📍 Welcome back to the Ananya Child Development Center podcast, where we explore the fascinating world of child development right here in Hyderabad. I'm your host Madhavi Adimulam, founder and director of Ananya CDC. Today, we have the distinct honor of speaking with Dr. Vikram Sharma, a highly sought-after neurologist in Hyderabad with over 20 years of experience.
Dr. Sharma is known for his expertise in treating a broad spectrum of neurological conditions and his compassionate approach to patient care. He's a clinical director of neurology at Care Hospitals, a leading hospital in Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, and a consultant neurologist at Tenet Diagnostics in Gachibowli.
Dr. Sharma, welcome to the podcast! It's a pleasure to have you here.
Dr. Vikram Sharma: Thank you, Madhavi. It's a pleasure to be here with you today. I hope we'll have a fruitful conversation about neurological disorders affecting children. I look forward to being of help to your listeners.
Madhavi Adimulam: Thank you, Dr. Sharma. To start, I’d love to hear a bit about your journey to becoming a neurologist.
1. Dr. Sharma's Journey to Neurology
Madhavi Adimulam: Dr. Sharma, you have worked at some of the most prestigious medical institutions in both India and abroad. Can you share with us what led you to specialize in neurology and what brought you to Hyderabad to establish your practice?
Dr. Vikram Sharma: It's an interesting story! I'm the son of a renowned army officer, and while I dreamt of becoming a pilot, my father had other plans. He sat me down one day and said, "There's a better profession than being a driver." I was confused, but he explained, "Even as a pilot, you're essentially a driver, just a more glorified one." He then pointed out that doctors are the only professionals with a two-letter abbreviation before their names – "Dr." – while everyone else has "Mr." or "Mrs." That was a turning point for me!
Madhavi Adimulam: That's a unique perspective! So, "Dr." it was. But why Hyderabad?
Dr. Vikram Sharma: My connection to Hyderabad runs deep. I was born here in Raj Bhavan. My father was the ADC to the Governor of Andhra Pradesh at the time. The day before I was born, the famous scientist Vikram Sarabhai passed away. The next day, when I was born, the then Governor, Mr. Khandubai Desai, suggested naming me Vikram in his honor. That's how I got my name and my connection to this city.
Madhavi Adimulam: That's a fascinating story! And if I'm not mistaken, you studied in Hyderabad as well?
Dr. Vikram Sharma: Yes, I'm a graduate of Hyderabad Public School. I then pursued my studies abroad, but ultimately, my father’s advice resonated with me – it’s better to serve your own countrymen. So, I returned to Hyderabad to establish my practice.
Madhavi Adimulam: It's heartwarming to see that dedication to serving your community. Now, shifting our focus to child development, at Ananya CDC, we often see children whose developmental challenges stem from underlying neurological conditions.
2. Common Neurological Conditions in Children
Madhavi Adimulam: Could you shed some light on some of the common neurological conditions that you see in children in Hyderabad that can affect their development?
Dr. Vikram Sharma: First, let me commend you for the incredible work you do at Ananya, Madhavi. It's a wonderful institution, providing much-needed support to children with special needs. I'm truly honored to be here and discuss these important topics.
In my practice, I frequently encounter children with a variety of neurological conditions, including:
- Epilepsy
- Cerebral palsy
- Autism spectrum disorders
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Muscular dystrophies
- Hydrocephalus
- Tic disorders and Tourette syndrome
- Neurofibromatosis
- Developmental delays
- Brain injuries
- Infections affecting the brain, such as meningitis
- Genetic and metabolic disorders
It can be incredibly challenging to see these children and their families struggle, especially when there are limited management options available. I often wish there were more resources to help them beyond the medical treatment I can provide. That's why it's so inspiring to see the work you do at Ananya, providing that much-needed support.
Madhavi Adimulam: Thank you so much, Dr. Sharma. We do see a lot of children with neurological conditions at Ananya. And just last week, I was speaking with another pediatric neurologist who mentioned that there are over 1,900 known metabolic disorders. I was shocked by that number! It can be overwhelming for parents to navigate these complex diagnoses.
