Neurologist
Dr. Anupam Jaiswal
MBBS, MD, DM (Neurology)
Stroke, epilepsy, headache, Parkinson’s disease and nerve disorders. OPD: Monday to Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm.
Institute of Neurosciences
Neurology, brain and spine surgery in Lucknow
Stroke, seizures, severe headaches, back pain that runs down the leg, or weakness in the hands? Our neurologists and neurosurgeons at Charak Hospital, Hardoi Road, Dubagga, find the cause with the right scans and nerve tests and treat it with medicines, rehabilitation or surgery.
NABH-accredited hospital
300-bed multispeciality
Neurologists & neurosurgeons
24×7 stroke & trauma care
Talk to our brain & spine team
Share your details — our coordinator will call you back to schedule a visit.
24×7 hospital & emergency0522-666-4444
Our approach
Brain, spine and nerve care under one roof
The brain, spinal cord and nerves control movement, sensation, speech, memory and balance. Problems can come on suddenly, like a stroke, or slowly, like a slipped disc or Parkinson’s disease. Our neurologists treat with medicines and rehabilitation; our neurosurgeons operate when surgery will help.
- Your scan results and options explained clearly, including when surgery is not needed
- Neurologists and neurosurgeons who review complex cases together
- CT, MRI and emergency care on the same campus
- Critical care and anaesthesia support for brain and spine surgery
- Physiotherapy and rehabilitation to help you regain function
Neurology
Stroke, epilepsy, headache, Parkinson’s disease, memory problems and nerve disorders.
Neurosurgery
Brain tumours, bleeding in the brain, head injury and hydrocephalus.
Spine surgery
Slipped disc, sciatica, cervical spondylosis, spinal injury and spinal compression.
Paediatric neurology
Seizures, developmental delay and other nervous system problems in children.
300Bed multispeciality hospital
NABHAccredited for quality and patient safety
24×7Emergency & critical care
27+Specialities under one roof
Know the signs
When to see a neurologist or neurosurgeon
See a doctor if any of these are new, getting worse or keep coming back.
Severe or frequent headaches
Headaches that are new, getting worse, wake you from sleep or come with vomiting.
Fits or blackouts
A seizure, sudden jerking, staring spells or unexplained loss of consciousness.
Weakness or numbness
Weakness, tingling or numbness in the face, arms or legs.
Pain down the leg or arm
Back or neck pain that spreads down a limb, with tingling or weakness.
Dizziness or imbalance
Spinning, unsteadiness or frequent falls.
Tremor or slowness
Shaking hands, stiffness or slow movements.
Speech or memory changes
Slurred speech, trouble finding words, confusion or forgetfulness.
Vision problems
Sudden loss of vision, double vision or blurred vision with headache.
Call emergency straight away if someone has a drooping face, weak arm or slurred speech, a seizure lasting more than 5 minutes, a sudden severe headache, or a head injury with vomiting or drowsiness. In a stroke, every minute counts. Call 0522-666-4444.
Conditions A–Z
Find information about a brain, spine or nerve condition
Tap a condition to read the common signs, how it is diagnosed and how it is treated.
Stroke
A blocked or burst blood vessel in the brain
Common signs
Sudden drooping of the face, weakness of an arm or leg, slurred speech, loss of vision or balance.
How it is diagnosed
Urgent CT or MRI brain, ECG and blood tests, often within minutes of arrival.
How it is treated
Clot-busting medicine for eligible patients within hours of onset, intensive care, blood thinners, and rehabilitation.
Read our stroke guideBrain haemorrhage and aneurysm
Bleeding inside or around the brain
Common signs
A sudden, very severe headache, vomiting, neck stiffness, drowsiness or a seizure.
How it is diagnosed
CT scan, CT or catheter angiography to find an aneurysm.
How it is treated
Intensive care, controlling blood pressure, and coiling or surgery to secure an aneurysm when found.
