Sharan Srinivasan+

Can a Stroke Happen Without Warning? Types, Signs & Prevention | Dr. Anil Ramakrishna

Can a stroke happen while you're sleeping? Is a mini-stroke harmless? Can young people have a stroke? And would you recognise the warning signs before it's too late? A stroke, often called a brain attack, is a medical emergency that can affect anyone. But not all strokes are the same, and understanding the differences could help save a life. This comprehensive segment is a part of the episode of Rebooting the Brain featuring Dr Anil Ramakrishna, HOD and consultant neurologist, from Sparsh Hospital, Yelahanka Bangalore. Catch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/lLol1UgNRyw?si=CrNj2HEg-I

Why is everyday innovation so hard to notice in India?

Can you name one everyday mechanical innovation from India? 🇮🇳 Major General Ravi Murugan shares an observation from his time in the United States: he was struck by how often innovation showed up in ordinary, everyday problems. His example is surprisingly simple — struggling to hang a painting, only to find a vacuum-based solution that makes attaching something to a wall easier. When the conversation turns to Indian mechanical innovation, UPI comes up, but he distinguishes digital innovation from mechanical, functional innovation. Then comes his own example: the giant water-spraying fans use

Why did he decide to become a doctor?

He wanted to be an engineer. Then he met one doctor. As a child, Dr. Vinayak Belamkar would often visit his local pediatrician because of respiratory problems. He remembers not really understanding what the doctor was doing — looking at his eyes, tongue, listening to his lungs, giving him medication. But something else happened during those visits. Even before the medication or injections had worked, he remembers feeling reassured that he was going to get better. The doctor had a way of making him feel comfortable and confident. And then the doctor started calling him “doctor.” That small

Can 40 days of gratitude change your life?

What if you practised gratitude every night for 40 days? Lieutenant General Ajai Kumar Singh shares a simple routine: before going to sleep, keep a small diary and write down five to ten things you’re grateful for. The idea is to make it a daily practice rather than something we do only when life is going well. He suggests continuing the routine for 40 days and then observing how it affects your life. Whether you see it as a mindfulness practice, a gratitude exercise, or simply a way of ending the day by focusing on what went well, the principle is simple: take a few minutes every night to

A child's Coma story | ft. Dr. Vikram Huded

Catch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/hkFDlbFI-e4?si=oLAXLIMd22rmXjb1 In this segment, Dr. Vikram Huded, a leading neuro interventionist, discusses the case of a 6 yr old boy who went into a coma due to a stroke and how he was treated and lived! #befast #strokeawareness #strokesurvivor #brainhealth

There are 112 ways to meditate. But which one should you try?

There are 112 ways to meditate. But you only need one. 🧘‍♂️ Lieutenant General Ajai Kumar Singh explains a simple meditation technique centred around something we do every moment of our lives: breathing. You don’t need elaborate rituals, chanting or shlokas to begin. The practice he describes is simply about becoming consciously aware of your breath. He explains the breath as a bridge to consciousness — and introduces the meditation technique known as Soham, where the natural sound of inhalation and exhalation is used as the focus. Sometimes meditation doesn’t have to be complicated. You

Are Schools Teaching Children the Wrong Things First?

Should life skills come before academic subjects? Major General Ravi Murugan shares his personal view on what foundational education should look like — particularly during the primary school years. His argument is that children need more than academic knowledge. They need social skills that help them function as responsible members of society. And he brings it down to everyday behaviour: following traffic rules, respecting a queue, and following the laws that a community has agreed to live by. His suggested balance is striking — 70% foundational skills in the early years, with the remainin

Do You Know All 11 Duties of an Indian Citizen?

Do you know all 11 duties of an Indian citizen? 🇮🇳 We often talk about our rights as citizens. But how often do we stop and think about our responsibilities? Lieutenant General Ajai Kumar Singh points to Article 51A of the Indian Constitution, which lays down the Fundamental Duties of every citizen. His message is simple: don’t just know them. Read them. Reflect on them. And try to live by them every day. Because citizenship isn’t only about what we expect from our country. It’s also about what we contribute to it — through discipline, responsibility and respect for the values that hold

If Pakistan isn’t the enemy, who is India fighting?