Dr. Vikram Sharma: It's true. Even for us, as medical professionals, it can be challenging to stay up-to-date with the latest research and advancements in understanding these rare conditions. The lack of awareness among parents and the general public, coupled with the limited availability of resources and information, makes it even more difficult.
Sometimes, it requires a team of specialists to accurately diagnose and manage these complex cases. And when we finally arrive at a diagnosis, it can be a shock for parents, as they often never anticipated their child facing such challenges.
Madhavi Adimulam: Absolutely, receiving such news can be devastating for parents. They often don't know where to turn next. That's why accurate information and access to the right professionals are so crucial.
Dr. Vikram Sharma: I agree. Parents can start by educating themselves about typical developmental milestones for children. There are many resources available online. If they notice their child isn’t reaching those milestones, they should consult with their pediatrician or a specialist. It could be a simple delay, or it could indicate a more complex condition. Early evaluation is key.
Madhavi Adimulam: So, you’re emphasizing the importance of seeking professional guidance if parents have any concerns about their child's development.
Dr. Vikram Sharma: Absolutely. It's always best to err on the side of caution. A delay could be a minor issue, or it could be something more serious. Early diagnosis and intervention can make a world of difference. And it's often helpful to get a second opinion to confirm the diagnosis and explore all available options. Ideally, seeking care at a multi-specialty hospital, where a team of specialists can collaborate, is beneficial.
Madhavi Adimulam: That's a great point, Dr. Sharma. A collaborative approach can be so reassuring for families. You mentioned the value of a multidisciplinary team, which is something we embrace at Ananya as well.
3. Multidisciplinary Approach to Child Development
Madhavi Adimulam: Can you speak about the importance of collaboration between neurologists and rehabilitation professionals or therapists, such as speech therapists, occupational therapists, and those specializing in autism support? How can we work together to achieve the best outcomes for children?
Dr. Vikram Sharma: Neurological conditions in children often demand a multidisciplinary approach, involving various types of therapists who address different aspects of a child’s development and well-being. Here are some of the key professionals involved in this collaborative care model:
- Speech-Language Pathologists: They diagnose and treat speech, language, communication, and swallowing disorders, which are often seen in children with autism spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy, developmental delays, and speech apraxia. Their interventions include language activities, articulation therapy, and oral-motor feeding therapy.
- Occupational Therapists: They play a vital role in assisting children with cerebral palsy, developmental delays, sensory processing disorders, and autism spectrum disorders. They focus on improving fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, sensory integration, and daily living skills.
- Physical Therapists: They work on a child’s movement, strength, and overall physical functioning.
- Behavioral Therapists: They address challenging behaviors and help children develop appropriate social skills.
- Psychologists or Neuropsychologists: They assess and treat emotional, behavioral, and cognitive aspects of neurological conditions.
- Developmental Therapists: They focus on a child's overall developmental progress, helping them achieve developmental milestones.
- Social Workers: They provide support and resources to families, connecting them with community services and advocating for their needs.
- Special Education Teachers: They work with children with special needs, adapting their teaching methods and curriculum to meet each child’s individual learning requirements.
This collaborative approach is essential for addressing the diverse needs of children with neurological conditions, ensuring they receive comprehensive and well-rounded support.
Madhavi Adimulam: I couldn’t agree more. Collaboration is at the heart of what we do at Ananya as well. Now, let's focus on autism, a condition we see often at our center.
4. Understanding Autism and Neurological Factors
Madhavi Adimulam: What are some of the neurological factors that contribute to autism? And how can a neurologist's expertise help in understanding and supporting a child with autism?
Dr. Vikram Sharma: Although autism can be diagnosed at any age, it is considered a developmental disorder because symptoms usually emerge within the first two years of life. Children with autism typically experience challenges in three main areas:
- Social Communication and Interaction: This includes difficulties with verbal and nonverbal communication, understanding social cues, and building relationships.
- Restricted Interests and Repetitive Behaviors: This can manifest as intense fixations on specific topics, repetitive movements, or a strong resistance to change in routines.