About aneurysm coilingBrain tumour
Abnormal growth inside the skull
Common signs
Headaches that get worse, seizures, weakness, vision or personality changes.
How it is diagnosed
MRI brain with contrast, and a biopsy or surgery to confirm the type.
How it is treated
Surgery to remove as much of the tumour as is safe, followed by radiotherapy or chemotherapy with the oncology team when needed.
About brain tumour surgeryHead injury
Injury to the skull or brain after a fall or accident
Common signs
Loss of consciousness, vomiting, drowsiness, confusion, fits, or bleeding from the nose or ear.
How it is diagnosed
CT scan of the head and close observation.
How it is treated
Observation for mild injuries; intensive care and surgery to remove blood clots for serious injuries.
See warning signsEpilepsy and seizures
Repeated fits caused by abnormal brain activity
Common signs
Jerking of the limbs, staring spells, sudden falls, tongue biting or confusion after an episode.
How it is diagnosed
A careful history, EEG and MRI brain.
How it is treated
Daily anti-seizure medicines; most people can control seizures with the right medicine. Surgery is considered for some patients.
Living with epilepsyMigraine and chronic headache
Recurring headaches that affect daily life
Common signs
Throbbing headache, often one-sided, with nausea, light sensitivity or visual aura.
How it is diagnosed
History and examination; scans are needed only when there are warning features.
How it is treated
Treating attacks, preventive medicines for frequent headaches, and identifying triggers such as poor sleep or skipped meals.
See headache FAQsParkinson’s disease and tremor
Slowness, stiffness and shaking
Common signs
A resting tremor, slow movements, stiffness, small handwriting and a shuffling walk.
How it is diagnosed
Clinical examination by a neurologist; scans help rule out other causes.
How it is treated
Medicines, physiotherapy and exercise. Surgical options such as deep brain stimulation are considered for selected patients.
See treatment optionsDementia and memory loss
Gradual decline in memory and thinking
Common signs
Forgetting recent events, repeating questions, getting lost, or changes in behaviour.
How it is diagnosed
Memory tests, blood tests (B12, thyroid) and MRI brain.
How it is treated
Treating reversible causes, medicines that may slow symptoms, and support for carers.
Family careSlipped disc and sciatica
Disc pressing on a nerve in the lower back
Common signs
Back pain spreading down the leg, tingling, numbness or weakness in the foot.
How it is diagnosed
Examination and MRI of the spine when needed.
How it is treated
Most improve with medicines, activity and physiotherapy. Surgery (discectomy) is advised for severe or persisting symptoms or weakness.
Read about slipped discCervical spondylosis and neck pain
Wear and tear of the neck spine
Common signs
Neck pain and stiffness, pain or tingling in the arms, or clumsy hands.
How it is diagnosed
Examination, X-ray and MRI of the neck.
How it is treated
Posture correction, physiotherapy and medicines; surgery when nerves or the spinal cord are compressed.
About spine surgerySpinal cord compression and spine injury
Pressure on the spinal cord from injury, tumour or infection
Common signs
Weakness or numbness in both legs, difficulty walking, or loss of bladder or bowel control.
How it is diagnosed
Urgent MRI of the spine.
How it is treated
Emergency surgery to relieve pressure and stabilise the spine, followed by rehabilitation.
Brain & spine surgeryPeripheral neuropathy
Damage to the nerves of the hands and feet
Common signs
Burning, tingling or numbness in the feet or hands, often worse at night.
How it is diagnosed
Nerve conduction studies and blood tests for diabetes, B12 and thyroid.
How it is treated
Treating the cause (often diabetes), medicines for nerve pain and foot care.
Diabetes careGuillain–Barré syndrome and myasthenia
Nerve and muscle disorders causing weakness
Common signs
Weakness that spreads up the legs over days, or weakness and drooping eyelids that worsen with activity.
How it is diagnosed
Nerve conduction studies, blood tests and sometimes a lumbar puncture.