Our enemy isn’t Pakistan. So who are we actually fighting? Lieutenant General Ajai Kumar Singh draws an important distinction when speaking about India’s conflict with terrorism. His argument is that the enmity is not towards the people or the country of Pakistan itself, but towards a particular ideology and the use of terrorism as a political tool. He also makes the point that if the Pakistan Army were to support such an action, then the response would be directed at the Pakistan Army — because the focus is on who is supporting the threat and what they are supporting, rather than hostility

Are children copying their parent’s bad habits?

Major General Ravi Murugan shares an example from Japan that made him think about what foundational education should really teach. In a Japanese classroom, children are taught social sensitivity through everyday situations — even something as simple as recognising an elderly person and offering them a seat. His larger point is that values like social responsibility and following rules can be taught from a very young age. But education doesn’t stop at the classroom door. Children also learn by watching their parents. If a parent jumps a red light, stops on a median, or allows a child to sit

Why aren’t we treating India’s road deaths like a national emergency?

500 Indians die on the roads every single day. Why isn’t this an emergency? Dr. Sharan Srinivasan raises a disturbing question about road traffic accidents in India. He points to the reported number of road deaths and the fact that a large proportion of those killed are young men between 18 and 34. But the number doesn’t capture the full impact of road traffic accidents — including people who die later from their injuries and the thousands who survive with permanent disabilities. The most uncomfortable part is how easily we accept these deaths as something that simply happens. Dr. Sharan d

Why are North Indians more assertive than South Indians?

The North-South divide in India is often reduced to stereotypes — North Indians being more assertive, loud or “in-your-face,” while South Indians are seen differently. Dr. Sharan Srinivasan shares a conversation he once had with a close friend in Delhi that made him look at the North-South divide a little differently. He describes how he had always found North Indians to be more pushy, boisterous and direct. So he asked his friend why they were “like this.” His friend’s answer was unexpected: a history of having to constantly stand up for themselves had, in his view, shaped a culture where p

Is our education system killing innovation?

Why are we so good at solving problems—but so bad at creating? Major General Ravi Murugan shares an experience that made him question something much bigger than one person’s ability to solve a mathematical problem. He describes giving a problem to an IFS officer with a master’s degree in mathematics. Despite trying multiple formulas, the officer couldn’t solve it — because he was looking for a formula to apply rather than going back to the fundamental building blocks of the problem. For Major General Ravi Murugan, this points to a deeper issue with education: are we teaching people how to t

What does an army family sacrifice that we never see?

People see the soldier. They don’t always see the sacrifice of the Army family. Lieutenant General Ajay Kumar Singh explains that Shalini, A Life Extraordinary is not simply the story of one woman. For him, it is an ode to every Army wife and every Army family who live through the challenges, uncertainty and sacrifices that come with life in the Armed Forces. The postings, separations, responsibilities and challenges may look different from family to family, but the underlying experience can be remarkably similar. In that sense, he describes the book as a glimpse into Armed Forces life in a

How did she stay strong through 14 years of illness?

Lieutenant General Ajai Kumar Singh shares the deeply personal story of his wife, who lived with chronic renal failure for 14 years. Through the shock, the pain, a kidney transplant and years of illness, he remembers her for something else — her resilience, determination and ability to keep going. Towards the end, he told her that she had already done more than anyone could have asked of her. That she had done her part for her family. And when the time came, she should let go and “go like a free bird.” Then, during her final hospital admission, after coming off a ventilator, she called for h

Why do we commemorate the sacrifices of Kargil?

We don’t commemorate sacrifice just to remember the past. Kargil Vijay Diwas is a time to remember the soldiers who lost their lives and the sacrifices made during the Kargil War. But Major General Ravi Murugan offers another reason why that remembrance matters. Commemorating those who sacrificed their lives or limbs sends a message that their contribution will not be forgotten. And when people know that sacrifice is remembered, they may be more willing to step forward when the next challenge comes. For him, remembrance isn’t simply about looking back. It is about carrying that sense of con

Can NCC teach discipline that lasts a lifetime?

What if discipline could be taught before adulthood? Lieutenant General Ajai Kumar Singh believes the years spent in school and college are among the most impressionable periods of a young person’s life — and that organisations like the NCC can leave a lasting impact during those years. He shares the example of his own nephew, whom he saw before and after joining the NCC, and describes the transformation as remarkable. For him, the value of NCC goes beyond military exposure. It is about developing discipline, conduct and a sense of responsibility at an age when these lessons can become deep

How did Lakshman stay awake for 14 years?

