As more cases of stroke and other neurological disorders occur in India, the importance of having evidence-based neurosciences treatments is gaining momentum. Stroke ranks among the most common causes of disability in India, which makes the necessity of special rehabilitation even more urgent apart from emergency medical help.
Every year, more than 1.25 million Indians suffer a new stroke, and nearly one in every ten strokes in the world now occurs in India. To meet the growing demand for Rehab therapies, Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram has introduced Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS), an innovative, non-invasive neuromodulation technique for the treatment of selected patients with stroke rehabilitation needs and neurologic diseases as well as certain psychological disorders. This innovation helps to strengthen the existing comprehensive neurosciences programme of the Marengo Asia International Institute of Neuro and Spine.
The rTMS therapy is an out-patient procedure which does not require any surgery or anaesthesia and is based on using magnetic fields to stimulate the brain cells responsible for movement, speech, thinking and emotional state. It helps to boost neuroplasticity – the ability of the brain to form new neural connections.
“As neurology is entering into the era of precision neuroscience, with advancements in technology adding value to patient outcomes through medication and rehabilitation, rTMS is one such step. Through neuroplasticity and modulation of the targeted neural circuits, it is a scientifically proven adjunct therapy to be used on selected patients who have undergone stroke rehabilitation, specifically related to motor and speech impairment. The application of rTMS is also well recognized in treating psychological and mental health issues such as depression, OCD etc. that are resistant to medication,” said Dr Praveen Gupta, senior neurologist, and chairman, MAIINS, Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram.
Clinical research now shows that rTMS, if combined with rehabilitation in clinically chosen patients with stroke, can help improve their motor abilities, upper limb restoration and post-stroke aphasia. This technique is also applied in selected neurological disorders like chronic neuropathic pain and Parkinson’s too. In terms of psychiatry, rTMS has applications in treatment-resistant depression, obsessive compulsive disorders (OCDs) and certain symptoms of schizophrenia. The application of rTMS always takes place only after careful clinical assessment and does not substitute medical treatment, rehabilitation and psychological interventions.
Harpreet Singh, facility director at Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram said that “The rTMS is yet another milestone in our commitment to develop one of the most advanced neurosciences programs in the region through clinical expertise complemented with the latest global technology. As we expand our stroke and neurosciences program, we will continue to deliver best-in-class treatment to restore function and enhance patients’ quality of life in the communities of North India.”
It is believed that the future of neurosciences will be about multidisciplinary care, wherein neurologists, neurosurgeons, psychiatrists, psychologists, physiotherapy specialists, occupational therapists and speech-language specialists cooperate to offer individually-tailored therapy. The rising prevalence of rTMS is a reflection of the new trend of precise neurosciences, in which the interventions will be individualised for each patient and his or her particular condition.
“It has always been the vision of MAIINS to develop a complete neurosciences ecosystem from stroke intervention, neuro critical care, rehabilitation to recovery. As the specialized stroke centre in the city of Gurugram having its own first dedicated stroke helpline, we are dedicated to bringing evidence based and globally accepted technology to the people of north India,” Dr Gupta added.
