INTRODUCTION

‘Paediatric Neurology Rural Camp’ initiated in 2010, has been holding biannual camps in two rural districts of Maharashtra, India for last 8 years.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

1. To assess state of paediatric neurology health care in rural India
2. To provide holistic neurology facilities to children in rural areas
3. To create awareness, educate and rehabilitate with local medical, paramedical and support staff

METHODOLOGY

Two rural districts, Nanded and Dhule are visited biannually for a period of 3-4 days. Promotion is done by local body. Children aged 0-20 yrs are assessed. A team of doctors, paramedical & volunteers with help of government scheme and local NGO, provide holistic medical & surgical care to children with neurological issues. Investigations, medicines, nutritional supplements, orthoses, surgeries & tertiary referrals are provided free.

RESULTS

Total of 5493 children were assessed over last 8 years. We assess 400(Dhule) -800 (Nanded) children at each camp(30% new). Spectrum is epilepsy(45%), intellectual disability(17%), cerebral palsy(5%), behaviour concerns(5%), visual & auditory impairment(2%), genetic neurological disorders(27%). Epilepsy & genetic disorders were predominant in early childhood; behaviour was the dominant late complaint.

>57% children did not attend any schooling. 60.5%, 35%, 4.5% were in low, medium & high income respectively. 80% plus were malnourished by IAP classification.

CONCLUSION

Burden of neurological disorders in rural India is huge. Epilepsy was the predominant concern. Consanguinity was a significant contributor to genetic neurological disorders. Education & awareness changed the perception of parents towards their child’s potential. Local facilities are scarce & most needed.