Mysuru: Manipal Hospital, Mysore, had organised a Neuro Health Community Meet in city recently, bringing together patients, caregivers and members of the public for an interactive awareness programme focused on brain tumours and headache disorders.

The programme was inaugurated in the presence of B.J. Sandeep Patel, Hospital Director and Dr. Upendra Shenoy, Chief of Medical Services.

The event featured expert sessions by Dr. A.R. Maqsood Ahmed, Senior Consultant – Neurosurgeon (Cerebrovascular and Endovascular Surgery), Dr. Venugopal Krishna, Senior Consultant – Neurology, Dr. M.V. Sucharitha, Consultant – Neurology and Dr. H.S. Mohammed Sohrab, Associate Consultant – Neurosurgery, Manipal Hospital.

Dr. Maqsood Ahmed explained that brain tumours can affect individuals across different age groups and often present with symptoms that should never be ignored.

“Many patients initially experience persistent headaches, seizures, episodes of unconsciousness, weakness, vision disturbances, balance problems or changes in behaviour. Unfortunately, these symptoms are sometimes overlooked or attributed to less serious causes. Early evaluation and timely imaging play a crucial role in identifying brain tumours at a stage when treatment options are most effective,” he said.

He discussed various types of brain tumours, diagnostic approaches, available treatment options including surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy, as well as the significant advances in neurosurgical care that have improved survival and quality of life for many patients.

To help participants understand the real-world impact of neurological disorders, the programme also featured the journey of Sowmya, a 38-year-old brain tumour survivor, treated at Manipal Hospital Mysore.

Following multiple episodes of seizures and unresponsiveness, she was diagnosed with an intraventricular brain tumour and underwent a complex neurosurgical procedure under Dr. Maqsood Ahmed’s team.

As part of her treatment and recovery, she subsequently underwent cranioplasty and made a remarkable recovery without neurological deficits.

Dr. Venugopal Krishna highlighted that headaches are among the most common neurological complaints, but certain warning signs warrant immediate medical attention. “While many headaches are benign, some may indicate serious underlying neurological conditions. Sudden severe headaches or headaches associated with weakness or those that progressively worsen over time should never be ignored,” he said.

The meet concluded with question-and-answer session by participants and specialists.