Latest news with #MAIINS
Business Standard
18-07-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Marengo Asia Hospitals Sets New Benchmark in Neuro & Spine Care with Launch of MAIINS
VMPL New Delhi [India], July 18: Marengo Asia Hospitals announced the launch of the Marengo Asia International Institute of Neuro & Spine (MAIINS) in Gurugram, marking a pioneering step in transforming neuroscience and spine care. The hospital has also onboarded internationally renowned neurologist Dr. Praveen Gupta to lead this institute and head the neurology department. With a multidisciplinary clinical model, MAIINS brings together neurologists, spine surgeons, psychiatrists, psychologists, pain specialists, and rehabilitation experts to provide collaborative, comprehensive, protocol-driven care across a wide range of neurological and spine conditions. Dr. Praveen Gupta is one of India's most awarded and respected neurologists. A gold medallist from AIIMS, New Delhi, Dr. Gupta has introduced several pioneering neurological treatments in the country, including Asia's first brain pacemaker for epilepsy, deep brain stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson's, and stem cell transplants for multiple sclerosis. Dr. Raajiv Singhal, Founding Member, Managing Director & Group CEO, Marengo Asia Hospitals, said,-- "At Marengo Asia Hospitals, we believe patients need to have the ease of accessing comprehensive care under one roof. With the launch of this institute, we take another significant step toward building specialised, outcome-driven Centres of Excellence that redefine accessibility, clinical leadership, and patient trust in neuro care across the region. Dr. Praveen Gupta brings not only deep clinical expertise but also a strong commitment to patient-first care, which aligns seamlessly with our vision." The institute is equipped with robotic-assisted spine surgery systems, advanced neuro-monitoring, dedicated neuro ICUs, and integrated rehabilitation services, enabling seamless pre-operative, operative, and post-operative care. Dr. Praveen Gupta, Chairman, MAIINS and Chief of Clinical Strategy, Growth and Innovation, Marengo Asia Hospitals, said, "It is a pleasure to join Marengo Asia Hospitals and head the Marengo Asia International Institute of Neuro & Spine (MAIINS). With MAIINS, our objective is to bring together clinical depth, advanced infrastructure, and preventive approach to neurological and spine health. Together, we aim to improve early diagnosis, deliver long-term disease management, and integrate mental health and geriatric neurology into mainstream care." MAIINS also introduces a clinic-based funnel model aimed at early detection and outpatient-to-inpatient continuity. Specialized clinics for memory disorders, vertigo, movement disorders, and chronic neuro-pain are designed to identify conditions at early stages and manage them proactively. Adding his views, Dr. Saurabh Lall, Facility Director, Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram, said, "The launch of MAIINS marks a major leap in neurological and spine care delivery in Gurugram and surrounding regions. Located at a prime location of golf course extension road in Gurgaon, the facility is strategically positioned to serve not just the Millennium City but also key catchment areas across Delhi NCR and North India. The institute is aligned with our vision to expand our community outreach and establish clinic-based programs across residential clusters, educational institutions, and corporate hubs." A strong focus has also been placed on community-based mental health and geriatric neurology. The institute's Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) model will offer outpatient psychological and psychiatric support for stress, anxiety, and neuropsychological resilience, targeting schools, workplaces, and residential communities. In parallel, its geriatric neurology program will deliver hyperlocal engagement and follow-up pathways for elderly patients, improving access, compliance, and outcomes. With the launch of MAIINS in Gurugram, Marengo Asia Hospitals reinforces its position as a leader in high-acuity, protocol-led healthcare provider.
