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Gleneagles HealthCity, on the occasion of World Brain Tumour Awareness Day, launched a Brain Tumour Support Group called ‘CONNECT’- a platform for patients suffering from brain tumours, to share their experiences, and ideas and also provide emotional support. Gleneagles HealthCity via ‘CONNECT’ will also look to spread awareness amongst general physicians and caregivers about the management protocols that are available to battle brain tumours. Dr K Sridhar - Director, Institute of Neurosciences and Spinal Disorders & Head of the Department of Neurosurgery, Gleneagles HealthCity, who will also be spearheading the Brain Tumour Support Group, launched ‘CONNECT’ at the Gleneagles HealthCity facilities in Perumbakkam – Sholinganallur. Ms Srekala Bharath, a student of guru K. J. Sarasa, an exponent of the vibrant Vazhuvoor style of Bharatanatyam was also present to lend her support to the initiative. Ms. Srekala had her arangetram (debut stage performance) at the age of 10 and eventually went on to become one of the most prominent dancers not only in Chennai, but overseas as well.
Brain tumours are being diagnosed more easily and regularly these days due to the availability of hi-tech medical imaging modalities like CT and MRI scans. The patient is directed to the doctor with symptoms, which include headache (with vomiting), fits, weakness of limbs or face, loss of vision or hearing, loss of physical balance or coordination, and any other features indicating degradation of brain function. These symptoms may be subtle at the beginning, but specialists suggest that these are not be ignored or taken lightly at any cost.
Important points regarding Brain Tumours:
- There is a strong link between group support and greater tolerance of treatment and treatment compliance
- People with brain tumours are better able to deal with their disease when supported by others
- All Brain tumours can be operated on – currently there is almost no part of the brain that cannot be reached to remove a tumour
- Microsurgery is the Gold Standard for Brain surgery
The diagnosis of a Brain tumour can be a frightening ordeal for the patients as well as their family. ‘Connect’ will strive to ease the pressure of facing the challenging diagnosis of a brain tumour. ‘Connect’ will also provide a platform for cured, existing and newly diagnosed brain tumour patients to interact with one another to share experience of patients and their families who have undergone similar experiences, who have faced similar situations, who have answers to some if not all the doubts and fears and provide meaningful support at a time patients and caregivers need it the most. Counsellors, social workers and others will also be involved to help the patients and their families connect, be strong together and be positive. The meetings will be planned at 3-month intervals and are free for all to attend.
“For the successful treatment of a brain tumour, it is essential that the patient, his or her family and the treating team of doctors are in complete understanding of one another, supporting each other in their decisions and helping the patients get back to their daily life as it was before the diagnosis of the tumour. The concept of Integrated Neuro Care is precisely this – the Neurosurgeon, Neuro Anaesthesiologist, Neuro Radiologist, Neuro Pathologist, Radiation and Medical Oncologists, Neuro Rehabilitation team, as well as the Neuro Nurses and Social Workers – all come together as one”, said Dr K Sridhar, Director, Institute of Neurosciences and Spinal Disorders, Head, Department of Neurosurgery, Gleneagles HealthCity. “Support groups such as ‘Connect’ are an integral part of treating the whole patient. At Gleneagles HealthCity, we believe in a multidisciplinary approach to brain tumour care, which not only includes surgeons, oncologists, physicians, interventional radiologists, pathologists, anaesthetists and nurses, but social workers and nutritionists as well. We believe this approach results in the best chance of treatment success.” Dr Sridhar added.
For any further queries or to enrol a loved one in the Neuro Tumour Support Group, kindly contact the following number: +91 98406 07494.