How it is treated
Hospital care, immune treatments and close monitoring of breathing when needed.
Vertigo and dizziness
Spinning, unsteadiness or light-headedness
Common signs
A spinning feeling on turning the head, nausea or imbalance.
How it is diagnosed
Examination of eye movements and balance; scans when a stroke is suspected.
How it is treated
Repositioning exercises, medicines and balance exercises, with the ENT team when needed.
ENT at CharakSeizures and developmental delay in children
Nervous system problems in childhood
Common signs
Fits with or without fever, delayed walking or speech, or loss of skills.
How it is diagnosed
Developmental assessment, EEG and MRI brain.
How it is treated
Anti-seizure medicines, therapy and family support, with the paediatrics team.
Paediatric neurologistHydrocephalus
Build-up of fluid in the brain
Common signs
In babies, a large or fast-growing head; in older children and adults, headache, vomiting, walking or memory problems.
How it is diagnosed
Ultrasound in babies, CT or MRI brain.
How it is treated
Surgery to drain the fluid, such as a VP shunt or endoscopic procedure.
Brain & spine surgeryNo match found. Please call us on 0522-666-4444 — we will guide you.
Diagnosis
How we find the cause — before we treat
A careful examination often points to the problem. Scans and nerve tests confirm it and help plan treatment.
Neurological examination
Your symptoms, history and a check of strength, sensation, reflexes, speech and balance.
CT or MRI scan
Imaging of the brain or spine; CT is quickest in emergencies.
EEG
A recording of brain electrical activity for seizures and blackouts.
Nerve tests
Nerve conduction studies and EMG for numbness, tingling and weakness.
Plan & follow-up
Medicines, rehabilitation or surgery explained, with a date for review.
Spot a stroke — act FAST
Stroke treatment helps most when it starts early. Tap each letter to learn what to look for.
Treatment
The main treatments we offer
Choose a topic to see what treatment involves and how to stay safe.
Emergency and ongoing stroke care
Stroke care starts in the emergency department with a scan to find out whether a clot or bleeding is the cause. Clot-busting medicine may be given to eligible patients, followed by care in the ICU and early rehabilitation.
Emergency CT/MRIClot-busting treatmentBlood thinnersStroke rehabilitationWhat to expect
- Close monitoring in the first days
- Swallowing is checked before eating
- Physiotherapy starts early
Preventing another stroke
- Take blood thinners and BP medicines every day
- Control sugar and cholesterol
- Stop all tobacco
Medicines for epilepsy, headache and Parkinson’s
Many neurological conditions are controlled with daily medicines. The right medicine and dose are found step by step, with regular reviews.
Anti-seizure medicinesMigraine preventionParkinson’s medicinesNerve pain medicinesWhat to expect
- Doses are started low and adjusted
- Some medicines need blood tests
- Keep a diary of seizures or headaches
Staying safe
- Never stop anti-seizure medicines suddenly
- Check before taking new medicines
- Tell your doctor if you are planning pregnancy
Neurosurgery for the brain
Brain surgery is used to remove tumours, drain blood clots after injury or bleeding, relieve pressure from fluid, and treat other conditions. The operation is planned using MRI or CT scans.
Brain tumour surgerySurgery for brain haemorrhageHead injury surgeryShunt for hydrocephalusWhat to expect
- Surgery under general anaesthesia
- Care in the ICU after surgery
- Most people are up and walking within days
Recovery
- Keep the wound clean and dry
- Take anti-seizure medicines if prescribed
- Ask before driving or returning to work
Surgery for the spine
Spine surgery relieves pressure on nerves or the spinal cord and stabilises the spine. Many disc problems are now treated through small incisions with a microscope.