Time of India
17-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Marengo Asia Launches Neuro & Spine Institute in Gurugram
New Delhi: Multi-specialty hospitals chain Marengo Asia Hospitals has announced the launch of the Marengo Asia International Institute of Neuro & Spine (MAIINS) in Gurugram. It is indicated that the hospital has also onboarded neurologist Dr. Praveen Gupta to lead this institute and head the neurology department . Dr. Gupta is a gold medallist from AIIMS, New Delhi. He has introduced several neurological treatments in the country, including pacemaker for epilepsy, deep brain stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson's, and stem cell transplants for multiple sclerosis. MAIINS states to bring together neurologists, spine surgeons, psychiatrists, psychologists, pain specialists, and rehabilitation experts to provide collaborative, comprehensive, protocol-driven care across a wide range of neurological and spine conditions. It is also stated that the institute is equipped with robotic-assisted spine surgery systems, advanced neuro-monitoring , dedicated neuro ICUs, and integrated rehabilitation services, enabling seamless pre-operative, operative, and post-operative care. In addition to this, it is stated that MAIINS has also launched a clinic-based funnel model aimed at early detection and outpatient-to-inpatient continuity. Specialized clinics for memory disorders, vertigo, movement disorders, and chronic neuro-pain are designed to identify conditions at early stages and manage them proactively.
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Business Standard
17-07-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Why you can't stop scrolling: Zombie scrolling is hijacking your attention
You blink, and somehow it's been 45 minutes on Instagram. That's not a lack of willpower—it's 'zombie scrolling', and it's by design. In the digital age, the boundaries between work, rest, and recreation have blurred. One of the most pervasive yet overlooked consequences of this hyper-connected lifestyle is zombie scrolling: the habit of endlessly and passively consuming content on social media without intention or awareness. 'This behaviour is rewiring our brains, disrupting emotional regulation, and impairing cognitive function,' said Dr Amitabh Saha, Associate Director & Clinical Administrator, Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences, Psychiatry, Max Superspeciality Hospital, Vaishali. What is zombie scrolling? Zombie scrolling isn't about checking Instagram intentionally to reply to a friend or watching a video with focus. It's the mindless, passive swiping we do out of boredom, habit, or anxiety. You're not really engaged—you're just there, thumb moving, brain checked out. As Dr Saha explained, 'It's the kind of behaviour where time slips away, you don't know why you're scrolling, and you aren't even aware of how it's affecting you.' What happens inside your brain when you scroll endlessly? That little buzz you get from a like, a reel, or a viral meme? That's dopamine at work. It feels good, so your brain keeps chasing it. 'Zombie scrolling activates the dopaminergic reward system in the brain, which is also involved in addictions,' explained Dr Saha. 'But over time, repeated stimulation dulls the system, so you need more scrolling for the same sense of reward. It becomes a loop.' Dr Praveen Gupta, Chairman, Marengo Asia International Institute of Neuro & Spine (MAIINS), Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram, added that it also activates the default mode network—the brain's background activity during mind-wandering. This leads to overthinking, emotional numbness, and cognitive fog. The doctors also warned that the algorithms and the tech are designed to keep us scrolling like zombies. 'Everything from infinite scroll and autoplay to algorithmically curated feeds is meant to hook your attention and keep you there. There are no stopping cues,' said Dr Gupta. 'The platform architecture is meant to exploit your psychology, leveraging your fear of missing out (Fomo), your craving for novelty, and your desire for social validation.' This is why we often find ourselves opening Instagram without any real reason—and still being there 30 minutes later. How does zombie scrolling affect your mind and body? You may think scrolling is your 'me time', but it might be doing more harm than you realise. 'Zombie scrolling reinforces avoidance behaviours,' warned Dr Gupta. 'Instead of processing stress or emotions, people escape into the scroll and eventually lose emotional resilience.' Other effects include: Reduced focus Mental fatigue Emotional numbness Irritability Over time, zombie scrolling is linked to: Anxiety and low mood Sleep disruption Poor memory and attention span Emotional dysregulation It doesn't stop there. Physically, it can cause: Eye strain Neck and shoulder pain Sleep disturbances (especially due to late-night scrolling and blue light exposure) Reduced energy and motivation during the day What are the warning signs that you're stuck in a scroll loop? According to both doctors, here are some red flags you shouldn't ignore: Losing track of time online Instinctively opening apps with no clear purpose Feeling drained or anxious after scrolling Delaying meals, sleep, or work due to phone use Constantly checking your phone even during conversations Struggling with focus at work 'Friends and family may notice withdrawal, irritability, or you being mentally 'checked out' even when you're physically present,' said Dr Gupta. How can you break the zombie scrolling habit? The goal isn't to quit social media entirely—it's to use it intentionally, not mindlessly. Here's what can help: And most importantly: do more offline. Meet a friend, read something real, take a walk, or journal. It's not about deleting the app—it's about reclaiming your attention. 'Zombie scrolling may seem like a modern nuisance, but its long-term effects are real, especially on mental health, emotional regulation, productivity, and sleep. It can quietly erode your ability to focus, connect, and feel in control of your time,' said Dr Saha. 'You're not a zombie. You're just distracted. And you can take your mind back,' Dr Gupta reminded.
