Inside a Functional Neurosurgery Practice in South Mumbai: A Journalist’s Visit

Best neurosurgeon in south mumbai

As a medical journalist, I often meet specialists whose work is spoken about in fragments—case outcomes, procedure names, or patient anecdotes—without much understanding of the clinical reasoning behind them. On a recent visit to Lalbaug Diagnostics in Parel, I met Dr. Manish Baldia, widely referred to as one of the names associated with the Best neurosurgeon in south mumbai. My objective was not to assess reputation, but to understand how advanced neurological procedures, particularly Deep Brain Stimulation, are evaluated, explained, and delivered in a real clinical setting.

Meeting Dr. Manish Baldia: Qualifications and Training

Dr. Manish Baldia is a formally trained functional neurosurgeon with advanced specialization in movement disorders and neuromodulation procedures. His academic training includes rigorous neurosurgical education followed by focused experience in functional and stereotactic neurosurgery—an area that deals with precise, targeted interventions within the brain.

During our conversation, Dr. Baldia explained that functional neurosurgery sits at the intersection of neurology, imaging, and technology. His work frequently involves patients with Parkinson’s disease, dystonia, tremors, and other movement disorders, where medical therapy alone no longer provides adequate symptom control. In Mumbai’s neurological care ecosystem, he is often referenced as a Neuro Doctor in Mumbai known for handling complex, function-oriented cases rather than general neurosurgical trauma alone.

Lalbaug Diagnostics: Clinic Environment and Setup

Lalbaug Diagnostics is located on Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marg in Parel, a central area that serves as a medical hub for South Mumbai. The clinic functions primarily as a consultation, diagnostic review, and follow-up center rather than a surgical facility.

During my visit, the environment appeared structured and purposeful—consultation rooms equipped for detailed neurological assessments, review of MRI and CT imaging, and pre- and post-procedure counseling. Dr. Baldia explained that surgical procedures such as Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) are performed at tertiary-care hospitals including Wockhardt Hospital and Ruby Hall Hospital, where advanced operating theaters and multidisciplinary neurological teams are available.

This separation allows detailed patient discussions in a quieter clinic environment, while ensuring surgical safety within specialized hospital settings.

Understanding Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)

Deep Brain Stimulation is a neurosurgical procedure used primarily in patients with Parkinson’s disease and certain movement disorders who no longer respond adequately to medication. The procedure involves implanting electrodes in specific areas of the brain to regulate abnormal neural signals.

Dr. Baldia emphasized that DBS is not a cure, nor is it suitable for every patient with Parkinson’s disease. Careful selection, neurological evaluation, and imaging studies are essential before surgery is even considered. According to him, DBS works best in patients who initially responded well to medication but later developed fluctuations or side effects.

This cautious, criteria-driven approach is a recurring theme in his practice and contributes to why he is often associated with discussions around the Best neurosurgeon in south mumbai, particularly in functional neurosurgery.

Benefits of Deep Brain Stimulation

When appropriately indicated, DBS offers several potential benefits:

• Reduction in tremors, rigidity, and involuntary movements

• Improved control of motor symptoms

• Decreased dependence on high doses of medication

• Improved quality of life and daily functioning

Dr. Baldia noted that improvements are often gradual and require post-operative programming and fine-tuning of the device over time.

Risks and Clinical Limitations

Like all brain surgeries, DBS carries inherent risks. During the interview, Dr. Baldia outlined these with clinical clarity:

• Risk of bleeding or infection during surgery

• Device-related complications such as lead displacement

• Temporary speech or balance issues

• Variable response depending on disease progression

He stressed that patient counseling focuses heavily on balancing realistic expectations with potential benefits, particularly for progressive neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease.

Approximate Cost Range in Mumbai

The cost of Deep Brain Stimulation surgery in Mumbai varies based on hospital infrastructure, device type, and length of hospital stay. In general, patients may encounter a broad cost range extending from several lakhs of rupees upward, depending on whether single or dual electrodes are required.

Dr. Baldia highlighted that cost discussions are always individualized and include long-term considerations such as follow-up programming and device maintenance.

Precautions and Aftercare: Insights from the Interview

Post-operative care is a critical component of DBS success. Dr. Baldia shared several aftercare principles commonly discussed with patients:

• Gradual programming of the DBS device over multiple visits

• Continued neurological follow-up and medication adjustment

• Monitoring for speech, mood, or balance changes

• Avoidance of certain electromagnetic exposures

Patients are encouraged to view DBS as a long-term management strategy rather than a one-time intervention.

A Focus on Parkinson’s Disease Care

A significant portion of Dr. Baldia’s work involves managing advanced Parkinson’s disease. Within professional circles, he is frequently mentioned as a Best doctor for Parkinsons in Mumbai, particularly for patients exploring surgical options after years of medical therapy.

What stood out during my visit was the collaborative nature of his approach. Decisions are often made in conjunction with neurologists, physiotherapists, and caregivers, reinforcing the multidisciplinary nature of movement disorder care.

Closing Reflections from the Visit

As I concluded my visit to Lalbaug Diagnostics, the conversation around functional neurosurgery felt measured and methodical. In an era where advanced brain procedures can easily be portrayed as dramatic breakthroughs, the emphasis here was on precision, patient selection, and long-term planning.

For families navigating complex neurological decisions, clarity and careful evaluation appear to be as important as surgical expertise itself.

📍 Clinic Address:

Lalbaug Diagnostics

Clinic Hours: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm

Phone: 096767 67507

Practicing Locations: Wockhardt Hospital, Lalbaug Diagnostics, Ruby Hall Hospital