History of Neurology in India (P04.007)

Abstract

Objective: To chronicle the history of neurology in India with focus on its establishment and evolution. Background The history of neurology in India is divided into two periods: ancient and modern. The ancient period dates back to the mid-second millennium BCE during the creation of the Ayurveda Indian system of Medicine which detailed descriptions of neurological disorders called Vata Vyadhi (Mishra, et al 2001). The early 20 th century witnessed the birth of Indian modern medicine with the onset of formal physician training at the nation9s first allopathic medical colleges located in Madras (1835), Calcutta (1835), and Mumbai (1848). Prior to India9s independence from Britain in 1947, only 25 medical schools existed in the entire country. Today, there are over 312. In 1951, physicians across the field of neurology and neurosurgery united to create the Neurological Society of India (NSI). Four decades later in 1991, neurologists branched out to establish a separate organization called the Indian Academy of Neurology (IAN). Design/Methods: Information was gathered through literature review using PubMed, MD Consult, OVID, primary texts, and research at various academic institutions in India. Results: Neurological disorders were first described in ancient India under Ayurveda. The transition to modern medicine occurred more recently through formal training at medical schools beginning in the 19309s. Early pioneers include Dr. Jacob Chandy, Dr. B. Ramamurthi, Dr. S.T. Narasimhan and Dr. Baldev Singh who created the Neurological Society of India. Later, Dr. J.S. Chopra, a prominent neurologist and visionary, recognized the need for primary centers of collaboration and subsequently established the Indian Academy of Neurology. Conclusions: As a result of structural and organizational evolution, the future of neurology in India is bright. Nationwide, there are 32 neurology post-graduate training centers and over 500 practicing neurologists. These numbers are poised to grow significantly moving forward. Detailed information with pictures will be presented. Disclosure: Dr. Cheongsiatmoy has nothing to disclose. Dr. Mishra has nothing to disclose.