Peripheral nerve surgery is truly interdisciplinary, with orthopaedic, neurosurgeons and plastic surgeons working to repair acute nerve surgeries and remove nerve sheath tumours. Researchers will study PNS to improve imaging, diagnostics and surgical procedures for a life-changing surgery with a high socio-economic impact.

If we talk about needles in a haystack, it fits the job of a neurosurgeon looking for tumours like a T. “Primum non- nocere” is a Latin dictum that guides neurosurgeons. The researchers will support the efforts of the neurosurgeons by introducing Artificial intelligence, computer vision, imaging, Virtual / Augmented reality and robotics to develop effective and safe surgeries.

Stroke is the second most common cause of death in the world. Researchers worldwide focus on neuroprotection, neuro-repair and regeneration, neuroimmunology and neuroinflammation, cognitive disorders in stroke, small molecule therapy and imaging. The topics are challenging when one notes that 95% of published preclinical studies of neuroprotective agents reported positive outcomes in animal models, but none could be converted into treatment protocols. Stroke research will be a central thrust area of the Department.

‘India is ageing much faster than previously thought, warns a headline in The Hindu. Ageing brings with it two unsolved pathologies, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Alzheimer’s, named after a German doctor and a popular synonym for dementia, is being studied from a molecular and cellular level through the role of proteins such as amyloid and tau. Genetic connections are being explored. Monoclonal antibodies are being investigated as treatment options. Parkinson’s, alluded to in early Sanskrit texts from 1000BC, gets its name from the English doctor who described it in 1817. Researchers at the Department will concentrate on diagnostics and monitoring using miniature sensors and data analysis, improving medical treatment and developing rehabilitation devices.

Robotic spine surgery and VR/AR technologies have already been highlighted. The engineering knowledge and acumen of IIT Madras will be well served in the patient-specific design and manufacture of implants. The focus areas will be the engineered materials and techniques to improve range of motion and decrease adjacent segment disease.