Do you know that paralysis affects 1 person every minute in India?
According to a report from the Indian Institute of Paralysis, an estimated 12,000 to 15,000 people per million in India suffer from paralysis. This means an estimated 1.5 to 1.8 million people are living with paralysis in India. Sadly, about 90% of people cannot get the treatment on time.
Understanding the common cause of paralysis
Stroke is the most common cause of paralysis in India, accounting for about 50% of cases. Other common causes include Spinal cord injury, Brain tumour, Infection, Trauma, Guillain-Barre syndrome and Transverse myelitis.
Let’s explore some of India's notable hospitals and medical centres known for their expertise in treating paralysis.
1. Indian Spinal Injuries Centre (ISIC), New Delhi
Address: Sector C, Vasant Kunj, Opp. Vasant Valley School, New Delhi - 110070
Established: 1996
Beds: 200
Doctors: 100+
Services:
- The ISIC is a leading institute for the treatment of spinal injuries and paralysis in India.
- They offer many services to help patients recover to their full potential.
- It offers comprehensive care, including surgical interventions, rehabilitation programs and assistive technology services.
- Dedicated to the management and rehabilitation of spinal cord injuries.
- It offers spine services through non-surgical and surgical management
- It offers minimally invasive spine surgery and complex spine surgery
- It offers spinal deformity correction
- Spinal tumour surgery
- Scoliosis surgery
- Revision spine surgery
- In orthopaedics, it offers Joint replacement surgery, Arthroscopy, and Fracture management.
- Also offers services for Paediatric orthopaedics
- Sports medicine and Hand & foot surgery
- Rehabilitation services offer physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, vocational training, psychological counselling, and assistive technology.
- In neurology, it offers services for stroke management, epilepsy, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, Multiple sclerosis management and Neuromuscular disorders management.
- Comprehensive assessment and diagnosis
- Offers rehabilitation therapy
- It includes physiotherapy to improve muscle strength, coordination and balance.
- Occupational therapy to help with daily activities
- Speech therapy to improve communication skills
- Assistive technology to improve independence
- Psychological counselling to help cope with emotional challenges
- Vocational training to help return to work or school
- Pain management
- Support groups
2. Apollo Hospitals, Chennai
Address: Greams Lane, 21, Greams Rd, Thousand Lights West, Thousand Lights, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600006, India.
Established: 1983
Services:
- Apollo Hospitals is a renowned healthcare network in India, with various branches nationwide.
- The hospital has more than 60 departments.
- Internationally trained doctors and staff run them.
- Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for various health disorders and cutting-edge medical procedures.
- Apollo Chennai offers a variety of speciality services for paralysis patients, including:
- Neurology Department: The department consists of experienced neurologists who specialise in diagnosing and treating various neurological conditions, including stroke, spinal cord injury and brain tumours, which can all lead to paralysis.
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department: This department has a team of physiatrists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech therapists who work together to create a personalised rehabilitation plan for each patient.
- Pain Management Department: Chronic pain is a common problem for paralysis patients. Patients are offered a variety of treatments for pain management. These include medication, nerve blocks and physical therapy.
- Spasticity Management Clinic: Spasticity is a condition that causes muscle stiffness and spasms. The spasticity management clinic offers a variety of treatments to help patients manage their spasticity, such as medication, botulinum toxin injections, and surgery.
- Assistive Technology Clinic: The assistive technology clinic helps patients learn how to use assistive devices like wheelchairs, walkers and prosthetics. This helps them with their daily activities.
- Support Groups: Apollo Chennai offers support groups for paralysis patients and their caregivers. These groups can provide patients with emotional support and information about living with paralysis.
- It also offers Nutritional counselling, Psychological counselling support groups
3. National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore
Address: Hosur Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560029, India.
Established: 1974
Specialties:
- It is a renowned centre for neurology and psychiatry.
- Specialises in a wide range of neurological disorders.
- Known for its advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities.
- Offers comprehensive care for patients with neurological conditions.
- Involved in advanced neurological research
- Known for its excellence in mental health and neurosciences.
- Provides cutting-edge treatment and research in neurology and psychiatry.
- Offers various specialised services, including in-patient, out-patient, and community-based care.
- The model developed by Nimhans Hospital of Bengaluru is the best model for paralysis treatment.
