Over the years, the number of people suffering from neurological disorders in India has grown massively, contributing to over 10 percent of the overall disease burden in India. While the number has been driven by various factors, such as climate pollution, dietary risks, high blood pressure, lack of quality healthcare facilities, as well as a growing aging population, the lack of awareness among the population is still worrisome, leading to delayed detection. The last decade has experienced some of the leading innovations and technical advancements in the Indian Neurology landscape, resulting in increased diagnostic accuracy and preventive strategies.

Considered one of the most accomplished, multi-awardwinning, and leading Neurologists in Warangal as well as across the country, Dr. Om Prakash Prasad has been providing effective treatment for various neurological diseases, such as Headache, Vertigo, Epilepsy, Movement Disorders, Stroke, Nerve & Muscle disorders, and many more, over the last 13 years through his Warangal-based Neurology clinic, OP Neuro Care.

A Fascination for Neurology
Dr. Prasad did his MBBS from Darbhanga Medical College, Darbhanga, and his MD in Medicine from Patna Medical College, Patna University. Later, he completed his D.M (Neuro) from Govind Ballabh Pant Hospital, Delhi University, New Delhi, and his Senior residency in Neurology from Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow. It was during his MD training days that he fell in love with Neurology. “For me, Neurology is more like a cerebral puzzle, comprising reasoning, problem-solving, and finding solutions to various diagnostic mysteries. Neurology is not just about diagnosing and treating neurological diseases, but also about knowing and understanding the most fascinating organ of our body - the brain”, explains Dr. Prasad.

Offering World-class Treatment for Neurological Diseases
Coming to healthcare service, a majority of the patients attended by Dr. Prasad suffer

from various neurological health issues, such as vertebral disc-related issues, headache, vertigo, brain stroke, epilepsy, Parkinson's and related disorders, and peripheral neuropathies. While treatment procedures for most neurological diseases, including emergency cases, follow a standard established treatment algorithm, the final treatment is customized based on a case-based approach that is dependent on various parameters, such as patient condition and financial circumstances, available resources, and so on.

A staunch believer in collaboration and teamwork, he is also building a team, consisting of fellow Neuro physicians, Neurosurgeons, psychiatrists, neuro-ophthalmologists, and neuroradiologists, which is a testament to his commitment to delivering comprehensive and holistic care.

The Challenges Involved
However, there are still various challenges that Dr. Prasad has been facing throughout his career as a neurologist. The diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders often come with a substantial cost. Even a substantial portion of neurological diseases is rooted in the neurodegeneration of nerve cells, for which the treatment options are exceedingly limited. Apart from that, most neurological diseases require long-term, often lifelong, treatment, which not only imposes a considerable financial burden on individuals and their families but also carries a very profound psychological impact.

Neurology is not just about diagnosing & treating neurological diseases, but also about knowing & understanding the most fascinating organ of our body - The brain

Awards & Recognitions
Apart from his contribution as a well-known Neurologist, Dr. Prasad also has been contributing tirelessly to the well-being of society. Under the Arogya Shri program by the Telangana Government, he has been providing free treatment to brain stroke patients for the last 13 years. Apart from that, he also has been a part of various social activities and awareness camps every year.

Those world-class healthcare service as well as social services has earned him numerous awards and recognitions throughout his career, especially the International Business Award-2023 for Best Neurology Clinic in Warangal by 4Ace Entertainment, National Achievers Award-2023 and the Best Neurologist of The Year-2023 by National Achievers Recognition Forum, Asia GCC Award as “Iconic Healthcare Leader Award- Neurologist” for Excellence & Leadership in Healthcare by FAMA Global Management Services in 2021, Top 10 most trusted neurologist award at the Golden Aim Awards by Dynergic Business Solutions in 2021, Best Emerging Neurologist in Telangana at the Nationwide Health Care Conclave & Awards 2020. Even Guinness World Records has recognized Dr. Prakash for participation in the largest men’s health awareness lesson with 487 attendees in 2018.

Dr. Prasad is extremely excited about what the future holds for the neurology landscape. “There has been significant advancement in the domain of stem cell therapy and Gene modulation, where encouraging results have been observed in the context of spinal cord injuries, with ongoing trials for other conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, motor neuron disease, and Alzheimer's disease. Even the extensive research on slowing the aging process, if becomes successful, will be able to prevent various degenerative brain conditions”, Dr. Prasad signs off.