Today’s neurologists are leading the charge in tackling the rising number of noncommunicable diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and strokes. These professionals may now identify neurological and degenerative disorders early due to breakthroughs in testing, which allows for tailored, patient-specific treatment plans. Previously believed to largely affect elderly populations, neurological disorders are becoming more prevalent in younger people, especially in the post-COVID era. Symptoms such as memory loss and attention problems are among the most common. Dr Kunal Bahrani’s dedication to treating intricate neurological issues and his mastery in developing neurology subspecialties set him apart as a top authority in his field.

Dr Kunal began his academic career by earning his MBBS and MD from Banaras Hindu University’s Institute of Medical Sciences. He obtained his DM from the esteemed All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi,to further specialize in neurology. His skills were refined with an MRCP from London, then the prestigious Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians (FRCP) from Glasgow and London. He is also a Fellow of the European Board of Neurology. During his college years, Dr Kunal’s interest in neurology was piqued by the difficulty of diagnosing and treating neurological patients. He decided on neurology since it was a challenging field to study given the difficulty of comprehending how the brain functions to govern every element of human functioning and the limitations of diagnostic tools at the time.

With his extraordinary credentials and experience, Dr Kunal distinguishes among neurologists. Having a DM in neurology, MRCP, and FRCP, he is among the few neurologists in the nation with this triple specialty, which gives him a great depth of knowledge. His interest goes beyond providing outpatient care; he actively accepts the challenges of addressing severe neurological emergencies, such as myelitis and Guillain-Barré syndrome, acute strokes, seizures, and comas. A few neurologists in the country are trained in cutting-edge disciplines like neurootology and neuro-sonology, on which Dr Kunal also focuses. His specialization lies in treating patients with acute vertigo, imbalance problems, and lightheadedness. He diagnoses and treats patients in his dedicated vertigo lab and clinic, using the most recent methods, a hallmark of his work.

Advancements in Neurology

With more than 15 years of expertise in neurology, Dr Kunal has seen ground-breaking developments that have greatly enhanced patient treatment. “Diagnostic tools were scarce at first, especially in imaging. MRI scans were limited to basic sequences in the beginning but as MRI technology has advanced, it can now provide extremely detailed sequences, making it possible to image brain regions more precisely and finely”, informs Dr Kunal.

The discipline has also undergone a revolution because of artificial intelligence (AI), which makes it possible to identify minute anomalies that were previously invisible quickly. Nuclear imaging technologies such as SPECT and PET scans, in addition to sophisticated MRI techniques, have become essential for determining brain functions, particularly for early detection of degenerative illnesses.

Dr Kunal also stresses the value of more recent diagnostic instruments that help with balance and vertigo disorders, such as vestibular evaluations and transcranial Dopplers. “The Sudoscan for neuropathies is another cutting-edge diagnostic modality that was previously inaccessible. Treatment advances such as Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) for epilepsy and Parkinson’s illness have proved revolutionary”, he adds.

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DBS surgery was not often used until recently. It entails inserting an electrode into the brain to stimulate locations. In addition to mechanical thrombectomy, Dr Kunal now routinely programs DBS in stroke patients. In addition to providing each patient in his care with an excellent course of treatment, Dr Kunal ensures that each patient leaves his clinic with the best possible quality of life. He uses cutting-edge therapy such as plasma exchange, mechanical thrombectomy, and deep brain stimulation (DBS) in difficult neurological situations, including acute demyelinating disorders, stroke, and Parkinson’s. In addition to this, he also uses Botox injection in various neurological conditions such as Chronic Migraine, Post-Stroke spasticity, Hemi-facial spasm, Blepharospasm, Dystonia and others. Several patients have had life-changing recoveries because of his commitment to innovation and precise care, which has improved their ailments and allowed them to lead more fulfilling lives.

Ensuring High-Quality Care

Dr Kunal is positioned as Clinical Director and HOD of Neurology at Marengo Asia Hospitals, Faridabad and Director of Neurology at Mediclub Gyne and Neuro Clinic, where he plays a key role in providing superior neurological care. He treats a wide spectrum of neurological illnesses, including headaches, epilepsy, Parkinson’s, dementia, and spinal problems, with an emphasis on both outpatient (OPD) and inpatient (IPD) services. But the treatment of neurological emergencies, especially strokes, is where he made a difference. Marengo Asia Hospitals has opened the first-ever 5G-enabled stroke ambulance in the NCR and established a specialized six bed stroke intensive care unit under his direction. Stroke patients will receive prompt, high-quality care due to this ‘stroke on wheels’ project, which will greatly improve treatment outcomes.

Dr Kunal is also passionate about teaching medical professionals beyond just treating patients. To transform the hospital into a full-service stroke center, he plans to implement certification programs for stroke nurses and therapists, create quality goals, and carry out quarterly audits. His long-term goals include getting this facility accredited and establishing Marengo Asia Hospitals as a pioneer in the treatment of strokes.