Motor Neuron Disease (MND) is a progressive neurological disorder that affects motor neurons, the cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscles. This debilitating disease leads to muscle weakness, paralysis, and eventually respiratory failure. In India, the prevalence of MND is gradually increasing, with estimates suggesting around 5-7 cases per 100,000 individuals. The growing awareness and advancements in medical science have made India a notable destination for MND treatment.
This blog on motor neurone disease treatment in India highlights the country's capabilities in addressing this complex condition. Numerous specialized hospitals and experienced doctors dedicated to MND treatment offer a ray of hope for patients and their families.
Overview of Motor Neuron Disease (MND)
MND is an uncommon progressive condition that affects the brain and nerves. It causes weakness that worsens over time. It is mainly seen in people in their 60s and 70s. Symptoms appear gradually and are not usually obvious initially.
Causes
The cause of this condition is unknown. However, certain forms like Spinal Muscular Atrophy are believed to be hereditary.
Types of MND
What is the best treatment for motor neuron disease?
Currently, there is no cure for MND, but several treatment options can help manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for patients. The best treatment approach typically involves a multidisciplinary team, including neurologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists.
What is the new treatment for MND in 2024?
As of 2024, several new treatments, including advanced stem cell therapies and novel drug candidates, are being explored globally. In India, these treatments are gradually becoming available through clinical trials and specialized medical centers. For instance, ongoing trials at leading institutions such as AIIMS and Apollo Hospitals are investigating the efficacy of these cutting-edge therapies. Research is ongoing to find new and effective treatments for MND. Some of the promising new treatments include:
- Stem cell therapy: Stem Cells can differentiate into any body cells, including motor neurons, whose damage is responsible for Motor Neuron Disease.
At present, clinical trials are underway in India, which have shown promising results. Patients who underwent stem cell transplants showed an increased survival duration of 47 months, or almost four years, compared to those who had not undergone this treatment.
Most patients also reported improved speech, tongue movements, and respiratory capacity. There was also an improvement in bulbar symptoms like reduced choking, improved swallowing, and reduced saliva drooling. A few patients also showed better limb functionality. This treatment is also completely safe and non-invasive. At present, it demonstrates high potential in halting the progression of MND. It is especially useful for the treatment of ALS and Progressive Bulbar Palsy.
- Gene therapy targets genetic mutations responsible for the disease.
- Neuroprotective Agents: Drugs designed to protect neurons from damage.
Is motor neurone disease curable in India?
As already mentioned, MND is currently not curable. However, ongoing research and clinical trials offer hope for future treatments that may significantly alter the course of the disease. In India, several leading hospitals and research institutions are at the forefront of this research.
Top Clinics & Hospitals for Treatment of MND in India
1. StemRx Bioscience Solutions Private Limited (Dr. Mahajan’s Hospital), Navi Mumbai
- Number of Beds and Layout: 100 beds
- Latest Technologies Used for MND Treatment: Stem cell therapy, advanced neuroimaging
- Recent Treatment Breakthroughs: Successful stem cell therapy trials for MND
- MND Patients Treated: Over 200 cases
- Specialized Treatment Services: Specialized in innovative stem cell therapies
- Major Treatment Achievements: High success rates in regenerative treatments
- Specialization Focus: Stem cell research and application
- Accreditation Details: Accredited by NABH
- Facilities Available: State-of-the-art stem cell labs and patient care units
- International Patient Services: Comprehensive care and support for international patients
- Insurance Options: Partnered with various insurance providers
2. NeuroGen Brain and Spine Institute, Mumbai
- Number of Beds and Layout: 100 beds
- Latest Technologies Used for MND Treatment: Stem cell therapy, neurorehabilitation techniques
- Recent Treatment Breakthroughs: Innovations in stem cell applications for neurodegenerative diseases
