorice, you should ask your doctor about Parkinson’s disease.

Trouble Sleeping

Do you thrash around in bed or kick and punch while you are deeply asleep? You might notice that you started falling out of bed while asleep. Sometimes, your spouse will notice, or will want to move to another bed. Sudden movements during sleep may be a sign of Parkinson’s disease.

Trouble Moving or Walking

Do you feel stiff in your body, arms or legs? Sometimes stiffness goes away as you move. If it does not, it can be a sign of Parkinson’s disease. You might notice that your arms don’t swing when you walk, or maybe other people have said you look stiff. An early sign might be stiffness or pain in your shoulder or hips. People sometimes say their feet seem ‘stuck to the floor.

Constipation

Do you have trouble moving your bowels without straining every day? Straining to move your bowels can be an early sign of Parkinson’s disease and you should talk to your doctor. 

A Soft or Low Voice

Have other people told you that your voice is very soft when you speak in a normal tone, or that you sound hoarse? If there has been a change in your voice you should see your doctor about whether it could be Parkinson’s disease. Sometimes you might think other people are losing their hearing, when really you are speaking more softly.

Masked Face

Have you been told that you have a serious, depressed or mad look on your face more often, even when you are not in a bad mood? This serious looking face is called masking. Also, if you or other people notice that you have a blank stare or do not blink your eyes very often, you should ask your doctor about Parkinson’s disease. 

Dizziness or Fainting

Do you notice that you often feel dizzy when you stand up out of a chair? Feeling dizzy or fainting can be signs of low blood pressure and can be linked to Parkinson’s disease.

Stooping or Hunching Over

Are you not standing up as straight as you used to? If you or your family or friends notice that you seem to be stooping, leaning or slouching when you stand, it could be a sign of Parkinson’s disease.

How is Parkinson’s disease treated now and How could stem cells help?

How is Parkinson’s disease treated now?

Current treatments for Parkinson’s include the drug  It is converted into dopamine in the body, so it acts as a stand-in for the lost dopamine-producing neurons. Some other drugs act like dopamine to stimulate the nerve cells. Patients are also treated with occupational therapy, physiotherapy, healthy diet and exercise. Surgery, such as deep brain stimulation with implanted electrodes, is used to treat advanced symptoms.

These treatments relieve the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, but do not slow down or reverse the damage to nerve cells in the brain. Over time, the symptoms often get worse despite treatment. By the time patients are diagnosed with Parkinson’s they have often had the disease for years and have lost most of the critical nerve cells. Tests that detect Parkinson’s earlier may help, but scientists are searching for a way to replace the damaged cells.

How could stem cells help?

Although the underlying cause of Parkinson's disease is unknown, scientists do know which cells and areas of the brain are involved. Researchers are already using stem cells to grow dopamine-producing nerve cells in the lab so that they can study the disease. Because a single, well-defined type of cell is affected, it may also be possible to treat Parkinson’s by replacing the lost nerve cells with healthy new ones.

Replacing lost cells
Doctors and scientists think cell replacement therapy will work because of the results of transplantation studies done in the 1980s. Scientists took cells from the adrenal glands of four Parkinson’s patients and transplanted them into the patients’ brains. The adrenal glands sit on top of the kidneys and contain some cells that release dopamine and similar substances. After the transplants, there was some improvement in the patients’ condition, but it was only minor and did not last long. This was the first time dopamine-producing tissue had been transplanted into the human brain. In later experiments, researchers have transplanted dopamine-producing neurons from human fetuses into animals and human patients, with major improvements in some cases but only modest changes in others However, there were some side effects in one group of patients and in some cases the disease spread to the transplanted fetal cells more than a decade after surgery.

Scientists still hope that introducing young cells into the brain could delay the onset or progress of Parkinson’s disease, but not enough fetal tissue is available to treat the large numbers of Parkinson’s patients, and the use of foetuses also raises ethical questions. Stem cells could offer an alternative source of new cells for Parkinson’s patients:

·         Embryonic stem (ES) cells could be directed to make dopamine-producing neurons, which could be transplanted into patients. Dopamine-producing neurons have been made from both mouse and human embryonic stem cells in the laboratory.

