DM Neurology - Eligibility, Admission, Syllabus, Top Institutes, Scope

A Post-Doctorate in Neurology course is also known as a Doctorate of Medicine in Neurology. Neurology is a medical specialty that deals with disorders of the nervous system. It is a three-year super-specialty post-doctoral program in medicine. The Medical Council of India inspects and approves the program. Such aspirants must have completed a Doctor of Medicine (MD) in any branch of medicine as a minimum criterion for eligibility.

The course will cover the following curriculum components: practical and clinical skills, attitudes, including communication skills, theoretical knowledge, and knowledge of research methodology. The practical components of the course include seminars, journal clubs, bedside clinics, clinical training, and interdepartmental meetings. Candidates learn how to diagnose and treat diseases that affect the human body’s central nervous system, as well as how to provide therapeutic interventions.

Neurology is the branch of medicine that deals with problems with the nervous system. Because it directly affects the brain and nervous system, it is frequently regarded as the most complicated branch of medicine. It takes several years of intense study and commitment.

Because neurologists are experts in the field of neurology, they can recognize the symptoms that indicate a neurological disorder and treat the underlying cause of those symptoms. The following are some of the alarming signs:

• Partial or complete paralysis
• Numbness or muscle weakness.
• Dizziness
• Difficulty in sleeping, reading, and writing
• Loss of sensation (partial or complete; eyesight, touch, smell, etc.)
• Seizures/strokes
• Pain in the nerves
• Frequent and persistent headaches or heaviness in the head.
• Reduced alertness or coordination

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DM Neurology: An Overview

Some of the course’s major highlights are listed below.

Level of Course	Postgraduate
Duration of Course	3 years
Type of Examination	Semester System
Eligibility Criteria	MD/MS from a recognized university
Process of Admission	Direct admission to colleges. Entrance test in some cases.
Fee for the Course	INR 50,000 – 2 lacs
Average Salary in the beginning	INR 10-15 lacs
Top Employment Firms	Medanta Hospital, Apollo Super Speciality Hospital, AIIMS, GMC, etc.
Top Areas of Recruitment	Neuro Centers, Hospitals, Clinics, Research Centers, Academics, and such.
Top Profiles of Job	Neurologist, Neuro Physician, Neuro Surgeon, among others.

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Relevant Links
Master Of Arts [MA]	Master Of Arts [MA] (mass Communication & Journalism)	Master Of Science [M.Sc] (data Science)
Master Of Arts [MA] (hindi)	Master In Social Work [MSW]	Master Of Arts [MA] (education)

DM Neurology Eligibility Criteria

Candidates seeking admission to the program must meet the following minimum eligibility requirements.

• The MD degree should be from a medical institute recognized by the Medical Council of India (MCI) or one of the state medical boards.
• At the post-graduate level, a minimum aggregate score of 55 percent is required (50 percent for SC/ST/OBC candidates).
• A one-year rotating internship is required.
• A minimum of 12 months of professional experience is preferred, as most reputable institutes prefer candidates who have worked before.

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DM Neurology Syllabus

Below is a semester-by-semester breakdown of the course’s syllabus.

First Semester	Second Semester	Third Semester
Basic General Sciences and Investigative Neuro Surgery	Neuroradiology	Electrocorticography
Computer Science	Tomography of skull and spine	Brain Mapping
Statistics	CT Scan, MRI & MRA & MR Spectroscopy	Ultrasonography of Brain
Basic Neurosciences	Angiography	Transcranial Doppler
Neuro Anatomy	Myelography	Clinical Neurology
Neurophysiology	EEG and EMG	Basic Neurology
Neuropathology	Nerve Conduction Study	Neurological Disease
Neurochemistry	Evoked Potential	Congenital Malformation
Semester 4	Semester 5	Semester 6
Neuropharmacology	Parasitic and Fungal infections	Functional & Sedative Neurosurgery
Developmental Anomaly	Vascular diseases	Neuro Anaesthesia
Elicitation Interpretation of Neurological Symptoms and signs	Spine and Spinal cord – Disorders – Operative Surgery	Pre & Post-operative care
Brain death	Intracranial Tumors – Operative Surgery	Medico Legal Aspects in Neurosurgery
Clinical Neurosurgery, practice of Neurosurgery and Recent Advances	Stereotaxy	Neuro Endoscopy
Intracranial Pressure Monitoring	Movement disorders	Gene Therapy
Developmental Anomalies – Operative Surgery	Cerebral Palsy and Epilepsy	Immunotherapy
Trauma – Operative Surgery	Paediatric Neurosurgery	Neuronavigation
Bacterial infections	Intraoperative Monitoring	Neuro Rehabilitation