MicrodiscectomyDecompression (laminectomy)Spinal fixation and fusionSurgery for spine injuryWhat to expect
- Walking usually starts the next day
- A hospital stay of a few days
- Physiotherapy before you go home
Recovery
- Avoid bending and lifting heavy weights for some weeks
- Keep good posture when sitting
- Report new weakness or bladder problems at once
Epilepsy and headache care
Most seizures can be controlled with medicine. For headache, the aim is to treat attacks quickly and reduce how often they happen, using medicines and lifestyle changes.
EEGMedicine reviewHeadache diaryTrigger managementWhat to expect
- A clear plan for what to do during a seizure
- Advice on driving, work and pregnancy
- Regular review of medicines
Good habits
- Sleep regularly and avoid skipping meals
- Limit painkillers to avoid overuse headache
- Carry an emergency card if you have epilepsy
Neuro-rehabilitation
After a stroke, brain or spine surgery, physiotherapy and exercise help recover strength, balance and independence. Families are shown how to help at home.
PhysiotherapyBalance and walking trainingSwallowing adviceHome exercise plansWhat to expect
- Therapy starts in hospital
- Exercises increase step by step
- Progress is reviewed regularly
At home
- Do your exercises every day
- Make the home safe to prevent falls
- Ask for help with lifting and transfers
Services
Neuroscience services at Charak
Tests, procedures and surgery available in the institute. Tap a card to read more.
Your visit
What happens, step by step
Step 1
Consultation
Tell us about your symptoms and bring any scans or reports.
Step 2
Scans & tests
CT, MRI, EEG or nerve tests as needed, on the same campus.
Step 3
Diagnosis & plan
Medicines, therapy or surgery explained, with a written estimate.
Step 4
Treatment
Medicines started, or surgery with ICU support when needed.
Step 5
Rehabilitation
Physiotherapy and advice to regain strength and confidence.
Step 6
Follow-up
Regular reviews to adjust treatment.
Stroke risk
Many strokes can be prevented
High blood pressure is the most common cause of stroke. Controlling it, along with sugar, cholesterol and tobacco, lowers the risk considerably.
Who is at higher risk
Ask your doctor about your stroke risk if any of these apply:
- !High blood pressure — especially if it is not controlled.
- !Irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation) — may need a blood thinner.
- !Diabetes, high cholesterol or smoking — at any age.
- !A previous “mini-stroke” (TIA) — symptoms that went away within minutes or hours need urgent review.
Stroke and brain care at Charak
- 24×7 emergency with CT and MRI on the same campus.
- Neurology review with Dr. Anupam Jaiswal.
- Heart rhythm and BP care with the cardiac team.
Lower your stroke risk
Tap each one you are doing:
- My blood pressure is checked and under control
- I take my blood thinner or BP medicines every day, if prescribed
- My sugar and cholesterol have been checked this year
- I do not smoke or chew tobacco
- I walk or exercise at least 30 minutes most days
- My family knows the FAST signs of stroke
- The emergency number is saved on my phone
If you have had symptoms that went away, do not ignore them — book a review straight away.
Book a neurology visit
Recovery & living well
Recovery after stroke, brain or spine surgery
General guidance — always follow the specific instructions your doctor gives you.
After a stroke
Recovery is often fastest in the first few months. Do your physiotherapy exercises every day.
Check swallowing advice before eating, and make the home safe to prevent falls.
After spine surgery
Walk a little more each day. Avoid bending, twisting and lifting heavy weights for the time your surgeon advises.
Sit with your back supported and change position often.
After brain surgery
Keep the wound clean and dry and take medicines, including anti-seizure medicines, as prescribed.
Ask before driving, travelling or returning to work.
Living with epilepsy
Take medicines at the same time every day; missed doses are a common cause of seizures.
Do not swim or bathe alone, and follow advice about driving.
Managing headaches
Keep a headache diary to find triggers such as poor sleep, skipped meals or stress.
Avoid taking painkillers on more than a few days a week — this can make headaches worse.
Caring for a family member
Ask the team to show you how to help with moving, feeding and exercises.
Look after your own health and ask for support when you need it.
