Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram has introduced Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS), a non-invasive neuromodulation technique for selected patients requiring stroke rehabilitation and for the treatment of neurological disorders and certain psychological conditions. According to the hospital, the addition of rTMS strengthens the neurosciences programme at the Marengo Asia International Institute of Neuro and Spine (MAIINS).
According to the hospital, the launch comes as stroke and other neurological disorders continue to rise in India, increasing the need for rehabilitation services. It stated that stroke is among the leading causes of disability in the country, with more than 1.25 million Indians experiencing a new stroke each year. The hospital also noted that nearly one in every ten strokes globally now occurs in India.
The hospital stated that rTMS is an outpatient procedure that does not require surgery or anaesthesia. The therapy uses magnetic fields to stimulate brain cells responsible for movement, speech, thinking and emotional function, and aims to support neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to form new neural connections.
Commenting on the development, Dr Praveen Gupta, Senior Neurologist and Chairman, MAIINS, Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram, said; “As neurology is entering into the era of precision neuroscience, with advancements in technology adding value to patient outcomes through medication and rehabilitation, rTMS is one such step. Through neuroplasticity and modulation of the targeted neural circuits, it is a scientifically proven adjunct therapy to be used on selected patients who have undergone stroke rehabilitation, specifically related to motor and speech impairment. The application of rTMS is also well recognized in treating psychological and mental health issues such as depression, OCD etc. that is resistant to medication.”
According to the hospital, clinical research indicates that rTMS, when combined with rehabilitation in selected stroke patients, can support improvements in motor function, upper limb recovery and post-stroke aphasia. It stated that the technique is also used in selected neurological conditions including chronic neuropathic pain and Parkinson’s disease. In psychiatry, the hospital said rTMS has applications in treatment-resistant depression, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and certain symptoms of schizophrenia. It added that the therapy is administered only after clinical assessment and does not replace medical treatment, rehabilitation or psychological interventions.
Harpreet Singh, Facility Director, Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram, said, “The rTMS is yet another milestone in our commitment to develop one of the most advanced neurosciences programs in the region through clinical expertise complemented with the latest global technology. As we expand our stroke and neurosciences program, we will continue to deliver best-in-class treatment to restore function and enhance patients’ quality of life in the communities of North India.”
According to the hospital, neurosciences care is moving towards a multidisciplinary model involving neurologists, neurosurgeons, psychiatrists, psychologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech-language specialists to provide patient-specific treatment. It stated that the adoption of rTMS reflects the increasing use of precision neuroscience, where interventions are tailored to individual patient needs.
Dr Gupta added; “It has always been the vision of MAIINS to develop a complete neurosciences ecosystem from stroke intervention, neuro critical care, rehabilitation to recovery. As the specialized stroke centre in the city of Gurugram having its own first dedicated stroke helpline, we are dedicated to bringing evidence based and globally accepted technology to the people of north India.”