How did Lakshman stay awake for 14 years? According to this traditional account, Lakshman chose to accompany Lord Rama into exile and remain constantly alert to protect him. But if he wasn’t sleeping, what happened to the sleep he would normally need? The story brings in Nidra Devi, the personification of sleep. When sleep comes for Lakshman, he asks that his share of sleep be given to his wife, Urmila. It becomes a fascinating part of the larger Ramayana story — one that explores Lakshman’s unwavering commitment to Rama, Urmila’s quiet sacrifice, and the idea that even something as fundame

What Can Rama and Bharat Teach Us About Duty and Acceptance?

What do you do when everything you were promised suddenly changes? Lord Rama was about to be crowned king. Everything was prepared. And then, suddenly, everything changed. Instead of resisting what had happened, Rama accepted his new reality and chose to fulfil what he believed was his duty. But the story doesn’t end there. Bharat, who was now expected to become king, refused to simply take Rama’s place. He ruled on Rama’s behalf, placing Rama’s paduka on the throne as a symbol of his rightful place. Through these choices, this episode of the Ramayana offers a powerful reflection on accept

What does a Neurosurgeon pray before surgery? 

Can science and spirituality coexist in the operating room? For Dr. Sharan Srinivasan, every surgery begins with a simple prayer: “Give me the wisdom to do the right thing.” It isn’t a prayer to replace science or surgical skill. It is a recognition that even with all the knowledge and experience a surgeon has, there are moments when the right decision isn’t always obvious. He describes the brain tumour as his opponent — something that will continue to do what it does. His responsibility is to understand it, make the best possible decision, and fight to save the patient’s life and brain. I

What risks do surgeons face while saving lives?

For a neurosurgeon, some of the most critical emergencies are severe head injuries and strokes. The surgeries can be chaotic, physically exhausting, and sometimes leave the surgeon covered in the patient’s blood. But in that moment, there is no time to think about the mess. The priority is simple: save the life and save the brain. Dr. Sharan Srinivasan draws a powerful parallel between the risks faced by soldiers and the risks faced by surgeons. Soldiers face bullets; surgeons face the possibility of exposure to blood-borne infections and countless things they cannot completely control. Pre

How does America build patriotism from childhood?

America doesn’t teach patriotism by shouting about it. 🇺🇸 According to Major General Ravi Murugan, one of the striking things he observed in the United States was how a sense of nationhood is woven into everyday life — often so subtly that it doesn’t feel imposed. From schools raising the American flag and children singing the national anthem, to sporting events beginning with the flag and anthem, and schoolchildren visiting museums from a young age, these experiences become part of their normal rhythm of life. The idea isn’t simply about one ceremony or one lesson. It’s about repeated ex

What connects an Indian pilot in 2026 to the Battle of Haifa in 1918?

108 years apart. Two extraordinary stories of Indian courage. 🇮🇳 In 2026, Captain Smit Machchhar found himself at the centre of a terrifying mid-air emergency. After being attacked and seriously injured by the co-pilot, he managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to intervene and helping prevent what could have become a catastrophic disaster. But this remarkable story has an unexpected connection to a much older chapter of Indian history. On September 23, 1918, Indian soldiers from the Jodhpur, Mysore and Hyderabad Lancers fought in the Battle of Haifa during the Fir

What does a diabetic leg have to do with Krishna and Arjuna?

What does a diabetic leg have to do with Arjuna? In the Bhagavad Gita, Arjuna struggles with the idea of fighting and killing people he knows and loves. The question is simple, but deeply difficult: if taking a life is wrong, how can it ever become a duty? Lieutenant General Ajai Kumar Singh shares an analogy from a plastic surgeon that completely changed the way he understood those verses — comparing Arjuna’s dilemma to a patient whose leg has been destroyed by infection, where removing the leg may be necessary to save the life. The analogy is uncomfortable, but that is precisely what make

Why does the Indian Army fight? A Lieutenant General explains

What has the Indian Army fought for throughout history? 🇮🇳 Where does the courage to face extraordinary situations actually come from? Lieutenant General Ajai Kumar Singh explains that courage is built from many things — training, physical fitness, stamina and values. But according to him, one of the most important elements is the cause. He reflects on the idea that the Indian Army has historically fought for just causes rather than to take another country’s territory — a belief he connects to principles of duty, truth, righteousness and a strong sense of purpose. For a soldier, knowing

How is military culture built?