·         Induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells could be made from a patient’s adult skin cells in the lab, and then used to make dopamine-producing neurons. In 2010 scientists in the USA treated rats with neurons made from human skin cells using iPS techniques. The transplanted neurons improved symptoms of Parkinson's disease in the rats. However, mice and rats require fewer neurons than humans and it is not yet clear whether this approach would work in patients. More studies are also needed to make sure the cells are safe and would not cause tumours in the brain.

Current research

Stem cell treatments for Parkinson's are still in the early stages of development. Some of the most important recent advances include work on methods for making dopamine-producing neurons in the lab; research on how to improve the effectiveness of transplants and avoid side effects; and studies investigating how the disease works and how cells can help with the development of new drugs.

What Are the Symptoms of a Brain Tumor in Adults? : Some tumors have no symptoms until they are quite large and then cause a serious, rapid decline in health.

Symptoms of brain tumors vary according to the type of tumor and the location. Because different areas of the brain control different functions of the body, where the tumor lies affects the way symptoms are manifested.

Some tumors have no symptoms until they are quite large and then cause a serious, rapid decline in health. Other tumors may have symptoms that develop slowly.

A common initial symptom of a brain tumor is headaches. Often, they don't respond to the usual headache remedies. Keep in mind that most headaches are unrelated to brain tumors.

Other symptoms include:

·         Seizures

·         Changes in speech or hearing

·         Changes in vision

·         Balance problems

·         Problems with walking

·         Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs

·         Problems with memory

·         Personality changes

·         Inability to concentrate

·         Weakness in one part of the body

It's important to keep in mind that these symptoms can be caused by a number of different conditions. Don't assume you have a brain tumor just because you experience some of them. Check with your doctor.

How Are Brain Tumors Diagnosed?

To diagnose a brain tumor, the doctor starts by asking questions about your symptoms and taking a personal and family health history. Then he or she performs a physical exam, including a neurological exam. If there's reason to suspect a brain tumor, the doctor may request one or more of the following tests:

·      Imaging studies such as a CT(CAT) scan or MRI to see detailed images of the brain

·     Angiogram or MRA, which involve the use of dye and X-rays of blood vessels in the brain to look for signs of a tumor or abnormal blood vessels

The doctor may also ask for a biopsy to determine whether or not the tumor is cancer. A tissue sample is removed from the brain either during surgery to remove the tumor or with a needle inserted through a small hole drilled into the skull before treatment is started. The sample is then sent to a lab for testing.

HOW TO TREAT BRAIN TUMORS

• Tumors near the surface of the brain may be surgically removed. In many cases, however, it is only possible to remove a portion of a tumor, since taking it all out would cause unacceptable amounts of brain damage. Still, removing even part of it may afford a period of improvement by relieving pressure within the cranium.
• Tumors deep within the brain may be treated with microsurgery, laser surgery, or radiation therapy.
• For malignant primary tumors, surgery may be followed with radiation or chemotherapy. Surgery may also be preceded by radiation.
• Your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids to reduce swelling of brain tissue, anticonvulsant drugs to control seizures, and pain relievers.

Treatment for brain tumors is based on many factors, such as:

• Your age, overall health, and medical history
• The type, location, and size of the tumor
• How likely the tumor is to spread or recur
• Your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies

Treatment for these symptoms may include:

• Antiseizure/Antiepileptic Drugs (AEDs)
• Steroids
• Surgery

Often, low-grade tumors (grade I and II), which are not aggressive, are treated with watchful monitoring or surgery alone. Though all tumors are monitored with repeat scans, grade II tumors are watched more closely after surgery and over time to make sure there is no recurrence.

Higher grade tumors (grade III and IV), which are malignant and can grow quickly, are more difficult to remove and require additional treatments beyond surgery, such as radiation, chemotherapy, or a clinical trial if one is available. Microscopic tumor cells can remain after surgery and will eventually grow back. All treatments, therefore, are intended to prolong and improve life for as long as possible.