- About 25% of Nimhans are Paralysis cases.
- Nimhans treats 200-250 cases every month at the Emergency Department.
- It provides surgical intervention for certain neurological conditions that may improve paralysis, such as removing brain tumours or repairing spinal cord injuries.
- They also have a Neurological Rehabilitation Unit. This offers intensive inpatient rehabilitation programs for people with paralysis, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and cognitive rehabilitation.
- They have a Neuromuscular Clinic. This specialised clinic sees patients with neuromuscular disorders that can cause paralysis, such as muscular dystrophy and myasthenia gravis.
- They have a Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR)
- Thai includes a team of physiatrists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech therapists who work together to create a personalised rehabilitation plan for each patient.
- Apart from this, they have an Assistive Technology Clinic. This helps patients learn how to use assistive devices, such as wheelchairs, walkers, and prosthetics, to help them with daily activities.
- It also has support groups for people with paralysis and their caregivers. These groups can provide emotional support and information about living with paralysis.
- They also offer Psychological counselling and vocational training
4. Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune
Address: AFMC, Pune - 411040, Maharashtra, India
Established: 1947
Beds: 1700
Doctors: 1000+
Services:
- The Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) is a military medical college in Pune, India.
- It is associated with the Armed Forces institution and is responsible for training medical officers for the Indian Army.
- It offers services in general medicine, surgery, physical medicine, rehabilitation, etc.
- It is known for its expertise in treating spinal cord injuries and related conditions.
- It offers specialised care and rehabilitation services for military personnel and civilians alike.
- They have a department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. It consists of physiatrists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech therapists who work together to create a personalised rehabilitation plan for each patient.
- They have a Neurosurgery Department. It provides surgical intervention for certain neurological conditions that may improve paralysis, such as removing brain tumours or repairing spinal cord injuries.
- It also offers a Pain Management Department.
- Spasticity Management Clinic. It offers a variety of treatments to help with spasticity, such as medication, botulinum toxin injections and surgery.
- Assistive Technology Clinic and Support Groups
5. Shree Ramkrishna Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (SRIMS), Durgapur
Address: Ashok Nagar, Durgapur - 713213, West Bengal, India
Established: 2005
Beds: 250
Doctors: 150
Services:
- Offers services for General Medicine, Surgery, Neurology, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and others
- Also offers surgical intervention programs.
- Offers treatment by the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Neurology Department
- There are also support groups for emotional support and information
6. Fortis Hospital, Mumbai
Address: Eastern Express Highway, Mulund (West), Mumbai 400080, Maharashtra, India
Established: 2007
Beds: 314
Doctors: 400+
Services:
- It is one of the biggest hospital networks in India
- The hospital provides a range of services, including medical, surgical, and diagnostic facilities,
- Known for its expertise in various specialities such as cardiology, oncology, orthopaedics, and gastroenterology.
- The hospital offers many facilities, including 24/7 emergency services, operating rooms, intensive care units, and diagnostic centres.
- Has a team of highly skilled doctors and nurses dedicated to providing quality care to patients.
- They have a team of psychiatrists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists. They collaborate to create personalised rehabilitation plans for each patient.
- Treat conditions like Stroke, spinal cord injury, brain tumours, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and other neurological conditions causing paralysis.
- Neurosurgery Department to perform interventions like tumour removal or spinal cord repair to address underlying neurological causes of paralysis.
- Treat conditions like Brain tumours, spinal cord tumours and other conditions that require surgical intervention.
- Apart from this, they offer services for Pain management, Spasticity, Support Groups, Assistive devices and a physical rehabilitation department.
7. Medanta Medicity, Gurgaon
Address: Sector 38, Gurgaon 122001, Haryana, India
Established: 2009
Beds: 1500
Doctors: 1000+
Services:
- Medanta is a leading multi-speciality hospital known for its expertise in neurosurgery and rehabilitation.
- Offers services like Cardiovascular Sciences, Digestive & Hepatobiliary Sciences, Bone & Joint Diseases, Neurosciences, Sports Medicine, Stem Cell Therapy & Regenerative Medicine, Transplant Services
- Also offers Trauma & Accident Care
- Wellness & Preventive Medicine
- They offer comprehensive care for individuals with paralysis, including surgical interventions, rehabilitation programs, and assistive technology services.