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Business Standard
23-06-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Salman Khan reveals brain aneurysm, AVM and the 'suicide disease'
Bollywood actor Salman Khan recently disclosed that he is living with multiple serious neurological conditions, including a brain aneurysm, arteriovenous malformation (AVM), and trigeminal neuralgia, commonly referred to as the 'suicide disease' due to its excruciating pain. The actor revealed these health challenges during his appearance on The Great Indian Kapil Show, aired June 21, where he briefly spoke about working through these conditions despite their severity. These diseases, though rare, are potentially life-threatening if not managed carefully and can significantly impact quality of life. Khan made a candid revelation during conversation with Kapil Sharma, ' Hum ye jo daily ki haddiyan tudwa rahe hain, pasliyan toot gai, trigeminal neuralgia ke sath kaam kar rahe hain, aneurysm hai brain mein uske bawajood kaam kar rahe hain. AV malformation hai, uske bawajood chal rahe hain.' ('I'm out here breaking my bones every day, ribs are fractured, I'm working despite having trigeminal neuralgia, there's an aneurysm in the brain, yet I'm still working. There's also an AV malformation, and still, I'm carrying on.') What is Trigeminal Neuralgia, and why is it called the 'suicide disease'? According to the Cleveland Clinic, an American nonprofit academic medical centre based in Cleveland, Ohio, Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain disorder that causes intense pain attacks in your face. It happens when your trigeminal nerve, responsible for sensation in the face and chewing, is damaged or irritated. According to media reports, Khan was first diagnosed with Trigeminal Neuralgia around 2007 during the filming of Partner. He underwent nerve surgery in the US in 2011. It is characterised by sudden, stabbing facial pain triggered by mild activities such as chewing, brushing, or speaking. It is called 'suicide disease' due to the debilitating nature of the pain, which can severely impact the patient's quality of life. It is a rare disease with an estimated global incidence of about 4 to 13 cases per 100,000 people annually, according to a 2022 study. Women are more likely to develop it than men and most cases develop after age 50. What is a brain aneurysm? According to Dr Praveen Gupta, chairman, Marengo Asia International Institute of Neuro & Spine (MAIINS), Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram, 'An aneurysm is a weakness in the wall of the artery that causes it to bulge out, forming a balloon-like structure. This site is prone to rupture, leading to brain hemorrhage.' Early warning signs of aneurysm highlighted by Gupta: Sudden, severe headache (commonly described as the worst headache of life) Neck stiffness Tingling or numbness Transient vision problems or double vision Mild speech slurring Imbalance while walking Facial drooping Sudden memory issues or difficulty using appropriate words Dr Gupta explained that the treatment of this rare disease involves minimally invasive procedures to seal the aneurysm, such as endovascular coiling or flow diverter stents. In some cases, open surgery is required to place clips that prevent rupture, he said. While talking about the preventive measures, Dr Gupta said lifestyle changes to control blood pressure and avoid rupture are crucial. He said, 'Monitoring small, unruptured aneurysms with regular imaging is important, along with lifestyle changes.' In order to prevent aneurysm, he urged people to: Adopt a healthy lifestyle Strictly control blood pressure Avoid smoking Get regular screenings done, if there is a family history of aneurysms What is arteriovenous malformation (AVM)? According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, AVM is a rare vascular condition in which arteries and veins are abnormally connected, bypassing the normal capillary system. This can reduce oxygen delivery to brain tissues and may rupture. It is estimated to occur in less than 1 in 10,000 people. Some of the symptoms of AVM include headaches, seizures, or neurological deficits. According to global health agencies, many cases remain undiagnosed until a rupture occurs. Gupta explained that the presence of both an aneurysm and AVM significantly increases the patient's risk for brain haemorrhage. Despite these serious diagnoses, the Bajrangi Bhaijaan actor continues to lead a highly active professional life. Why are these conditions dangerous? Dr Gupta emphasised that these disorders, though individually rare, can lead to life-threatening outcomes if not diagnosed or treated promptly. He said, 'Early warning signs of stroke and aneurysm are often subtle and should not be ignored. Timely intervention can be life-saving.' He further recommended: Early neurological consultations for recurring headaches or facial pain Regular monitoring for individuals with familial risk Lifestyle changes to reduce modifiable risk factors such as high blood pressure and smoking Salman Khan's disclosure has shed light on lesser-known but critical neurological diseases. Despite this complex mix of neurological issues alongside physical strain and chronic sleep disruption, he continues to work actively, relying on a strong support system and fall-back health routines. For more health updates, follow #HealthWithBS
NDTV
23-06-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Salman Khan Reveals He Is Working "Even With Brain Aneurysm". How Does The Condition Affect Normal Life?
