Best Doctors in India for Neurofibromatosis Treatment
- Stroke Specialist & Neurologist, Mumbai, India
- Over 30 years’ experience
- Gleneagles Global Hospital Parel Mumbai
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Shirish M Hastak is one of the best Stroke Specialists in India with a specialization in Neurology.
- Dr. Hastak underwent training in stroke management under world-renowned neuroscientist, Dr. Vladimir Hachinski at the Western University of Canada.
- He holds more than 30 years of experience as a neurologist among which he has spent 2 decades mastering stroke management.
- Neurologist, Chennai, India
- Over 33 years’ experience
- Apollo Hospitals Greams Road
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Arulselvan V L is one of the finest Neurologists in India, with an overall experience of nearly 33 years.
- Dr. Arulselvan was bestowed with an Excellence Award for aptitude in Anatomy in his academics.
- He takes a holistic approach to treating conditions like Myelitis, Encephalitis, Meningitis, Cerebral or Brain Aneurysm, PSR, PBC, Brain Tumor Surgery, and Sleep Disorders and performs different therapies.
- He has a periodical ‘JIAN’ under his name.
- Neurologist, Chennai, India
- Over 34 years’ experience
- Apollo Hospitals Greams Road
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Panneer A is one of the most renowned Neurologists in India with over 34 years of research and clinical experience in the field.
- Dr. Panneer A has great expertise in Migraine treatment and neurological disorders management.
Best Hospitals in India for Neurofibromatosis Treatment
- City: New Delhi, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Equipped with 650 beds, BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital is the largest stand-alone private sector hospital in Delhi.
- With over 1500 healthcare providers and 150 globally renowned super specialists, the hospital is one of Asia’s largest BMT Centres. The hospital is known for having some of the best cancer doctors in the country.
- The hospital is NABH and NABL accredited and was inaugurated by the first Prime Minister of India. Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru.
- City: Hyderabad, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Located in the vibrant city of Hyderabad, Apollo Health City is a world-renowned medical facility that provides outstanding care and treatment to patients coming from different parts of the world.
- Founded in 1988, this 550-bed multispecialty hospital with 50 specialties and 12 Centres of Excellence continues to deliver outstanding outcomes for patients with the simplest to the most complicated medical conditions.
- Backed by the latest medical equipment and a dedicated team of professionals, the hospital provides comprehensive treatment across various specialties including, cardiology, critical care, neurosciences, cancer, orthopedics, gynecology, ENT, transplants, gastroenterology, etc.
- Apollo Health City is a cutting-edge healthcare facility that combines various facilities under one roof. These may include state-of-the-art physical medicine, rehabilitation, and wellness services with education, research, telemedicine, innovative medical devices, disease management programmes, and medical talents.
- The hospital is known for offering top-notch cancer treatment accompanied by cutting-edge facilities and technology.
- The hospital also offers a broad spectrum of cosmetic procedures that improve not just appearance but also comfort.
- In 2011, Apollo Health City was the recipient of the Asian Hospital Management Award (AHMA).
- In 2013, the Government of India recognized Apollo Health City as the top medical tourism destination in the country.
- City: Mumbai, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Named after the wife of Indian industrialist Dhirubhai Ambani, the founder of Reliance Industries, this is one of the top hospitals in Mumbai. This 750-bed multi-specialty hospital became operational in 2009. Known as one of India’s most advanced tertiary care facilities, the hospital is designed to raise India’s global standing as a healthcare hub, with an emphasis on excellence in clinical services.
- Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital uses Protocol and Care Pathway based treatment models to ensure the best outcomes for patients.
- The hospital represents a confluence of top-notch talent, cutting-edge technology, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and, most importantly commitment.
- The hospital also holds the accreditation of the NABH, NABL, CAP, and JCI.
- The hospital has been recognized as the No. 1 Multispecialty Hospital in Mumbai and the West Zone for the fifth year in a row in 2020 by The Week.
- City: Chennai, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Apollo Cancer Centre in Teynampet, Chennai is one of the best super speciality hospitals in India. It is the country’s first ISO-certified healthcare facility.