- MND Patients Treated: Over 300 cases
- Specialized Treatment Services: Multidisciplinary approach to neurorehabilitation
- Major Treatment Achievements: Significant improvements in patient mobility and quality of life
- Specialization Focus: Neurology, stem cell therapy
- Accreditation Details: ISO certified
- Facilities Available: Comprehensive neurorehabilitation center
- International Patient Services: Full support for international patients
- Insurance Options: Accepted by major international insurers
3. AIIMS, New Delhi
- Number of Beds and Layout: 2,478 beds
- Latest Technologies Used for MND Treatment: Advanced neuroimaging, stem cell research facilities
- Recent Treatment Breakthroughs: Pioneering stem cell therapy trials
- MND Patients Treated: Over 500 cases annually
- Specialized Treatment Services: Comprehensive neurological care
- Major Treatment Achievements: Significant advancements in neuro-rehabilitation techniques
- Specialization Focus: Neurology and neurodegenerative disorders
- Accreditation Details: Part of the National Cancer Grid
- Facilities Available: State-of-the-art research labs, patient care units
- International Patient Services: Guidelines available for international patients
- Insurance Options: Government-supported healthcare programs
4. Apollo Hospitals, Chennai
- Number of Beds and Layout: 550 beds
- Latest Technologies Used for MND Treatment: Robotic rehabilitation, advanced neurophysiology labs
- Recent Treatment Breakthroughs: Introduction of personalized medicine approaches
- MND Patients Treated: Approximately 300 cases per year
- Specialized Treatment Services: Neurological intensive care unit
- Major Treatment Achievements: High success rates in managing ALS
- Specialization Focus: Multidisciplinary neurology care
- Accreditation Details: JCI and NABH accredited
- Facilities Available: Cutting-edge diagnostic and therapeutic tools
- International Patient Services: Comprehensive support for international patients
- Insurance Options: Extensive insurance partnerships
5. NIMHANS, Bangalore
- Number of Beds and Layout: 971 beds
- Latest Technologies Used for MND Treatment: Neuro-genetics lab, advanced neuroimaging
- Recent Treatment Breakthroughs: Innovative gene therapy research
- MND Patients Treated: Over 400 cases annually
- Specialized Treatment Services: Neurological and psychiatric care
- Major Treatment Achievements: Breakthroughs in neuroprotective treatments
- Specialization Focus: Comprehensive neuro care and research
- Accreditation Details: National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences
- Facilities Available: Extensive research and clinical care units
- International Patient Services: Support for international treatment
- Insurance Options: Supported by various insurance schemes
6. Medanta - The Medicity, Gurgaon
- Number of Beds and Layout: 1,600 beds
- Latest Technologies Used for MND Treatment: Advanced neuroimaging, robotic-assisted therapy
- Recent Treatment Breakthroughs: Pioneering research in neuroprotection and regeneration
- MND Patients Treated: Over 500 cases
- Specialized Treatment Services: Comprehensive neurology and neurosurgery departments
- Major Treatment Achievements: High success rates in managing neurodegenerative diseases
- Specialization Focus: Neurology and neurosurgery
- Accreditation Details: JCI and NABH accredited
- Facilities Available: State-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic facilities
- International Patient Services: Dedicated international patient care unit
- Insurance Options: Partnerships with major insurance providers
7. Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai
- Number of Beds and Layout: 750 beds
- Latest Technologies Used for MND Treatment: Advanced neuroimaging, robotic rehabilitation
- Recent Treatment Breakthroughs: Breakthroughs in gene therapy for neurodegenerative diseases
- MND Patients Treated: Over 400 cases
- Specialized Treatment Services: Multidisciplinary neurology care
- Major Treatment Achievements: Innovations in neuroprotective therapies
- Specialization Focus: Neurology, neurosurgery, neurorehabilitation
- Accreditation Details: JCI and NABH accredited
- Facilities Available: Comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic facilities
- International Patient Services: Full support for international patients
- Insurance Options: Extensive insurance partnerships
Choosing the right hospital for MND treatment is like winning half the battle against MND!
India is a hub for the best motor neuron disease treatment and neurology hospitals with modern infrastructure, technology, and doctors.