- Sensory Sensitivities: Many children with autism experience heightened or reduced sensitivities to sensory input, such as sounds, lights, textures, or tastes.
These challenges can significantly affect a child's ability to function in school, work, and other areas of life. It's important to note that autism is now understood as a spectrum disorder, meaning that its presentation can vary widely from person to person.
Madhavi Adimulam: That makes sense. So, what specific neurological signs might you observe in a child with autism?
Dr. Vikram Sharma: Some common neurological signs in children with autism include:
- Inconsistent eye contact
- Lack of responsiveness to their name being called
- Difficulty expressing emotions or sharing enjoyment in activities
- Delayed responses to questions
- Challenges with back-and-forth conversation
- Fixation on a favorite topic without noticing disinterest from others
- Repetitive behaviors, like pacing or spinning
- Distress over minor changes in routine or transitions
- Unusual sensory sensitivities (either heightened or reduced) to stimuli like light, sound, clothing, or temperature
It's also important for parents to know that children with autism can have seizures. If you observe any seizure activity in your child, it's essential to consult a neurologist. They can assess the need for treatment, scans, or an EEG to rule out any underlying neurological issues.
Interestingly, in my practice, I've observed a correlation between maternal stress during pregnancy and the likelihood of having a child with autism. Mothers who experience high levels of stress during pregnancy, often due to lack of support from family or partners, seem to have a higher chance of having children diagnosed with autism. While more research is needed, this anecdotal observation suggests a potential link between prenatal stress and autism.
Madhavi Adimulam: That's a fascinating observation, and it's certainly something to be mindful of. We've also noticed a trend of increasing maternal age at the time of their first pregnancy. It used to be much younger, but now the average is around 35 years old. The father's age has also increased significantly.
Dr. Vikram Sharma: Yes, those factors could be playing a role as well. Now, you mentioned speech therapy, which is a crucial area of intervention for many children with autism.
Help Your Child Thrive
5. The Role of Speech Therapy in Autism
Madhavi Adimulam: We've seen children make remarkable progress with speech therapy at Ananya. It can be truly transformative. Many neurological conditions, including autism, can impact a child's speech and language development. Can you talk about the connection between neurology and communication skills?
Dr. Vikram Sharma: Early intervention with speech therapy can make a profound difference for children with neurological conditions. Finding a skilled speech therapist who can stimulate the child’s speech centers can unlock their communication potential.
Madhavi Adimulam: It's crucial to understand that children with autism often learn language differently than neurotypical children.
Dr. Vikram Sharma: Exactly. And unfortunately, much of the traditional speech therapy training focuses on addressing hearing impairment rather than autism. Therapists who understand how the autistic brain learns language can be far more effective in their approach.
Madhavi Adimulam: That's a critical point, Dr. Sharma. So, when would you typically recommend that parents seek speech therapy for their child, especially when there might be an underlying neurological factor involved?
Dr. Vikram Sharma: The first step is to identify the root cause of the speech delay. It's not always a simple issue. A comprehensive assessment is necessary to determine if the delay is due to a minor factor or a more complex neurological condition. Once the underlying cause is understood, early speech therapy can be incredibly beneficial.
Madhavi Adimulam: So, a thorough evaluation is the first step. Now, occupational therapy is another key service we offer at Ananya.
6. The Benefits of Occupational Therapy
Madhavi Adimulam: How can occupational therapy benefit children with neurological conditions, particularly in terms of their motor skills, sensory processing, and daily living skills?
Dr. Vikram Sharma: Occupational therapy aims to help individuals achieve independence in all aspects of their lives. Pediatric occupational therapists are skilled in working with children who have physical, sensory, or cognitive challenges, helping them develop the skills they need for everyday activities.
Some of the areas that occupational therapy can address include:
- Enhancing fine motor skills
- Improving sensory processing
- Developing gross motor skills
- Promoting cognitive and social skills
- Assisting with activities of daily living
Occupational therapy can be beneficial for a wide range of conditions, including autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, cerebral palsy, developmental delays, Down syndrome, and learning disabilities.
Madhavi Adimulam: At Ananya, we often begin with occupational therapy to help children who are very active or restless learn to sit and focus. It's a valuable foundation for other therapies, like speech therapy.
