Research thrust areas:

CENTRE FOR ADVANCED NEUROLOGICAL RESEARCH:

This unique centre devoted to clinical and basic research in the field of Neurology came into existence in 2006. The initial funding for starting the lab was brought in by Dr. LekhaPandit and a memorandum of understanding was signed with Nitte Education Trust on 15.07.2005. Subsequent funding came from the generous support of the Nitte Trust and Governmental funding agencies such as DRDO, DST ICMR& DBT and international agencies such as Multiple Sclerosis Society of Great Britain.

Clinical Research:

Mangalore Demyelinating Disease Registry: The growing number of patients with demyelinating central nervous system disorders seen at the Department of Neurology at K S Hegde Hospital led to the formation of a patient registry exclusively for the enrollment, assessment, subsidized treatment and dedicated long term followup of patients with Multiple sclerosis, Neuromyelitisoptica and other atypical demyelinating central nervous system (CNS) disorders. The Mangalore demyelination disease Registry, run by Dr Lekha Pandit was started in 2007 with a purpose to establish a database of CNS demyelinating disorders. Patients within a radius of 250 km from Mangalore are referred for specialist consultation and treatment. This registry has more than 1500 patients on its rolls. Nearly 2/3rd are followed long-term with dedicated treatment protocols and subsidized medications. Data from this registry has led to many original contributions that help to understand autoimmune neurological disorders in the Indian context.

Laboratory Research:

• Development of in-house cell based assay for the detection of AQP4 and MOGIgG antibody using Indirect Immunofluorescence technique for the sensitive diagnosis of Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders (NMOSD).
• Evaluation of the genetic susceptibility and environmental factors associated with Multiple sclerosis and Neuromyelitisoptica spectrum disorders.
• Biomarker development for the detection of unknown antibodies associated with seronegative NMOSD.
• Role of gut microbiome in central nervous system autoimmune disorders

Services

LEELA NARAYAN SHETTY CENTRE FOR NEUROSCIENCES:

• Nerve conduction studies
• Evoked potential studies
• Electromyography
• 16 channel digital EEG machine with video EEG facility
• Vision lab- state of the art equipments for comprehensive evaluation of the vision
• Optical coherence tomography (OCT) unit
• Electro retinography/VEP
• EDTRS chart and contrast sensitivity chart for visual acuity testing

"NEURO REHABILITATION CENTRE" is equipped with specialized physiotherapy equipment such as for improving posture, balance and mobility for patients afflicted with Stroke, Parkinson’s disease, Multiple sclerosis and many such chronic diseases. The center has dedicated Physiotherapists and a qualified Physiatrist and is the first of its kind in Coastal Karnataka. Centre is equipped with following equipments.

• Gait Trainer Treadmill
• Un weighing Support System
• Balance System
• Harness and ceiling fitted support ambulation system
• Movement Therapy System for lower and upper limbs
• Functional Electrical Stimulator
• Functional Electrical Stimulator (Stim Plus) / Dysphagia Management

Specialty Clinic Schedule

• Demyelinating disorder clinic – EveryWednesday
• Neurorehabilitation clinic – Monday to Saturday
• Movement disorder clinic – Once a month

CENTRE FOR ADVANCED NEUROLOGICAL RESEARCH:
Following special immunodiagnostic tests are offered at Centre for Advanced Neurological Research

• NMO/MOG IgG test by Indirect immunofluorescence(IIFT)
• Autoimmune Encephalitis Mosaic1 IIFT test
• CSF Oligoclonal Band test
• Paraneoplastic Neurologic Syndrome test
• ANA Global test
• Granulocyte Mosaic13-ANCA test
• Paraprotein Detection
• Anti-thyroid antibody detection
• CD19 and CD27 count by flow cytometry
• Stem cell enumeration-viable CD34 count by flow cytometry

Achievements