Neurological disorders rise in India as experts flag shortage of neurologists

Neurological disorders are emerging as a public health challenge in India, driven by an ageing population and an increase in lifestyle diseases. According to experts, while the burden of conditions such as stroke, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, dementia and multiple sclerosis continues to rise, access to neurological care remains uneven, with a shortage of neurologists delaying diagnosis and treatment for millions of patients.

The concern is reflected in the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Status Report on Neurological Disorders (2025), which estimates that more than 40 per cent of the global population is living with a neurological condition. According to the report, India’s neurologist-to-patient ratio is nearly 80 times lower than that of high-income countries, with neurological services concentrated in major urban centres.

Commenting on the issue, Dr Madhukar Bhardwaj, Director and Head of Department, Neurology, Aakash Healthcare, said:

“Neurological disorders are no longer a concern of a small section of the population — they are one of the most pressing emerging healthcare challenges of our time. In a country as vast and diverse as India, with a rapidly ageing population, this is a matter of urgency. What makes the situation even more worrying is the lack of equitable access to care.”

Dr Bhardwaj also highlighted the increasing incidence of stroke among younger adults.

“Another worrying trend we are witnessing is the rising incidence of stroke among younger adults. A condition once largely associated with older age is increasingly affecting people in their 30s and 40s, driven by uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes, obesity, smoking, chronic stress, sedentary lifestyles and poor sleep.”

He added that several neurological disorders progress before symptoms become apparent.

“Whether it is stroke, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease or memory disorders, early diagnosis can significantly improve outcomes. Unfortunately, many patients seek specialist care only after the disease has advanced, either because symptoms are ignored or because neurological services are not easily accessible. Greater public awareness and timely referrals are essential.”

According to Dr Neha Kapoor, Associate Director and Head – Neurology, Asian Hospital, advances in neuroimaging, artificial intelligence and precision medicine are changing neurological care, but wider access remains necessary.

“The face of neurological care is being transformed by advances in neuroimaging, artificial intelligence, and precision medicine, but these innovations should not be limited to big cities or hospitals. Technology can help to fill gaps of diagnosis and follow-up, in particular through tele-neurology and digital health platforms. But these solutions will have to be better embedded into the public health system to benefit patients across the country.”

Dr Rajas Deshpande, Consultant and Head of Neurology, Jupiter Hospital, Pune, said brain health is linked to overall health and lifestyle.

“Controlling hypertension, diabetes, obesity, smoking and physical inactivity can significantly reduce the risk of stroke and vascular dementia. Prevention deserves as much attention as treatment because many neurological disorders share common modifiable risk factors.”

Experts also noted that neurological health affects sexual and reproductive wellbeing.

Commenting on the link between neurological disorders and male sexual health, Dr Vineet Malhotra, Head of Urology, VNA Hospital, said:

“Sexual desire and related functions all depend on healthy communication between the brain, spinal cord, nerves, blood vessels and hormones. Conditions such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, diabetic neuropathy, as well as chronic stress and depression, can disrupt these pathways, leading to erectile dysfunction, reduced libido and other sexual problems. Early multidisciplinary evaluation can identify the underlying neurological cause and improve both sexual function and overall quality of life.”

Dr Hrishikesh Pai, Consultant Gynaecologist and IVF Specialist, Lilavati Hospital Mumbai and Fortis Hospitals Delhi and Chandigarh, said brain health also plays a role in women’s reproductive health.

“Brain health plays a critical role in women’s reproductive health. The hypothalamus and pituitary gland in the brain regulate the hormonal signals that control menstruation, ovulation, and pregnancy. Conditions that affect brain function—including chronic stress, neurological disorders, pituitary diseases, or certain medications—can disrupt this delicate hormonal balance, leading to irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, and pregnancy-related complications. Protecting brain health is therefore essential not only for cognitive wellbeing but also for reproductive health across a woman’s lifespan.”

According to the experts, India needs to invest in specialist training, strengthen neurological services beyond major cities and integrate brain health into primary healthcare. They stated that improving access to timely diagnosis and neurological care will be necessary to reduce disability and improve patient outcomes.