- Additionally, it is the first hospital in Chennai and the first oncology hospital in India to receive NABH accreditation.
- The hospital provides advanced tertiary care in oncology, orthopedics, neurology and neurosurgery, head and neck surgery, and reconstructive and plastic surgery.
- Additionally, it offers specialized healthcare of international standards with results comparable to those of the best hospitals in the world.
- It is outfitted with 300 beds, the newest and greatest technology, a large pool of highly qualified specialists, and a committed team of medical and paramedical professionals.
- It is one of the first few medical facilities in India to offer comprehensive cancer care. A team of skilled medical, surgical, and radiation oncologists makes up the Tumour Board, which is a component of the complete treatment planning system. After reviewing reported cases, the Board determines in concert with diagnostic specialists what course of action is best for each individual patient. The panel is further supported by dieticians, medical counselors, speech therapists, and other pertinent specialists.
- The hospital launched the first ExcelsiusGPS® Spine Robot in South India and has completed over 50 surgeries till date.
- It is also one of the few cancer hospitals in India to offer Cyber Knife therapy. Till now it has completed 1320 Cyber Knife therapies.
- The institution is also one of the few in India with the capacity to do transplants and find a prospective unrelated donor. The hospital has performed over 1000 BMTs till now.
- Furthermore, it has an exceptional milestone of performing exultant Micro vascular free tissue transfer and Aesthetic surgeries on more than 1000 patients with success.
- City: Chennai, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, is one of the best hospitals for heart care in India. Over the years, Apollo has expanded all over India, as a healthcare chain.
- India’s first ‘Only Pancreas’ transplant was performed in Apollo Hospital. The hospital is known for successfully performing Asia’s first en-bloc combined heart and liver transplant, and over the years, it has attained a remarkable achievement in the global healthcare space. Around 3-4 organ transplants are performed in the hospital per day.
- Equipped with over 500 beds, this hospital in Chennai was established in 1983 and since then has been among the most preferred hospital for patients from all over the world.
- The hospital holds accreditation of the NABH and JCI and is the first hospital in India to be ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified. It is also the first South Indian Hospital to receive subsequent reaccreditation from the JCI USA 4 times.
- City: Chennai, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Established in 1999, Gleneagles Global Hospital, Chennai, is one of the top healthcare facilities in Southern India. It is part of the Gleneagles Hospital Chain, which is the fourth largest healthcare chain in the country. The hospital specializes in multi-organ transplants of kidneys, liver, lungs, heart, etc.
- The hospital has an excellent infrastructure and state-of-the-art lab and equipment set-up. The hospital boasts cutting-edge technologies, a highly skilled team of doctors and surgeons, and trained support staff. Located in Perumbakam, Chennai, it is one of India’s premier health care destinations. The hospital has performed some of the most complex surgical and clinical procedures in India including multi-organ transplantations.
- The hospital’s lung transplantation program is one of the best in the country. The hospital is known for having performed India’s first single lung transplant and first minimal invasive lung transplant. It is also the only Indian hospital to be associated with King’s College Hospital, London, United Kingdom for liver transplantations.
- City: Hyderabad, India
Hospital Highlights:
- KIMS Hospital (a brand name of Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences) is one of the largest and best multi-speciality hospitals in Hyderabad. The hospital provides various treatments to an enormous number of patients.
- The hospital has a capacity of more than 3000 beds. KIMS Hospitals offers different healthcare services in more than 25 specialities and super specialities.
- The hospital is equipped with modern medical equipment and technology. It has robotic equipment to provide minimal invasive techniques for patients.
- The hospital is aimed at providing world-class healthcare facilities and services at an affordable cost for patients.
- The various specialities and departments of the hospital include neurosciences, gastroenterology & hepatology, robotic science, reproductive sciences, dental science, oncological sciences, organ transplantation, heart and lung transplantation and mother and child care.
- City: Kolkata, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Established in 2003, Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals is a 750-bed multispecialty tertiary care hospital situated in Kolkata.
- With 33 Centres of Excellence and more than 50 specialties, Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals, Kolkata is capable of handling all sorts of patients.