8. Max Healthcare Hospitals
Address: 1 2, Press Enclave Marg, Saket Institutional Area, Saket, New Delhi, Delhi 110017
Established: 2000
Beds: 490+
Doctors: 2300+
Specialties:
- Offers services like Cardiac., Orthopaedics, Urology, Neurosciences, Gastro Sciences, Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgery, Oncology, Orthopaedics etc
- Offers comprehensive rehabilitation services
- Advanced neurological care, including neurosurgery for minimally invasive surgeries
9. KEM Hospital, Mumbai
Address: Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital, Acharya Donde Marg, Parel, Mumbai 400012, India.
Established: 1926.
Beds: 2000
Doctors: 390
Services:
- KEM Hospital is a leading teaching and medical care institution.
- It is funded mainly by the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai.
- It serves mostly the underprivileged sections of society, providing treatment at subsidised rates.
- The hospital treats about 1.8 million outpatients and 85,000 inpatients yearly.
- It offers basic care and advanced treatment facilities in all fields of medicine and surgery.
- Renowned for Cancer Center, Cardiac Center, Neurology Center, Trauma Center, Burn Center and Rehabilitation Center
- Provides comprehensive neurology services
- Offers stroke treatment at 1/3rd cost. Strokes are one of the major causes of paralysis
Don’t fall prey to a silent stroke and then paralysis. Take charge of your health-- Get in touch with us now
Explore the best paralysis treatment in India, spanning physiotherapy, medication, surgeries, and rehabilitation programs, to choose your comprehensive care option.
What are the different treatments and approaches for best paralysis treatment in India?
1. Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in paralysis treatment by helping to strengthen muscles, improve mobility, and prevent complications such as muscle stiffness and joint contractures.
2. Medications: Depending on the underlying cause of paralysis, medications may be prescribed to manage symptoms, alleviate pain, or address specific issues such as muscle spasticity.
3. Occupational therapy: Occupational therapists can assist individuals with paralysis in learning new ways to perform daily activities. This can help improve their independence.
4. Assistive devices: Various assistive devices such as wheelchairs, braces, and walking aids can help individuals with paralysis enhance mobility and function.
5. Surgical interventions: In some cases, surgical procedures may be recommended to relieve pressure on the spinal cord, repair damaged nerves, or address other underlying issues contributing to paralysis.
6. Stem cell therapy: Research in stem cell therapy for paralysis is ongoing. Some clinics in India offer experimental treatments aimed at promoting nerve regeneration and improving function.
7. Acupuncture and alternative therapies: Some individuals with paralysis may explore alternative treatments such as acupuncture, massage therapy, or Ayurveda for symptom management and overall well-being.
8. Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in paralysis treatment by helping to strengthen muscles, improve mobility, and prevent complications such as muscle stiffness and joint contractures.
9. Medications: Depending on the underlying cause of paralysis, medications may be prescribed to manage symptoms, alleviate pain, or relieve muscle spasticity.
10. Occupational therapy: Occupational therapists can assist individuals with paralysis in learning new ways to perform daily activities, Making them less dependent.
11. Assistive devices: Various assistive devices such as wheelchairs, braces and walking aids can help individuals with paralysis. They can enhance mobility and function.
12. Surgical interventions: In some cases, surgical procedures may be recommended to relieve pressure on the spinal cord, repair damaged nerves, or address other underlying issues contributing to paralysis.
To ease your financial burden, take a look at Government initiatives:
• The Indian government has launched several initiatives to improve the lives of people with paralysis, including:
- The National Programme for Persons with Disabilities (NPPD)
- The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission)
- The Accessible India Campaign
- The Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (Prime Minister's People's Health Scheme)
Non-profit organisations:
Several non-profit organisations work to support people with paralysis in India, such as:
- The Indian Spinal Injuries Association (ISIA)
- The National Association for the Blind (NAB)
- The National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP)
FAQs
What causes paralysis?
Various factors, including stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and other neurological conditions, can cause paralysis.
How effective are treatments for paralysis?
The effectiveness of treatments varies depending on the cause and severity of paralysis. Physical therapy and rehabilitation programs are often essential for improving mobility and function. Surgery may be beneficial in certain cases, such as spinal cord injuries.
References:
https://www.etvbharat.com/english/national/state/karnataka/paralysis-affects-one-person-every-minute-in-india/na20201029214158133