The image was shared on X. New Delhi: Salman Khan isn't one to break under pressure, but his 'bones'? That's apparently a different story. In his recent appearance on The Great Indian Kapil Show, the actor stunned fans by revealing the extent of his ongoing health battles, including a brain aneurysm, trigeminal neuralgia and arteriovenous malformation (AVM). Appearing as the first guest of the show's new season, Salman spoke about the physical toll his body has endured over the years. "I'm out here breaking my bones every day - ribs are fractured, I'm working despite having trigeminal neuralgia, there's an aneurysm in the brain, yet I'm still working. There's also an AV malformation, and still, I'm carrying on," the actor said, describing how he continues to work despite multiple serious conditions. This revelation has sparked widespread public concern for Salman Khan's health, and what it actually means to live and work with a brain aneurysm. What follows is a closer look at the condition, what causes it, who is at risk, and how it can impact daily life - physically, mentally and neurologically. According to Dr Praveen Gupta, Chairman of Marengo Asia International Institute of Neuro & Spine (MAIINS), a brain aneurysm is a balloon-like bulge in the wall of an artery due to a weakness in the vessel wall. "Aneurysm is a condition where there is a weakness in the wall of the artery, which leads to the outpouching of the wall of an artery, creating a small balloon-like structure called an aneurysm. This is basically because the arterial wall in the aneurysm is weak. This site is prone to rupture, causing brain haemorrhage," Dr Gupta explains. Aneurysms are often called silent killers because they may remain asymptomatic for years, or even for life, until they rupture. Common? Yes. Harmless? Not Always. While brain aneurysms are relatively common, often discovered incidentally during imaging for other conditions, not all of them rupture. However, when they do, the consequences are severe. Dr Rahul Gupta, Senior Director & HOD Neuro and Spine Surgery, Fortis Hospital Noida, elaborates, "A brain aneurysm is a bulge in a blood vessel in the brain, and its seriousness depends on whether it ruptures. An unruptured aneurysm may cause no symptoms and might be discovered incidentally. However, a ruptured brain aneurysm leads to a type of stroke called a subarachnoid haemorrhage, which is a life-threatening emergency with high risk of death or permanent neurological damage." "Worst Headache Of Your Life" And Other Symptoms One of the most alarming features of a ruptured aneurysm is the sudden, intense headache, often described as the worst headache of one's life. Other symptoms include nausea and vomiting, stiff neck, blurred or double vision, sensitivity to light, seizures, loss of consciousness and confusion. Dr Praveen Gupta adds, "The first sign of this disease is the worst-ever headache in life, which can be associated with neck stiffness, tingling, numbness, visual symptoms, and double vision." In some cases, a "leaking" aneurysm may cause similar symptoms days or weeks before a major rupture, a critical period when intervention could be life-saving. How It Affects the Brain (Even When Unruptured) Even if a brain aneurysm does not rupture, its location in the brain can affect cognitive function. Neuroscientist Kumaar Bagrodia, founder of NeuroLeap and HALE, explains, "The location of the aneurysm significantly influences the resulting cognitive and neurological outcomes, even when unruptured. The brain's networks are spatially and functionally organised, so pressure, ischemia, or haemorrhage in specific regions can impair distinct functions." He notes the following examples: Frontal lobe/ACom artery: Memory, planning, emotional regulation Middle cerebral artery (MCA): Speech and attention Posterior aneurysms: Vision and spatial memory Post-diagnosis, even without rupture, patients may face "memory loss (hippocampal impact), poor attention and slower