- This tertiary care hospital, which is a 100% subsidiary of Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd., India, is regarded as one of Kolkata’s top hospitals.
- The facility is a complete blend of cutting-edge technology, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and genuine hospitality.
- Focusing on numerous specialties, the hospital provides all-inclusive medical treatments supported by cutting-edge technology and a staff of highly qualified medical specialists.
- Patients across the globe come to Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals Kolkata for their treatment. Moreover, international patients receive full attention and assistance for their treatment and are provided with a hassle free experience.
- Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals, Kolkata is the only hospital in Eastern India to hold the Joint Commission International (JCI) certificate.
- It is also the only hospital in Kolkata to hold the NABL accreditation in six different categories, which includes Clinical Biochemistry, Clinical Pathology, Hematology & Immunohematology, Microbiology & Serology, and Histopathology & Cytopathology.
- Furthermore, Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals, Kolkata is known for performing the first ever Reverse Shoulder Prosthesis Replacement in East India.
- City: Bengaluru, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Established in 1991, Manipal Hospital, Old Airport Road, Bangalore is the flagship facility of the Manipal Hospitals Group, which is one of the largest networks of Multispecialty Private Hospitals in India.
- The facility is well-known for its state-of-the-art technology, performance-driven, patient-centric, and evidence-based approach.
- The facilities offered at Manipal Hospital meet the highest international standards, allowing the hospital to attract a large number of national and international patients.
- Their expertise encompasses the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of diseases in several specializations that address both simple as well as complex medical procedures.
- There are total 600 beds accessible in the hospital for the in-patients so they may heal while being closely watched after by the medical team. In addition, it has 144 critical care units, including NICUs, ICCUs, and ICUs. Apart from that, the hospital also offers 20 contemporary, modular state-of-the-art operating rooms with all the amenities needed.
- The hospital has several departments that are overseen by highly skilled, certified, and experienced medical experts.
- One of the best departments in the hospital is that of the Cancer department which is known for its advanced cancer diagnosis and treatment facilities such as Intracavitary Chemotherapy, Biological Therapy, HIPEC, PIPEC, Nuclear Medicine, Radiation Therapy, etc.
- It is one of the few hospitals in Bangalore that provides full range of pediatric services, including pediatric emergency services, pediatric gastroenterology, pediatric neurology, pediatric cardiology, pediatric orthopaedics, pediatric allergies, pediatric immunology, and infectious diseases.
- Furthermore, Manipal Hospital, Old Airport Road, Bangalore is also regarded as one of the best hospitals for bone and spine related disorders.
- City: Mumbai, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Established in 2016, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai is one of Maharashtra’s most advanced multispecialty hospital. This 500-bed hospital provides sophisticated treatments and integrated super specialty services under one roof.
- The hospital features a cutting-edge infrastructure that houses 13 state-of-the-art operating rooms, advanced laboratory and medical diagnostics, and 120 ultra-modern I.C.U. beds, including N.I.C.U. and P.I.C.U., monitored round the clock by critical care specialists.
- With 57 specialties and subspecialties, the hospital boasts a team of renowned medical specialists who offer accurate diagnosis and treatment with easy accessibility to their patients.
- Additionally, the hospital offers highly customized, individualized health check programs that are made to fit each person’s needs in terms of lifestyle.
- Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai has been accredited by both the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH) and the Joint Commission International (JCI).
- Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai has been awarded the “Best Practices-International Services Award” at the annual awards for service excellence and operations excellence.
Neurofibromatosis
Neurofibromatosis is an incurable genetic disorder that affects the entire nervous system. It can affect the development of nerve cell tissues. It also leads to tumors known as neurofibromas to develop on the nerves, which can lead to various other problems.
In some cases, they might be harmless but they might also cause serious damage if they compress the nerves as well as other tissues.
The disorder is of three types, i.e. Nf1, Nf2 and schwannomatosis, though they are not related.
Symptoms
The symptoms of neurofibromatosis can vary, depending on the type.
The disorder can spread throughout the whole body, causing tumors as well as unusual skin pigmentation. It can manifest as bumps as well, under the skin, colored sports, bone problems, pressure on spinal nerve roots, as well as other neurological problems.