Additional treatment options for high-grade tumors include:

• Radiation therapy: X-rays and other forms of radiation can destroy tumor cells or delay tumor growth.
• Chemotherapy: The use of drugs to kill rapidly dividing cells. It can be taken orally or intravenously.
• Targeted therapy: The focus on a specific element of a cell, such as molecules or pathways required for cell growth, in order to use them as a target.

Vagus Nerve Stimulator for Epilepsy : Advanced Epilepsy Treatment Options Available in India

There are several ways to treat epilepsy. How well each treatment works varies from one person to another. Vagus Nerve Stimulation therapy is a form of treatment for people with epilepsy whose seizures are not controlled with medication.

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS Therapy) is designed to prevent seizures by sending regular, mild pulses of electrical energy to the brain via the vagus nerve. These pulses are supplied by a device something like a pacemaker.

·         The VNS device is sometimes referred to as a "pacemaker for the brain." It is placed under the skin on the chest wall and a wire runs from it to the vagus nerve in the neck.

·         The vagus nerve is part of the autonomic nervous system, which controls functions of the body that are not under voluntary control, such as the heart rate. The vagus nerve passes through the neck as it travels between the chest and abdomen and the lower part of the brain.

What is the surgery like?

·         The surgeon first makes an incision along the outer side of the chest on the left side, and the device is implanted under the skin. A second incision is made horizontally in the lower neck, along a crease of skin, and the wire from the stimulator is wound around the vagus nerve in the left side of the neck. The brain itself is not involved in the surgery.

·         The device (also called an implant) is a flat, round battery, about the size of a silver dollar—that is, about an inch and a half (4 cm) across—and 10 to 13 millimeters thick, depending on the model used. Newer models may be somewhat smaller.

·         The procedure usually lasts about 50 to 90 minutes with the patient under general anesthesia. Usually the person can go home later the same day. Sometimes you may need to stay overnight in the hospital for observation.  

How is VNS used?

·      The neurologist (or licensed professional) programs the strength and timing of the impulses according to each patient's needs. The settings can be programmed and changed by placing a wand over the generator on the left side of the chest. The wand is connected to a handheld computer.

·         For all patients, the device is programmed to go on (give stimulation) for a certain period (for example, 7 seconds or 30 seconds) and then to go off (stop stimulation) for another period (for example, 14 seconds or 5 minutes). The device is set to give stimulation at regular intervals during the day, usually with 30 seconds of stimulation alternating with 5 minutes of no stimulation. The patient is usually not aware that it's operating.

·         Holding a special magnet near the implanted device (generator) triggers the device to deliver another burst of stimulation, outside of the programmed intervals. For people with warnings (auras) before their seizures, activating the stimulator with the magnet when the warning occurs may help to stop the seizure.

·         Settings (also called stimulation parameters) set by the neurologist typically include a stimulation amplitude of 1.0 to 3.0 mA (milliamperes), a stimulation frequency of 20 - 30 Hz (hertz), and a pulse width of 130 - 500 microseconds. By adjusting these settings, the doctor not only may be able to control more of the patient's seizures, but often can also relieve side effects. One study, for instance, found that changing the pulse width eliminated pain that some patients were experiencing.

·         The battery for the stimulator lasts approximately 5-10 years, depending on the settings used.

What can VNStherapy do during a seizure?

Some people have a warning or aura which is a simple focal (or 'simple partial') seizure that tells them that they are going to have a further seizure. When this happens, they can pass a special magnet over the stimulator to give extra stimulation. This may stop the aura from developing into another seizure or may reduce how long it takes to recover afterwards.

The magnet can be worn on their wrist like a watch or on their belt. For people who have no warning before a seizure, someone else could use the magnet when a seizure happens.

For more information visit:          http://www.medworldindia.com       
                    https://www.facebook.com/medworld.india

Please scan and email your medical reports  to us at care@medworldindia.com and we shall get you a Free Medical Opinion from India’s Best Doctors.

Call Us : +91-9811058159

Mail Us : care@medworldindia.com