Mind over matter

The brain is the epicentre of all activity in the human body. Likewise, the neuroscience professional is the `brain' behind many a successful recovery of patients from debilitating neurological disorders.

THE brain is the epicentre of all activity in the human body, seamlessly regulating body functions to keep it in peak order. Nerve cells are key messengers that send and receive signals in body. These cells, once damaged, either due to injury or accident, and even an imbalance of chemicals in the brain, gradually degenerate, affecting the person for life.

Claire Huslebach, a renowned neuroscientist, is a trial blazer of sorts. Her research has rekindled hope for thousands suffering from paralysis due to an injured neurological system. She discovered that these nerve cells can and do re-generate.

Discoveries such as these not only benefit the society but also inspire and inspire like-minded people to opt for a career in medicine. For people who are fascinated with arcane topics such as why people need to sleep, how do neurological disorders like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's occur, and how do we prevent and cure them, neurosciences is an apt specialisation.

It involves the study of the central nervous system, its composition and functioning, and treatment modalities if there is a malfunction. Experts in neuroscience work in various settings such as laboratories, medical clinics, health centres, pharmaceutical companies and research institutions involving fieldwork. Other regular settings include hospitals and academic institutions.

The neuroscience specialist has the freedom of specialising in any particular aspect of treatment or research. For this reason, experts in neuroscience come from diverse backgrounds - zoology, biology, physics, anthropology, chemistry, biology and physiology to psychology and even philosophy.

The job profile of a neuroscience professional is multifaceted, involving active practice, research and academics. The term neurosciences encompasses a broad spectrum of functional areas ranging from a study of the structure, anatomy, chemical composition of the nervous system, typical neurological responses and the resultant body reactions, to formulating therapies, finding cures, and preventive measures.

There are various specialisations in the field of neurosciences. Neuroscientists work with laboratories and research institutions, undertake clinical trials, conduct experiments, make field visits, and publish research findings. Neuro-surgery is a popular speciality in neurosciences. Like any other specialist in medicine, the work of a neurosurgeon is hectic. Neurosurgeons perform surgeries on patients suffering from brain tumours, clots, and injuries to the nervous system, and so on. Neurologists are specialists who diagnose and prescribe treatments for neurological disorders. Unlike other professions where teaching is an individual speciality, in medicine it is intrinsically linked with all the specialities. Most medical professionals have the option of juggling an active career in their chosen speciality and undertake teaching as well.

Neuroanatomists and biologists are people who study the anatomy and the biology of the nervous system respectively. The neuropharmacologist is an expert in the research and development of drugs to treat various neurological problems. He studies the effect of these drugs on nervous system and the resultant behaviour. Neuropathologists are specialists uncovering the causes of the diseases affecting the nervous system.

The psychobiologist and neuropsychologists research and study the relation between the biochemical processes in the nervous system and the resultant physiological responses caused by emotional and chemical changes in the brain

Like most other professionals, the neuroscience professional has to manage various duties and responsibilities. Apart from practicing in his chosen speciality, he has to be able to cope with other responsibilities, ranging from the administrative, teaching, guiding students, handling financial matters, travelling, and public speaking to fund raising. Neuroscientists especially need to exercise their creativity in order to present accurately and clearly, images of specimens they are experimenting or researching on and to present papers on the research done.

To unravel the mystery...

A spirit of enquiry, scientific temper, immense patience, perseverance and a willingness to face challenges and hardships are necessary.

Edifying enterprises

NIMHANS, a premier institute in India offers courses in neurology, neurosurgery and psychiatry. The Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow offers courses in neurology and neurosurgery, ranging from a diploma course to a doctorate. CMC, Vellore, and AIIMS, Delhi are the other known institutions that offer courses in the subject. The Neurological Society of India has an exhaustive website with helpful links on the subject.

Pressures and demands

The pressures and demands on the time of a neuroscience specialist are incredible. Though the profession is often glamorised, not many are actually aware of the grind involved. The rigours that a neuroscientist faces are similar to that of any other professional in the field of medicine. With an active practice, internships, externships, teaching, staying updated and undertaking research projects, the neuroscience professional hardly has any time to spare, let alone have a life after work!

The future

The future for a specialist in neurosciences is an undulating landscape of more research, and development of sophisticated treatment procedures. A career in medicine involves long hours and constant action, and round the clock service. Despite such shortcomings, it is the satisfaction of contributing positively to the society and the monetary rewards accruing that attract people to the profession.

SAMYUKTA KODA

samyukta.hyd@cnkonline.com