To help clinicians and communities stand prepared in the fight against neurological conditions of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) and epilepsy, Medanta and the Association of Physicians of India (API) conducted an awareness session in Gwalior. In view of rising cases of GBS in neighbouring Maharashtra, and the heavy burden of epilepsy in India, Medanta’s neuroscience experts focused on furthering awareness about the need for early diagnosis and advanced treatment options that are accessible. The interaction was led by Dr. Karanjit Singh Narang (Senior Director, Neurosurgery) and Dr. Jyoti Sehgal (Director, Neurology) from the Neuroscience Institute of Medanta Gurugram – one of India’s leading multi-speciality hospitals ranked as the Best Private Hospital in the country by Newsweek. Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a rare neurological condition. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nerves, often after bacterial or viral infections, leading to muscle weakness, paralysis, and potentially fatal complications, if left untreated. Its outbreak and spread has created an urgency to raise awareness about the symptoms, importance of early diagnosis and treatment options. Stating that GBS need not always mean paralysis or a life of dependence, Dr. Jyoti Sehgal, Director, Neurology, Neurosciences, Medanta, Gurugram, said: “It is important for people to immediately approach a neurologist, if they experience numbness or tingling in limbs. GBS symptoms can mimic other conditions like hypokalemia (due to lack of potassium levels in blood), so accurate diagnosis through nerve conduction velocity (NCV) is crucial. This test can pick up GBS before paralysis strikes helping doctors start the treatment in time to drive complete recovery. GBS treatment requires plasmapheresis, IVIG, neurological rehabilitation and, sometimes, ventilator support - specialised treatments and facilities typically available at tertiary care centres.” Surgical Interventions for Drug-Resistant Epilepsy In India, epilepsy is another significantly debilitating but treatable neurological condition that is hampering the lives of over 15 million people in our country. The condition causes recurrent seizures due to factors including trauma, infection, genetic predispositions, and birth defects, to name some. While medication is helpful in majority cases, 20-30% cases remain drug-resistant making surgical intervention an effective treatment alternative. Highlighting the advanced surgical interventions available for treating epilepsy, Dr. Karanjit Singh Narang, Senior Director, Neurosurgery, Neurosciences, Medanta, Gurugram, said: “Epilepsy affects individuals across all age groups, but some cases require more than just medication for effective management. Advanced surgical interventions, such as minimally invasive epilepsy surgery, image-guided neurosurgery, and deep brain stimulation (DBS), have transformed treatment outcomes for drug-resistant cases. These interventions are selected carefully based on the patient’s condition. For example, tumour-related epilepsy often requires tumour resection, while non-tumour related epilepsy may benefit from focal resection or DBS. These minimally invasive techniques offer greater precision, fewer complications, and faster recovery, significantly improving patients' quality of life. Raising awareness about the condition, including lesser-known types like absence seizures in children, is crucial to ensuring timely diagnosis and access to these life-changing treatment options.”