Contact us urgently if
- Face drooping, arm weakness or slurred speech
- A seizure lasting more than 5 minutes, or repeated seizures
- A sudden, severe headache unlike any before
- New weakness or numbness in both legs, or loss of bladder or bowel control
- Fever with neck stiffness or confusion
- Wound discharge, fever or worsening headache after surgery
Family care
Brain and nerve care for every stage of life
Children
- Fever fits, epilepsy and developmental delay
- Assessment by a paediatric neurologist
- School and safety advice for families
Working adults
- Back and neck pain, sciatica and migraine
- Posture and exercise advice
- Physiotherapy to return to work
Older adults
- Stroke prevention, memory problems and Parkinson’s disease
- Fall prevention and balance training
- Support for carers
Prevention & screening
Checks that protect your brain and spine
These are general guides. Your doctor may advise different timings based on your health.
| Who | What we recommend | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Adults 30 and above | Blood pressure check | At least once a year |
| People with atrial fibrillation | Stroke risk review and blood thinner decision | At diagnosis and every year |
| People with diabetes | Foot nerve check (monofilament) | Every year |
| After a mini-stroke (TIA) | Urgent neurology and heart review | Within 24 hours |
| Back or neck pain lasting over 6 weeks | Doctor review and physiotherapy | As advised |
| People with epilepsy | Medicine review | Every 6–12 months, or sooner after a seizure |
Keep your blood pressure under control
Stop all tobacco
Wear a helmet on two-wheelers and a seat belt in cars
Stay active and keep a healthy weight
Sleep 7–8 hours
Avoid alcohol or keep it to a minimum
Myths & facts
Clearing up common misunderstandings
Tap a card to see the fact.
Myth
“Stroke only happens to old people.”
Tap to flipFact
Stroke can happen at any age, including in young adults with high BP, diabetes, heart problems or tobacco use.
Myth
“Put a spoon in the mouth during a fit.”
Tap to flipFact
Never put anything in the mouth. Turn the person on their side, protect the head and time the seizure.
Myth
“Spine surgery often causes paralysis.”
Tap to flipFact
Serious complications are uncommon. Your surgeon will explain the specific risks and benefits for your condition.
Myth
“Bed rest helps back pain heal faster.”
Tap to flipFact
For most back pain, staying gently active helps recovery more than bed rest.
Myth
“Migraine is just a headache.”
Tap to flipFact
Migraine is a brain condition that can be disabling. Effective treatments are available.
Myth
“Nothing can be done after a stroke.”
Tap to flipFact
Early treatment and rehabilitation help many people regain movement and independence.
Our doctors
Meet our neurosciences team
Neurosurgeon
Dr. Ashish Tomar
MBBS, MS, M.Ch (Neurosurgery)
Brain and spine surgery, head injury and spinal disorders. OPD: Monday to Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm.
Neurosurgeon
Dr. Ajay Kumar
MBBS, MS, M.Ch (Neurosurgery)
Brain tumours, spine surgery and neurotrauma.
Paediatric Neurologist
Dr. Diksha Gupta
MD (Pediatrics), DM (Pediatric Neurology)
Seizures, epilepsy and developmental problems in children. OPD: Monday to Saturday.
Practical help
Preparing for your visit, costs & insurance
A little preparation helps us make the most of your appointment.
What to bring to your visit
Tick off as you pack:
- All previous scans (CT/MRI films or CDs) and reports
- All current medicines, especially blood thinners and anti-seizure medicines
- A seizure or headache diary, or a video of the episode if possible
- A family member who saw the episode, if you had a fit or blackout
- For MRI: tell us about pacemakers, implants or metal in the body
- A list of the questions you want to ask
Costs & insurance
Costs depend on the tests and treatment you need. Ask our team for a written estimate before planned tests, procedures or admission.
- ✓Written estimate— ask for one before planned procedures or admission.