In some cases, patients can also face learning disabilities, behavioral problems, or vision or hearing loss.
NF1 – When this type of neurofibromatosis affects an individual, he/she may show a skin condition but no other related medical problems. Birthmarks and freckles are common as well, among people with this condition. Freckles might appear at an unusual location, such as the groin, under the breasts, or in the armpits. People with this type of neurofibromatosis are also at a higher risk of hypertension or high blood pressure.
NF2 – NF2 is a more serious condition in which tumors grow on nerves deep inside the body. There might be several symptoms such as facial numbness, weakness, paralysis, hearing loss, loss of balance and vertigo, tinnitus, etc.
As the tumor grows, the symptoms might get worse. Tumors may also sometimes develop on the brain, skin, and spinal cord, with potentially serious consequences. Cataracts might also occur, as well as learning disabilities and behavioral problems. Tumor sometimes develops rapidly, but some grow slowly, and the effect might not be noticeable for several years.
Schwannomatosis – It is a rare form of neurofibromatosis, that generally affects less than 1 in 40,000 people. It is generally different from NF1 and NF2. This can cause pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness in the finger and toes.
Causes
The cause of neurofibromatosis is genetic defects or mutations that are either passed on by a parent or occur spontaneously during conception.
NF1- The NF1 gene is located on chromosome 17 and this gene produces a protein termed neurofibromin that helps regulate cell growth. The mutated gene causes a loss of neurofibromin, which allows cells to grow uncontrolled.
NF2- The NF2 gene is located on chromosome 22, and it produces a protein which is termed merlin, also called a schwannomin, which helps in suppressing tumors. The mutated gene can lead to a loss of merlin, lead which can cause uncontrolled cell growth.
Schwannomatosis- Two genes are generally known to cause schwannomatosis. Mutations of the genes SMARCB1 and LZTR1, which helps to suppress tumors, are associated with this type of neurofibromatosis.
Diagnosis
For NF1
Generally, NF1 is normally diagnosed during one’s childhood. A diagnosis is generally confirmed when an individual has at least two of the following:
- A family history of NF1
- Lesions in the bone
- A glioma, or tumor, on the optic nerve, which is mostly without symptoms
- At least six “café-au-lait” spots which measure over 5 millimeters across in children or 15 millimeters in adolescents or adults
- Freckling in the armpits, in the groin area, or under the breast
- At least two Lisch nodules, or small brown spots in the iris
- Two or more neurofibromas, or one “plexiform”
Plexiforms affect around 25 percent of people who have Nf1. Plexiforms are neurofibromas that spread around the large nerves as they grow, which leads to the nerve becoming thick and misshapen. They generally feel like knots or cords under the skin. They can be large as well as painful, and also disfiguring. Plexiform generally start forming during childhood.
A special type of lamp is used to check for any skin marks. Other diagnostic tools that your doctor can use include an X-ray, CT, or MRI scan. A genetic blood test might be required as well.
For NF2
Symptoms of NF2 generally appear around puberty or during adulthood. The most common age of onset is generally between 18 to 24 years.
Diagnosis of NF2 can be made when there is:
- An acoustic neuroma in one of the ears, along with two or more typical symptoms, such as cataracts, brain tumors, and a family history of the condition
- Acoustic neuroma along with brain or spinal tumors, which can be detected by an MRI or CT scan
- An acoustic neuroma in both the ears
- A faulty gene, which is identifiable through a blood test
A person having NF2 will be referred to a neurologist. Hearing and eye tests might also be conducted to check for cataracts, other eye problems, and hearing problems.
Treatment
Since there is no permanent cure for neurofibromatosis, treatments generally focus on the symptoms. Some of the symptoms generally do not need any treatment. Some of the options for treatment can include the following:
- Surgery for removing problem growths or tumors
- Treatment which can include chemotherapy or radiation if a tumor has turned malignant, or cancerous
- Surgery for bone problems, such as scoliosis
- Therapy which can include physical therapy or counseling
- Surgery for cataracts
- Auditory brainstem and cochlear implants
- Aggressive treatment of pain linked to the condition
- Stereotactic radiosurgery