Neurological Conditions

Debabrata Roy, 49 is affected with early Parkinson’s disease which has turned his life and world upside down. He talks about the inevitability of the progression of this dreaded ailment. When were you diagnosed? Two years back, I was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. About six or seven years back when I had a gall bladder operation, I noticed the symptoms back then, but nobody really took it seriously.  Now it has become pronounced. What were the early symptoms of Parkinson's Disease?…

Meet National Paralympics Swimming Champion and President of the Wheelchair Basketball Federation of India, Madhavi Latha, who has been advocating sports as an empowering tool for people with disabilities. Madhavi, tell us about your baby – ‘Yes We too Can’. Till a few years ago, I was clueless about the benefits of sports for People with Disability (PwD). I have been affected by polio and years of not doing much physical activity has compressed my spine, affected one lung. I was to undergo…

Meet Varun Khullar, India’s first and only DJ in a wheelchair and second in the world. Varun Khullar was raring to go in life when a fateful accident changed everything. He shares with us how he picked up the pieces to work hard for his cherished goal. THE ACCIDENT 7th of June 2014. The Accident which turned my life upside down I was selected for my internship with CNBC on 6th June 2014 and they asked me to join from 7th. But I decided to postpone my joining date. I called my friend and made a…

Are you confused as to when to use Ice Pack and when to use Heat to deal with pain, injury and inflammation? This infographic below sums it up quite simply. According to Dr. Bhuvaneswari, a quick guideline to follow is:  Ice pack is preferred if it is a recent and acute pain episode especially injury which may be a blood clot, muscle tear or tendon tear.  For instance most sport and exercse injuries.  Heat or warmth for Chronic pain with stiffness, especially joint related…

Dr Divya Parashar, head of the Department of Rehabilitation Psychology at the Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, New Delhi, shares an example of how people can choose companionship and love over obstacles and prejudices.  I am often met with surprised looks when I share stories of people with spinal cord injuries dating or getting married and having kids. The common misconception is that they're unable to engage in sex, and often are seen as "damaged goods." On the contrary, there are many…

Kavita Krishnamoorthy had resigned herself to sacrificing at least four days a month to severe headaches till proper diet, exercise and meditation showed her the way to complete relief. She shares her story of liberation here: Ever since I turned 30, I have been plagued with debilitating headaches. They would come with unerring regularity –- once mid cycle and once around the time of my period. When they came, they would last for a full 48 hours. A beating down, one-sided headache. I would…

Meet Miss Wheelchair Runner Up 2014, Model/Actress, Motivational Speaker, Writer, Disability Rights Advocate and Quora's Top Writer Virali Modi. From a bubbly 14-year-old school girl in Pennsylvania, USA, she was rendered paralysed neck down as a result of an unknown diagnosis (meningitis, enchephalitis, meningioenchepalitis, spina bifida, and/or transverse myelitis). She shares her opinions of how Indian society needs to go through a sea change vis a vis its attitude towards people with…

A heart-stirring account by Kunal Mahajan as he watches his mother-in-law, Rohini Waikar, 52, affected by Multiple Sclerosis, gradually lose her ability to walk, talk, read, remember and a bit of her life every day. Every morning, she loses her life, one ounce at a time. She has already lost her ability to walk, talk and read. In the next two years, she will lose her ability to eat, taste, and see. Eventually, time will peel away every layer of life, reducing her living to a mere existence.…

Does Yoga help people manage chronic conditions and the various symptoms? On International Yoga Day, we speak to a cross section of people who believe strongly that yoga has contributed greatly in their journey of recovery1.  Mr Purushotaman - Parkinsons Mr. Purushotaman is 77-years-old and has had Parkinson's for 4 years. An unassuming gentleman, Mr. Purushotaman is extremely regular for all meetings and yoga sessions conducted by Parivarthan for Parkinson’s. Parivarthan is a…

World Brain Tumour Day Primary brain cancers account for 2% of all cancers and represent about 20% cancer deaths per year. Dr. Suresh Sankhla, Consultant Neurosurgeon emphasises that increased awareness about brain tumours can result in early diagnosis, prompt treatment, and excellent outcome. What are the common signs and symptoms of brain tumour? Following are the most common symptoms of brain tumours, which may be present in various combinations. All symptoms are initially very mild but…