Culture isn’t built through slogans. It’s built through actions. At Arlington National Cemetery, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is guarded around the clock, regardless of the weather. Major General Ravi Murugan shares the story of a time when a major storm was approaching and the guards were told they should leave for their own safety. Their response was that the Tomb would continue to be guarded. Whether every detail of the anecdote is historically documented or not, the larger lesson from the conversation is powerful: repeated actions create culture. When certain values become non-negoti

What happened when Indian soldiers captured a city in Israel in 1918?

On 23 September 1918, Indian soldiers played a crucial role in the Battle of Haifa during the First World War. 🇮🇳 What makes this story remarkable is who these soldiers were. The 15th Imperial Service Cavalry Brigade included the Mysore Lancers, Jodhpur Lancers and Hyderabad Lancers. They were tasked with one of the crucial objectives of the campaign — capturing the strategically important port city of Haifa. For many Indians, this remains a largely unfamiliar chapter of our military history. Yet Indian soldiers made an enormous contribution to the First World War, serving across multiple

1918: When Indian Soldiers Rode Into Haifa | Lt Gen Ajai Kumar Singh

What were Indian soldiers doing in Haifa in 1918? Why were men from the Mysore, Jodhpur and Hyderabad Lancers thousands of kilometres away from India, charging into one of the most remarkable battles of the First World War? And more than a century later, why does Bengaluru still remember them? In this Haifa Day Special episode of Rebooting the Brain, we explore the Battle of Haifa, the story of the Mysore Lancers, and the larger questions that emerge from their courage, preparation, discipline and sense of duty with Lieutenant General Ajai Kumar Singh, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, SM, VSM, PhD (Retd).

What Were Indian Soldiers Doing in Haifa? | Haifa Day Special with Lt Gen Ajai Kumar Singh

On September 23, 1918, thousands of kilometres away from India, Indian soldiers rode into one of the most remarkable cavalry battles of the First World War. Among them were the Mysore Lancers—men on horseback, armed with lances and swords, charging into heavily defended positions in Haifa. But why were Indian soldiers fighting in Haifa? What made them capable of facing overwhelming odds? And more than a century later, why does Bengaluru still remember that battle? In this special Haifa Day episode of Rebooting the Brain, we are joined by Lt Gen Ajai Kumar Singh, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, SM, VSM, PhD

When should vision loss be a red flag?

Not every vision problem is just an eye problem. We often assume that decreased vision is simply because of glasses, cataract, or another problem within the eye. But sometimes, the problem can involve the optic nerve itself. In optic neuritis, an abnormal immune response can cause inflammation of the optic nerve and affect vision. But how can you tell when a change in vision is something that needs more urgent attention? When should you hit the red button? The answer is in the full conversation. Dr. Sharan Srinivasan in conversation with Dr. Sujit Kumar. 🎥 Watch the full episode on Rebo

Why does everyone have a blind spot?

You have a blind spot in your vision. Right now. It sounds alarming, but having a blind spot is completely normal. The blind spot is an area in our visual field where we cannot see because the optic nerve leaves the eye at that point. It doesn’t normally affect everyday vision because our brain fills in the missing information. What’s fascinating is that this blind spot can actually be mapped during a visual-field examination—and everyone has one. It’s only when the blind spot becomes enlarged or changes that it may indicate something abnormal. Dr. Sharan Srinivasan in conversation with D

Whose career advice should young doctors really listen to?

Young doctors: be careful whose career advice you listen to. One of the challenges many young medical professionals face is that they don’t always have access to people who are 8–10 years ahead in their careers. Instead, career decisions can end up being shaped by conversations with peers who may themselves be frustrated or uncertain about their own experiences. Conferences, workshops and professional events can open a completely different world—senior doctors to learn from, new technologies to discover, fellowships and courses to explore, and people who can offer perspectives beyond your i

What should primary education really focus on?

What should a child actually learn in primary school? According to Major General Ravi Murugan, two abilities should sit at the centre of a child’s early education: the ability to think independently and the ability to communicate effectively. Thinking involves building the ability to understand logic, connect outcomes and form your own reasoning. Communication then allows a child to express those thoughts clearly. The question is whether primary education should focus less on loading children with information and more on building the fundamental skills they will use for everything that come

Are sports journalists the best journalists in the world?