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DM Neurology Admission Procedure

In most colleges and institutes that offer the course, admission is granted based on a candidate’s performance in a relevant national entrance exam, such as NEET PG, followed by a round of counseling.

Two additional rounds of group discussion and a personal interview follow the round of counseling, in which the candidate’s general aptitude for the course is assessed. Following that, the institute issues a merit list, which allocates available seats to qualified candidates.

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DM Neurology: Important Documents Required

• Research Proposal
• Mark-list of the last qualifying degree examination
• No objection certificate from the employer (if employed)
• Migration Certificate (No objection certificate from the university last attended)
• Documentary proof of the date of birth
• passing/degree certificate of the last qualifying degree examination.
• A character certificate (from the head of the institute from which the student has obtained his qualifying degree)
• Gap certificate (if applicable)

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DM Neurology: Focus Areas

Neurology is a medical specialty that studies nerves and is concerned with the human nervous system. This is a specialized branch of medicine that studies diseases of the brain, spinal cord, and related tissues and muscles of the nervous system.
Patients with nervous system disorders, brain trauma, stroke, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease are diagnosed, treated, and managed by these professionals.

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Future Trends in Neurology

In today’s world, technology plays a significant role in every industry and service. The following are a few examples of new neurology technologies:

• an FDA-authorized on-site portable CT Scanner
• Neuro-surgery tracking system
• Rehabilitation assistance robot for stroke patients
• TMS therapy system to treat depression
• Magnetic Nanodiscs
• The hand-held Vagus Nerve Stimulator is used for treating periodic cluster headaches.

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DM Neurology: Suitable Candidates for the Course

• Candidates should have a thorough understanding and knowledge of all commonly used neurophysiological diagnostic tests, such as electroencephalography, electroneurography, electromyography, and cerebral evoked potentials.
• Candidates who can perform and interpret special investigations such as polysomnography, video EEG monitoring, EEG-Telemetry, autonomic function tests, and transcranial Doppler tests are ideal candidates.
• Candidates who are already employed in the public and private sectors, have completed their pre-doctoral degrees, and want to further their education are a good fit.
• Individuals with a caring personality and a humble demeanor
• To communicate their research findings and discuss treatment plans with other medical staff, they need good communication skills.
• Eye-hand coordination should be excellent.
• Working long, irregular hours in high-stress medical environments
• good management abilities.
• ability to solve problems.
• attitude of observation, listening, and inquisitiveness
• Reading, inquiring, and researching are habits that can help you solve problems.
• skills in time management and teamwork.

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DM Neurology: Top Academic Institutions

The following are some of the best institutes in the country that offer the course, along with their locations and fees.

Institute Name	Place	Average Annual Fee
Institute of Human Behavior and Allied Sciences	New Delhi	8,560
Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research	Chandigarh	3,370
Smt. N H L Municipal Medical College	Ahmedabad	4.18 lacs
Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute	Bangalore	66,700
All India Institute of Medical Sciences	New Delhi	2,550
Amrita School of Medicine	Kochi	12 lacs
Baba Farid University of Health Sciences	Faridkot	1.52 lacs
Bombay Hospital and Institute of Medical Sciences	Mumbai	64,400
Dayanand Medical College and Hospital	Ludhiana	6 lacs
Gandhi Medical College	Kozhikode	24,000

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Some common Neurological Disorders

