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Brain Day Special: The vital role of early detection in neurological disorders

This year marks the 10th Anniversary of World Brain Day, hosted annually on July 22 by the World Federation of Neurology (WFN). Bringing public awareness, we aim to promote their this year’s theme “brain health and disability; Leave no one behind.” When it comes to healthcare, many of us tend to hide or ignore our body's signals and may be reluctant to visit a doctor for regular checkups. However, denying these issues can have serious consequences. Let's break this habit! The pandemic served as a wake-up call, emphasising the importance of prioritising and caring for our mental health. Unfortunately, for many individuals, accessing private healthcare and life-saving drugs for neurological conditions like epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, dementia, and Parkinson's disease is simply unaffordable. The burden of out-of-pocket costs can lead to medical debt, compromising essentials like food, and even result in patients not taking their necessary medications as prescribed. To shed light on this growing challenge of neurological disorders, we had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Pankaj Agarwal, Senior Consultant Neurologist and Head of the Department of Neurology at Global Hospitals in Mumbai.