processing (network disruption), executive dysfunction (frontal circuits). When we do a whole brain map, this often shows slowed brainwave patterns." So... What Puts You At Risk? Is Gymming One of Them? Risk factors for brain aneurysms include high blood pressure, smoking, family history, ageing, genetic predisposition and unhealthy lifestyle. Dr Praveen Gupta warns, "Excessive physical activities, such as heavy gymming or stunt work, can put increased pressure on the arteries and may cause rupture of an already existing aneurysm." Kumaar Bagrodia adds, "Genetic predisposition is well-established, especially in familial intracranial aneurysm syndromes." Key genetic markers include COL3A1 (connective tissue), SOX17 (endothelial health), 9p21/CDKN2A (vascular inflammation). Diseases like polycystic kidney disease (PKD1/PKD2) can raise the risk 5-10x times. With age, vascular degeneration, oxidative stress, and inflammation further elevate the risk. "Elastin degrades, arteries stiffen, and impaired neurovascular coupling make some brain regions more vulnerable," Bagrodia notes. Treat It Or Leave It? The Answer Is Not Always Surgery Not all aneurysms get the scalpel treatment. Treatment for aneurysms depends on multiple factors: size, location, symptoms and risk of rupture. According to Dr Rahul Gupta, treatment options include: Monitoring: For small, stable, unruptured aneurysms Surgical Clipping: A metal clip seals off the aneurysm Endovascular Coiling: Coils fill the aneurysm via a catheter Flow Diversion: A stent redirects blood away from the aneurysm "Not all aneurysms require surgery. Many aneurysms are safely managed without it," says Dr Gupta. Dr Praveen Gupta also elaborates on diagnostics and surgical methods, "The immediate diagnosis is by CT angiogram or digital subtraction angiography (DSA). We can deploy coils or flow diverter stents to close the aneurysm. If it's not amenable to endovascular treatment, surgical clipping may be used to close the aneurysm so that it does not remain prone to bursting and causing haemorrhage." Can You Dance With Danger? Apparently, Yes Given the demanding physicality of Salman Khan's career, many are wondering: Is it really possible to work while carrying such a serious condition? "Yes, many people with unruptured aneurysms can lead normal lives, including working, performing, or engaging in physical activity, with medical guidance. The ability to continue high-energy activities like acting or dancing depends on symptoms, aneurysm size and stability, and overall health", says Dr Rahul Gupta The key lies in monitoring, medical supervision and lifestyle management. The Future: Lasers, Nanotech And Maybe... Light Therapy? Research is pushing boundaries, and the next few years could radically change how aneurysms are treated. "Gene therapies like CRISPR, siRNA aim to reduce inflammation in aneurysm-prone vessels by targeting genes like MMP-9 or IL-1β," says Kumaar Bagrodia. "Drug-loaded nanoparticles are in preclinical testing. Flow diverters are improving - even safe for smaller or distal aneurysms now." He also points to photobiomodulation therapy - using near-infrared light to enhance blood vessel repair and reduce oxidative stress. Busting Common Myths There's a lot of misinformation around brain aneurysms, says Dr Rahul Gupta: Myth: All brain aneurysms will rupture Fact: Many never rupture and remain symptomless Myth: Aneurysms only affect older people Fact: They can occur at any age Myth: Surgery is always needed Fact: Many cases are managed non-surgically Myth: Rupture means certain death Fact: With prompt treatment, survival and recovery are possible The Final Word Salman Khan's revelation has brought crucial awareness to an often misunderstood condition. It also serves as a wake-up call to not ignore warning signs and to prioritise health, because sometimes, the body doesn't scream until it's almost too late. Featured Video Of The Day Russia, China, Pak, 'Axis Of Resistance': Who Will Help Iran?
