DOCTORS DAY: THE CELEBRATION OF DR BIDHAN CHANDRA ROY

Today is the 1st of July, also known as Doctor’s Day. We celebrate it in honor of Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy, one of the most influential men in Modern India.

He was born in 1882 in Patna, the youngest of five siblings, to a modest family. He studied at Presidency College, Kolkata, and later at Patna College with Honours in Mathematics. After completing further studies at Calcutta Medical College he left for England to pursue further medical training.

Records show he tried to apply at St Bartholomew’s Hospital, London, over 30 times before they relented and allowed entry. Within two years he was a fellow of not just the Royal College of Physicians but also the Royal College of Surgeons, a feat unheard of today.

When India was pushing for its freedom Dr Roy returned home with the aim of making his home nation’s people strong, healthy and successful. He had a major role in establishing healthcare facilities including the Jadavpur TB Hospital, Chittaranjan Seva Sadan, Kamala Nehru Memorial Hospital, Victoria Institution and Chittaranjan Cancer Hospital in Kolkata.

He was very close to Mahatma Gandhi's personal physician & the only man Gandhi would reluctantly obey. During

When India got independence, he wanted to go back to medicine, but Gandhi told him Bengal needed him. During his fast in Pune, Dr Roy visited him and encouraged him to take his medicine.

Gandhiji had refused medicines because they were was not made in India and asked him, "Why should I take your treatment? Do you treat four hundred million of my countrymen free?" The doctor had replied "No Gandhiji, I could not treat all patients free. But I came here not to treat Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, but to treat someone who represents the four hundred million people of my country."

Dr Roy was also very involved in politics and leadership roles, having a significant positive impact on people's lives. He played a role as the Mayor of Calcutta, Vice-Chancellor of Calcutta University, President of the Medical Council of India and the Governor of the United Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh). It was under his mayorship that the city undertook a massive expansion in free education, public health care, road infrastructure, improved lighting, and water supply.

After Independence Gandhiji persuaded him to stay as a leader, in the office of Chief Minister of West Bengal, on the condition he could pick his cabinet without political interference. Under his stewardship, he elevated the state from a time of chaos and violence to one of peace within three years.

One of his quotes is hugely relevant in these times. "Difficulties are always there-they will always be there, and I am glad that there are difficulties, for they excite the imagination and the intellect, and you can then find out the means by which you can solve the problem".

It is this role model we celebrate today on Doctor’s Day.

Read Blog

Guillain-Barre syndrome - Symptoms and causes

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare but serious neurological condition in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nervous system. This condition can lead to muscle weakness, numbness, and even paralysis in severe cases. Understanding Guillain-Barré syndrome symptoms, causes, and treatment options is crucial for early detection and effective management.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome Symptoms

The symptoms of Guillain-Barré syndrome typically begin with mild sensations of tingling or numbness in the hands and feet. These early signs of Guillain-Barré syndrome may quickly progress to more severe issues, including:

Muscle Weakness: Starting in the legs and spreading to the upper body, this weakness can become so severe that mobility is significantly impaired.
Reflex Loss: Deep tendon reflexes, such as the knee-jerk response, are often diminished or absent.
Pain: Many individuals experience sharp or cramping pain, particularly in the lower back.
Difficulty with Eye or Facial Movements: Symptoms may include difficulty speaking, chewing, or swallowing.
Respiratory Problems: In some cases, Guillain-Barré syndrome and respiratory failure become significant concerns, necessitating immediate medical intervention.
Autonomic Dysfunction: Irregular heart rhythms, blood pressure fluctuations, and other involuntary functions can be affected.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome Causes

The exact causes of Guillain-Barré syndrome are not fully understood. However, it is widely believed that the syndrome is triggered by an overactive immune response to an infection or other environmental factors. Common Guillain-Barré syndrome causes and risk factors include:

Viral Infections: Conditions such as influenza, Zika virus, and Epstein-Barr virus have been associated with GBS.
Bacterial Infections: Campylobacter jejuni, a bacterium often linked to food poisoning, is a common trigger.
Vaccinations: Although extremely rare, certain vaccines have been linked to GBS.
Surgical Procedures: Some individuals may develop Guillain-Barré syndrome following surgery.
Other Risk Factors: A history of autoimmune disorders or genetic predispositions may increase the risk.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome Progression Stages

Guillain-Barré syndrome progression stages typically unfold in three distinct phases:

Initial Stage: Lasting 1-4 weeks, this stage includes the rapid onset of Guillain-Barré syndrome symptoms such as weakness and numbness.
Plateau Stage: Symptoms stabilize but remain severe. This stage can last several weeks.
Recovery Stage: Gradual improvement begins, although Guillain-Barré syndrome recovery time can vary significantly between individuals, often taking weeks to months.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome Diagnosis

Diagnosing Guillain-Barré syndrome requires a thorough clinical evaluation. Physicians rely on specific Guillain-Barré syndrome diagnosis criteria, which include:

Patient History: Recent infections or medical procedures may provide crucial clues.
Neurological Examination: Reflexes, muscle strength, and sensory responses are assessed.
Electrodiagnostic Tests: Nerve conduction studies (NCS) and electromyography (EMG) help identify nerve damage.
Lumbar Puncture: Testing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) can reveal elevated protein levels, a hallmark of GBS.

Early diagnosis is essential for effective treatment and to prevent complications like Guillain-Barré syndrome and respiratory failure.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome Treatment

Treatment for Guillain-Barré syndrome focuses on managing symptoms and speeding up recovery. The primary Guillain-Barré syndrome treatment options include:

Plasma Exchange (Plasmapheresis): This procedure removes harmful antibodies from the blood.
Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG): High-dose immunoglobulin therapy helps neutralize the antibodies attacking the nervous system.
Supportive Care: Ventilatory support may be needed in severe cases, along with physical therapy to aid rehabilitation.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome Prognosis

The prognosis for Guillain-Barré syndrome varies depending on the severity of the condition and the timeliness of treatment. While most individuals recover fully, Guillain-Barré syndrome prognosis can include long-term complications such as:

Persistent Weakness: Some patients may experience lingering muscle weakness.
Nerve Damage: Chronic nerve pain or numbness can occur in rare cases.
Recurrence: Although uncommon, some individuals may develop Guillain-Barré syndrome again.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome Recovery Time

Guillain-Barré syndrome recovery time can range from a few weeks to several months. Factors that influence recovery include:

Age: Younger individuals generally recover faster.
Severity: Severe cases with extensive nerve damage may take longer to heal.
Timely Treatment: Early intervention is key to minimizing long-term effects and shortening recovery time.

Conclusion

Guillain-Barré syndrome is a challenging condition that requires early recognition and prompt treatment. By understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatment options, individuals can better manage this syndrome and improve their outcomes. If you or a loved one suspect Guillain-Barré syndrome, consult a healthcare professional immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for a full recovery.