• Alzheimer’s Disease: The most common type of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. Because Alzheimer’s disease affects brain function, neurotransmitters are attacked. It also has a significant impact on memory.
• Bell’s Palsy describes the weakness or paralysis of one side of the face. This appears suddenly as a result of facial tissue inflammation or destruction. Headaches, pain, difficulty eating or drinking, and other symptoms may also occur. However, it is mostly a one-time thing. This condition is treated with oral steroids or antiviral medication.
• Cerebral Palsy: Cerebral palsy is a disorder caused by damage to the nervous system during pregnancy or after birth. Cerebral palsy causes a loss of muscle control, which affects movements, postures, and vision.
• Headaches—Migraine and Cluster Headaches— Migraine is the most common headache disorder today. Severe headaches are caused by an increase in stress and screen time, which can lead to migraines and cluster headaches. Cluster headaches are a type of headache that lasts for a short time and is the least common headache type in people, but they occur on a regular basis. Migraine is a condition that causes severe throbbing pain in the head.
• Parkinson’s Disease: Damage to the neurons responsible for producing dopamine, also known as the happiness hormone, causes it. Dopamine is in charge of ensuring that muscles move smoothly. Balance issues, tremors, rigidity, and other symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are common. Depression (due to a lack of dopamine), pain, sleep problems, and memory problems are all symptoms of this disorder.
• Motor Neuron Disease (MND): Motor neurons, or the nerves that control movement, are affected by this disorder. Day after day, the muscles become weaker and weaker. The result is a state of paralysis. Patients initially experience weakness in body parts such as the shoulders, legs, and hands. After a period of time, movement is severely restricted. 
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Myelin, which holds the nervous system together, is destroyed by multiple sclerosis. Scars appear as a result, and the body becomes unable to send signals properly. It’s an autoimmune condition. Tiredness, sensitivity to heat, concentration issues, balancing issues, and others are some of the symptoms.
• Epilepsy-Repetitive seizures are one of the symptoms of epilepsy. It refers to a group of conditions that affect the brain over time and result in a series of seizures. Unusual behavior and loss of consciousness are just a few of the signs.
• Neurofibromatosis: a condition that results from the growth of benign (non-cancerous) tumors. Brown-colored skin patches and blurred vision are symptoms of this disease, which is usually diagnosed in childhood. It is not curable, but it is definitely manageable.
• Sciatica-Sciatica refers to pain in the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower spine down the backside of the leg to the foot. The discomfort is felt in the back and legs.

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DM Neurology: Important Entrance Exams

Some of the entrance exams held in the country for admission to the DM in Neurology are listed below:

• The Institute of Human Behavior and Allied Sciences (IHBAS)
• Maharashtra Super-specialty Entrance Test- MH SSET
• All India D.M / M.Ch. Entrance Examination
• National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) Entrance Exam
• Madras Medical College-Institution of Neurology Entrance Exam
• National Brain Research Centre Entrance Exam
• Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University Medical Entrance Exam.
• University of Delhi Entrance Exam.
• Delhi University Super Specialty Entrance Test-DUMET
• Sri Ramachandra Medical College & Research Institute Entrance Exam
• Sree Chitra Thirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology Entrance Exam
• Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) Entrance Exam
• Banaras Hindu University Entrance Exam
• All India Institute of Medical Science Entrance Exam (AIIMS)

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DM Neurology: Top Job Profiles

Because of the constant advancement of medical technology and the emergence of new technologies, such professionals are always needed to treat a variety of brain, spinal, and muscular function disorders.
Professionals in this field usually:

• Diagnose and determine treatment by examining the patient’s brain and neck nerves.
• Examine muscle strength, movement, balance, and reflexes.
• perform common diagnostic tests like: CAT scans and MRIs, spinal taps, electroencephalography, and electromyography.
• perform non-surgical techniques to treat neurological problems.
• Conduct- neurological and clinical research, basic research and translational research