Dr. Vikram Sharma: That's a great strategy. Now, let's talk about the diagnostic process for neurological conditions.
7. Navigating the Diagnostic Process
Madhavi Adimulam: When a child is referred to you for a neurological evaluation, how do you approach the diagnostic process? And how do you keep parents informed and involved, as this can be a very overwhelming experience for families?
Dr. Vikram Sharma: Assessing a child's development requires a careful and comprehensive approach. We use standardized developmental scales to evaluate milestones and identify any delays. These tools provide valuable insights and can help us diagnose potential problems early on.
However, convincing parents about the need for further evaluation or interventions can be challenging. There's often resistance or denial, especially if the diagnosis is unexpected. But once we present the assessment results and clearly explain the findings, most parents are receptive to our recommendations.
Madhavi Adimulam: We encounter similar challenges at Ananya. Parents often have high expectations and want to see immediate results, which isn't always realistic with developmental therapies. They might question the value of therapy, especially considering the financial burden, as these services aren't typically covered by insurance in India. What are your thoughts on this, Dr. Sharma? Do you think therapy is worth the investment, even if the progress is gradual?
Dr. Vikram Sharma: Madhavi, I absolutely believe that therapy is worth the investment. It's challenging to witness families struggling financially, and unfortunately, insurance coverage for developmental therapies is limited in India. But early intervention is crucial, and the long-term benefits far outweigh the costs.
When I explain the potential consequences of delaying intervention, parents are more likely to understand the importance of starting therapy early. If we wait, the gap between the child and their peers widens, which can lead to feelings of inferiority, poor self-esteem, and difficulty coping with school and social situations.
It's heartbreaking to see families who initially resist therapy come back years later, wishing they had started sooner. By then, the challenges are often more deeply ingrained, and it takes longer to make progress.
I admire the work you do at Ananya, extending support to families who are facing financial constraints. It's truly commendable.
I'm reminded of a quote I read recently: "Formerly, when religion was strong and science weak, men mistook magic for medicine. Now, when science is strong and religion weak, men mistake medicine for magic."
Therapy is not magic. It takes time, patience, and consistent effort. But the outcomes can be truly transformative. When we see these children years later, thriving in their lives, it's a testament to the power of early intervention and the dedication of their families and therapists.
Madhavi Adimulam: Those long-term successes are what keep us going at Ananya. It's a long journey, but so incredibly rewarding. I've witnessed this firsthand with my own son, Varun, who was diagnosed with autism at the age of two. He's 25 now, and seeing him sing on stage is a moment I could have never imagined back then.
People often think it just happened magically, but it was years of hard work, therapy, and unwavering support. Sadly, not all families have the resources or the support system to navigate this journey. We need more government funding and greater awareness to make these essential services accessible to everyone.
Dr. Vikram Sharma: I agree. We need to advocate for these children and their families and create a more inclusive and supportive society.
8. Conclusion
Madhavi Adimulam: Dr. Sharma, this has been an incredibly valuable conversation. Thank you for sharing your expertise and highlighting the crucial link between neurology and child development. Your insights are a great resource for parents in Hyderabad.
Dr. Vikram Sharma: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure to discuss these important topics. I'm grateful for the work you do at Ananya, providing much-needed support to children with neurological conditions.
Madhavi Adimulam: For our listeners in Hyderabad looking for exceptional neurological care, we highly recommend Dr. Vikram Sharma. He practices at Care Hospitals, a leading neurology hospital in Banjara Hills, and also at Tenet Diagnostics in Gachibowli.
And for those seeking support for your child's development, including speech therapy, occupational therapy, autism support, and help with ADHD and other challenges, please contact Ananya Child Development Center. We offer personalized therapies and assessments at our multiple locations across Hyderabad. You can find us online at wordpress-1511319-5804593.cloudwaysapps.com or or call us at 98485 13192.
Thank you for joining us today. We'll be back soon with more expert discussions to help families navigate the world of child development. Until then, keep learning, keep supporting, and keep celebrating your child's unique journey.
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