The ‘Lancet Global Health’ recently published a study exploring India’s burden of neurological diseases from 1990 to 2019. This study, the first of its kind in the country, is a part of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 and was published by the India State-Level Disease Burden Initiative. The initiative is a collaborative effort between the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and other public health institutions.
Understanding Neurological Disorders
Neurological disorders refer to conditions affecting the central and peripheral nervous system. They involve various components of the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, cranial and peripheral nerves, nerve roots, autonomic nervous system, neuromuscular junction, and muscles. These disorders can be non-communicable or communicable and can also result from injuries.
Common Non-Communicable and Communicable Neurological Disorders
Non-communicable neurological disorders include conditions such as stroke, headache disorders, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, motor neuron diseases, and others. Communicable neurological disorders are diseases that can be transmitted, like encephalitis, meningitis, and tetanus. Neurological disorders can also result from injuries, including traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries.
Key Findings: Neurological Disorders in India
According to the data analysis, neurological disorders account for 10% of the total disease burden in India. There is a growing prevalence of non-communicable neurological disorders due to an increasing ageing population. From 1990 to 2019, the contribution of these disorders to the total disability adjusted life-years (DALYs) in India doubled from 4% to 8.2%. Meanwhile, the contribution of injury-related neurological disorders increased from 0.2% to 0.6%.
Leading Neurological Diseases
Stroke, headache disorders, and epilepsy are the top contributors to neurological disorders in India. Stroke ranks as the third leading cause of death in the country. Dementia is noted as the fastest-growing neurological disorder. Despite being the most common neurological disorder affecting almost one-third of Indians, headache disorders often get overlooked in terms of public health prioritization.
Risk Factors for Neurological Disorders
The study identifies high blood pressure, air pollution, dietary risks, high fasting plasma glucose, and a high body-mass index as the leading risk factors for neurological disorders.
Recommendations for Reduction of Neurological Disorders
The study calls for increased awareness, early identification, cost-effective treatment, and rehabilitation to reduce the burden of neurological disorders in each state. It emphasizes the need for recognizing headaches, particularly migraines, as a public health issue and including them in the National Non-Communicable Diseases programme.
Strengthening the Neurology Workforce
Addressing the shortage of trained neurology workforce in India is a crucial need of the hour. This involves strengthening early detection systems and implementing cost-effective management of neurological disorders.
Promoting Safe Births
According to the report, a significant portion of epilepsy cases could be avoided with policy changes and practices focused on ensuring safe pregnancies and preventing head injuries and stroke.