Position of Job	Description of Job
Neurologist	Neurologists are doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating diseases of the brain, as well as any impairments to the spinal cord, nervous system, muscles, or blood vessels that are linked to any of these structures.
Neuro Physician	A neurosurgeon examines and diagnoses nervous system disorders and diseases, as well as suggesting treatments. They consult with patients to determine and implement the best treatment plan.
Neurosurgeon	In charge of performing surgeries to treat neurological injuries or disorders.
Researcher	Responsibilities include conducting research for the advancement of medicine and neurology practices.
Consultant	A consultant is in charge of providing neurological health advice, making treatment recommendations, and recommending preventative measures.
Lecturer	Responsible for teaching neurology to aspirants in UG and PG courses.
Neurologist	A neurologist is in charge of determining the symptoms and neurological disorders that are associated with them through a variety of tests.

Some other important areas of employment are

• Senior Resident
• SuVitas Holistic Healthcare Pvt. Ltd. – Hyderabad
• National Sales Manager
• Physiotherapist
• Registrar
• Group Product Manager
• Product Specialist
• Kamineni Hospitals – Hyderabad
• Key Accounts Manager
• Junior Consultant/Consultant
• Require Junior/Senior Resident
• PSRI Hospital – New Delhi
• Manipal Health Enterprises – Mangalore
• Sales Executive
• Research & Educational Institutes

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Diagnostic Tests for Neurological Disorders

Some tests that can be used to diagnose a neurological disorder include:

• Lab tests (collecting blood and urine samples)
• The Tensilon Test: It is a blood test used to diagnose myasthenia gravis, which is a rare neuromuscular disease.
• Biopsy
• Angiography
• Imaging tests like MRI, CT Scan, PET Scan, Ultrasound
• Electroencephalogram: Brain activity is monitored using electroencephalograms (EEG). The electrical activity of the brain is measured and recorded, and EEG is used to detect the electrical impulses of neurons. Electrodes are placed on the patient’s head during this procedure, and the electrical signals from the brain are converted into patterns that the technician examines. The type of neurological disorder is determined by unusual brain activity. With EEG, epilepsy, brain tumors, and other disorders can be detected.
• Deep brain stimulation: Deep brain stimulation is used to treat movement disorders such as essential tremor and Parkinson’s disease, as well as psychiatric disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and others. It works in a similar way to the EEG.
• Concussion testing: Concussion testing is used to assess the health of the brain following a head injury or trauma. Using either questions or a computer, the before and after images are evaluated and diagnosed.

Patients are prescribed medicines and treatment after a neurologist’s diagnosis and examination, and surgery is suggested if necessary.

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DM Neurology: Benefits and Scope

• Candidates with this degree are qualified to teach undergraduate M.B.B.S students as well as postgraduate students in MD Med, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, and Investigative Neurology. They will also be able to conduct clinical and research studies, as well as present at seminars, meetings, and conferences.
• This course equips students with knowledge of the principles of research work in the field of neurology, both clinical and experimental, as well as the ability to analyse data effectively. As a result, they have a lot of job opportunities here.
• The scope of neurology is expanding as the number of patients grows each year. Neurologists are in high demand as more new hospitals (both private and public) are built and advanced technologies are introduced. Research is now carried out on a larger scale in comparison to earlier times.
• People’s lifestyles are changing, and as a result, they are becoming more susceptible to neurological illnesses, necessitating the need for neurologists to be greater than ever.
• There are options for establishing a career even in other countries. Neurosurgeons and neurologists are needed in research centers, hospitals, and healthcare facilities. Countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and others make significant contributions to the field of neurology. As a result, they have a lot of opportunities to offer from time to time.

Further, neurologists can also specialize in a particular domain of neurology. Sub-specialties in neurology include:

• Neuro-critical care
• Interventional neuroradiology
• Epilepsy
• Neuromuscular medicine – for muscle-related issues
• Sleep medicine – for sleep disorders
• Movement disorders
• Neuro-oncology
• Clinical neurophysiology
• Headache medicine – for migraines and other headaches
• Geriatric neurology
• Autonomic disorders
• Vascular – for strokes
• Child neurology

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