Neurology looks very different when one specialist may serve hundreds of thousands of people and patients travel hours across states just to be seen. We sit down with two renowned Indian neurologists, Dr. Singal and Dr. Lalkaka, to map what neurology care really feels like in India and what the rest of us can learn from it.
We talk through the daily reality of neurology practice in India, from outpatient clinics filled with headache, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, stroke follow up, and psychosomatic complaints to inpatient care that still includes emergencies and complex diagnostic puzzles. They explain how the country’s disease patterns have evolved, with fewer classic infection dominated presentations than in prior decades and more non communicable neurological disease as life expectancy rises, alongside growing visibility of dementia and cognitive impairment.
The conversation goes beyond medicine into culture and systems. We unpack how joint family networks can provide powerful support for stroke recovery and memory decline, while also shifting decision making away from patient autonomy. We explore stigma around epilepsy, the impact of Ayurveda and homeopathy alongside Western evidence based care, and why palliative care and quality of life discussions remain difficult in many settings. They also break down the healthcare landscape, including government hospitals, trust hospitals, and corporate centers, plus the hard truth of out of pocket costs when insurance coverage is limited.
We end with a forward look at neurology training, genetics, precision medicine, and AI, anchored by a clear principle: use tests and technology as tools, not masters, and never let the clinical exam or compassion fade. If you care about global neurology, medical education, or building smarter systems of care, you’ll take something practical from this conversation. Subscribe, share the episode with a colleague, and leave a review with the biggest lesson you’re taking into your next patient encounter.
Hosts:
Dr. Nupur Goel is a third-year neurology resident at Mass General Brigham in Boston, MA. Follow Dr. Nupur Goel on Twitter @mdgoels
Dr. Blake Buletko is a vascular neurologist and program director of the Adult Neurology Residency Program at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH. Follow Dr. Blake Buletko on Twitter @blakebuletko
Follow the Neurophilia Podcast on Twitter and Instagram @NeurophiliaPod