Top Doctors for Motor Neuron Disease Treatment in India
Do you know one factor that influences the success rate of MND treatment?
Yes, it is the experience of the doctor!
This is one of the reasons why the success rates of MND treatment in India are increasing.
Below, we have listed some of the top MND specialists in India
1. Dr. R. Muralidharan, Chennai
- Qualification: MBBS, MD, DM (Neurology)
- Year of Experience: 25 years
- Special Skills: Expertise in neurodegenerative diseases
- MND Patients Treated: Over 200 patients
- Special Technology Used for MND: Advanced neuroimaging and stem cell therapy
- Practices in: Apollo Hospitals, Chennai
2. Dr. Abhijit Das, Kolkata
- Qualification: MBBS, MD (Neurology), DM
- Year of Experience: 20 years
- Special Skills: Specializes in ALS and neuro-rehabilitation
- MND Patients Treated: Over 150 patients
- Special Technology Used for MND: Robotic rehabilitation, gene therapy
- Practices in: AMRI Hospitals, Kolkata
3. Dr. P.N. Renjen, New Delhi
- Qualification: MBBS, MD, DM (Neurology)
- Year of Experience: 30 years
- Special Skills: Neuromuscular diseases expert
- MND Patients Treated: Over 250 patients
- Special Technology Used for MND: Neurophysiological assessments, novel drug therapies
- Practices in: Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi
Cost of Treatment of Motor Neuron Disease in India
A variety of factors affect the cost of treatment of MND. Some of them include:
- Type of MND: Those types requiring surgical intervention (like ALS) will cost more than milder types.
- Progression or severity of the disease.
- The type of hospital treatment is carried out in.
- Medical history of the patient.
- Post-surgical complications.
- Various diagnostic tests and scans.
- The city in which treatment is carried out.
While the cost of medication and physiotherapy is almost the same in most cities of India, surgical costs will vary depending on which city the surgery is performed.
Check the treatments available in India for MDN and their cost:
| TREATMENT | DESCRIPTION | COST IN INR |
| Medication |
| 1000-1500/ 10 tablets |
| Surgical Therapy |
| 2.8 lakh-4.5 lakh |
| Physical therapy |
| 3000/session |
| Occupational Therapy |
| 5000-8000/session |
| Speech therapy |
| 6000/session |
| Ayurveda |
| 500-1500/month |
| Botox |
| 15,000-18,000/injection |
Cost of Motor Neuron Disease Treatment in India Compared to Other Countries
It is possible to receive treatment for MND at a fraction of the cost of other Western countries. This is mainly due to the lower standard of living in India, which brings down the cost in every treatment area from diagnostic tests to hospital admissions and post-surgical care.
Let us take a look at the difference in the cost of surgical treatment of ALS, which is the most common type of MND.
| COUNTRY | COST IN USD |
| India | 3800-7600 |
| USA | 70,000-100,000 |
| Canada | 50,000-70,000 |
| Australia | 35,000-40,000 |
| UK | 65,000-81,300 |
Now, let’s discuss,
Success Rate of Motor Neuron Disease Treatment in India
By now, we have already established that there is no cure for MND. However, giving timely treatment helps prolong the life expectancy of the affected individual. While there is no data on the collective success rate of treatment of MND in India, there is a plethora of evidence on how successful individual treatments are.
Diagnosis of MND is highly accurate in India. Apart from this, surgical intervention in necessary cases of ALS has shown a reduction of symptoms in 90% of patients who were operated upon.
Yes, you read that right!
Stem cell therapy is also highly effective, with around 70% of participating patients showing a significant improvement in two or more symptoms.
Why Should You Choose India?
After knowing the success rates of MND treatment in India, you might have got the answer to this question.
India is making significant strides in the treatment of motor neuron disease, with numerous top hospitals and specialists dedicated to managing this challenging condition. While a cure remains elusive, advancements in research and new treatment options, including stem cell therapy and gene therapy, offer hope for the future. By choosing the right treatment facility and expert care, patients with MND can achieve a better quality of life.
So, what are you thinking?
