Toxic drugs lead to Parkinson’s at a young age: Dr Ashok Panagariya

How has the field of neurology evolved over decades?

What earlier used to be a field defined by tools such as a hammer and an ophthalmoscope has evolved to use advanced MRIs, CT Scans, PET Scans, advanced Electrophysiology, Trans cranial dopplers and brain angiography. It is just that these are unaffordable for the common masses; that is the flipside.

How does our prevalent lifestyle affect the brain?

The life expectancy of the average Indian has gone up, and those below 50 years of age are considered young. Stress has become a major factor in causing cardiac arrests, brain and stomach disorders. The pollution, is the second most prevalent factor causing infections that kill people.

Are there any dangerous habits that can lead to neurological issues?

Yes, addiction is the first one. Intake of toxic drugs such as heroin can lead to Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s causes constant tremors and is usually a condition seen among senior citizens. Another cause for Parkinsons has been self-popping of anti-acidity medicines such as Pan D or Omez D. 

The element ‘D’ suggests that Domperidone is present in the composition. It is known to cause dyskinesia, which means it affects the face, causes tremors. Domperidone was not cleared by the US-FDA, but it enjoys approval in the Indian scenario. We have largely requested gastroenterologists and psychiatrists to prescribe these drugs with care. Every week, we see one or two patients who come with neurological issues that have a history of gastric or psychiatric problems and using these drugs.

What does the government need to do to curb neurological disorders early in the population?

India’s health systems lack development of facilities. Early detection of lifestyle diseases, adequate vaccination to prevent complicated illnesses and adequate nutrition are important to prevent neurological conditions.

How do you cater to all rungs of the population in your practice?

I get patients from all classes and I do practice on basis of cross-subsidy. I charge higher consultation fees from rich, and subsidize treatment for orphans, widows and the poor.

You have been awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India. What led to this accolade?

I was instrumental in starting the first rural epilepsy clinic in India in 1982, in a small village, about 100 km from Jaipur. Patients suffering from convulsions used to be treated by quacks until a few decades ago. They were ostracized and tortured. A good 90% of them never sought professional, medical help. I visited the village every month for 15 years. We got 18,000 patients to register in all these years. The superstition eroded, and now up to 60% of patients in Rajasthan directly consult a neurologist. This led to my award.