- ✓Health insurance & TPA— cashless treatment for admissions under tie-up insurers; outpatient visits depend on your policy.
- ✓Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) accepted for eligible admissions.
- ✓Corporate & PSU panels— ask whether your employer has a tie-up with Charak Hospital.
*Coverage depends on your policy and the treatment. Our insurance desk can check this for you.
Call 99190 40000
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Should I see a neurologist or a neurosurgeon?
A neurologist diagnoses and treats conditions with medicines and therapy — for example stroke, epilepsy and headache. A neurosurgeon operates on the brain and spine. If you are unsure, start with either; our team will refer you within the institute.
Does every slipped disc need surgery?
No. Most people improve within weeks with medicines, activity and physiotherapy. Surgery is advised if pain is severe and persistent, or if there is weakness or bladder or bowel trouble.
What should I do if someone has a seizure?
Stay calm, move hard objects away, turn the person on their side and time the seizure. Do not put anything in their mouth. Call emergency if it lasts more than 5 minutes or another seizure follows.
How quickly must a stroke be treated?
As quickly as possible. Clot-busting treatment works only within a few hours of the symptoms starting, so come to emergency at once and note the time the symptoms began.
Is MRI or CT better?
CT is fast and used in emergencies such as stroke and head injury. MRI gives more detail of the brain, spinal cord and discs and is used for most planned tests.
How long is recovery after spine surgery?
Many people walk the next day and go home in a few days. Desk work is often possible in a few weeks; heavier work takes longer. Your surgeon will guide you.
Do I need a scan for my headaches?
Most headaches, including migraine, do not need a scan. Your doctor will advise one if there are warning signs such as new severe headache, weakness or vision changes.
How do I book an appointment?
Call the brain and spine helpline on 99190 40000, the hospital on 0522-666-4444, or use the request call back form on this page. For stroke signs, come straight to the 24×7 emergency.
Glossary
Words you may hear from your doctor
CT scanA fast X-ray scan, often used first in emergencies.
MRIA detailed scan using magnets, without X-rays.
EEGA test that records the brain’s electrical activity.
Nerve conduction study (NCV)A test of how well nerves carry signals.
EMGA test of the electrical activity of muscles.
Ischaemic strokeA stroke caused by a blocked artery.
Haemorrhagic strokeA stroke caused by bleeding in the brain.
TIATransient ischaemic attack — a “mini-stroke” whose symptoms pass.
ThrombolysisClot-busting treatment for stroke.
AneurysmA weak, ballooning area of a blood vessel.
CraniotomySurgery that opens the skull to operate on the brain.
DiscectomyRemoval of the part of a disc pressing on a nerve.
LaminectomyRemoving bone at the back of the spine to relieve pressure.
Spinal fusionJoining spinal bones with screws and rods to stabilise the spine.
SciaticaPain spreading down the leg from a pressed nerve in the back.
RadiculopathyPain, tingling or weakness from a pinched nerve root.
MyelopathyDamage to the spinal cord from pressure.
EpilepsyA tendency to have repeated seizures.
Status epilepticusA seizure lasting more than 5 minutes — an emergency.
NeuropathyDamage to the nerves, often in the feet.
VP shuntA tube that drains extra fluid from the brain to the abdomen.
Neuro-rehabilitationTherapy to recover function after brain or spine illness.
No matching term. Please ask your doctor at your next visit.
Related pages
Related departments and guides
Headache, seizures, weakness or back pain to discuss?
Speak with our brain and spine team. For stroke signs, come straight to the 24×7 emergency department.
Medical information disclaimer: This page provides general health information for patients and families. It is not a substitute for a consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a qualified doctor. Treatment decisions depend on each patient's individual condition. In an emergency, call 0522-666-4444 or go to the nearest emergency department.
About this page: Prepared by the Charak Hospital web team with the help of AI writing tools, using information from the Institute of Neurosciences, Charak Hospital & Research Centre · Last updated: October 2026
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