Are sports journalists the best journalists in the world? There’s something uniquely powerful about sports journalism. You’re not just reporting a result—you’re watching victory, defeat, effort, failure and adversity unfold in real time. The best writers can take those moments and turn them into something you can actually picture. You become involved in the story. And when the story is about an athlete who has fought through adversity and finally delivers, it can become more than entertainment—it can become motivation. Perhaps that’s what great journalism does: it doesn’t just tell you what

Why does an entire team sacrifice for one rider?

Why would an entire team sacrifice itself for one person? The Tour de France offers a fascinating lesson in teamwork. A rider at the front faces enormous wind resistance, which means maintaining that position requires far more energy. So the team works together to protect its leading rider—taking the strain, controlling the pace and positioning him for the decisive moment. One by one, team members may sacrifice their own position so that one rider has the energy and opportunity to make the final push. And that raises a much bigger question: what makes a team willing to sacrifice individual

She had 14 MRIs - How was a spinal CSF leak missed?

14 MRIs. Three major symptoms. And still no clear answer. An IT professional from Andhra Pradesh called Dr. Sharath about his mother, who had been struggling with severe gait imbalance, hearing loss and cognitive changes for years. Her MRI scans repeatedly showed bleeding along the surface of the brain and spinal cord, described as superficial siderosis. But the underlying cause had not been identified. When Dr. Sharath reviewed her case, he recognized a very different problem — a spinal CSF leak causing the brain to sag. After treatment, her gait imbalance improved, and she was walking aga

How much money do you need to set ip a clinic?

You don’t need crores to start your own clinic. A common question young doctors ask is: “Where will I get the money to set up a clinic?” But starting a practice doesn’t necessarily mean building a five-star hospital from day one. A small space, basic furniture, the essential equipment and a willingness to start can be enough to take the first step. There are also various financing and loan options available for doctors and small businesses that can help with the initial investment. The bigger question is what you do after you start. If your clinical care is good, your communication is good,

How can we teach critical thinking without training the teachers?

Everyone wants children who can think critically. But are we training the teachers to teach them how to think? Developing critical thinking in students requires more than changing textbooks or introducing new teaching methods. Teachers themselves need the right training, skills, and freedom to move beyond the traditional “this is the way it is done” approach. If we want a generation that can question, analyse, reason, and solve problems independently, the change has to begin with the people teaching them. Dr. Sharan Srinivasan in conversation with Major General Ravi Murugan. 🎥 Watch the f

Could a school child save a grandparent from a stroke?

What if the person who recognises a stroke first isn’t a doctor — but a school child? In many families, parents are away at work while grandparents spend time at home with the children. A sudden change in speech, movement or behaviour may be noticed first by a child. If children are taught how to recognise the warning signs of a stroke and understand that it is an emergency, they could know when to alert an adult and seek medical help immediately. Stroke awareness shouldn’t only begin when we become adults. It can start in the classroom. Imagine a generation of high-school students who kno

Why is the eye in the front but vision is processed at the back of the brain?

Imagine looking at a forest and being able to see the individual trees clearly — but being unable to understand that you’re looking at a forest. That’s essentially what can happen in certain neurological conditions. The eyes may be functioning. Vision itself may be present. But the brain may lose the ability to integrate what the eyes are seeing into a complete picture. This is a fascinating reminder that seeing and understanding what we see are not always the same thing. In conversation with Dr. Sharan Srinivasan and Dr. Sujit Kumar. Watch the full episode on Rebooting the Brain for more

How did shale oil change global geopolitics?

We often think of geopolitics in terms of armies, alliances and political decisions. But sometimes, the biggest shifts begin with something much less obvious: energy. The rise of shale oil and shale gas dramatically changed the energy landscape, particularly by increasing the United States’ energy production and reducing its dependence on imported energy. That shift has had wider strategic implications — influencing how countries think about energy security, alliances and the importance of regions such as the Middle East. How does an energy revolution translate into geopolitical power? Ma

How UPI changed the way India pays

From big businesses to street vendors, UPI has fundamentally changed the way India pays. You can walk out without cash, cards or even change — just your phone and a QR code. And the same technology that works for a large store also works for the pani puri vendor on the street. That’s what makes UPI particularly interesting: it has made digital payments accessible across completely different sections of society. And then comes the fascinating part of the story — a pani puri seller reportedly received around ₹40 lakh through UPI and ended up receiving a GST notice. Whether you’re buying a ca

24 year old stroke patient: why going to the right doctor matters

He was just 24 years old. He developed right-sided numbness and slurred speech — classic warning signs that something was seriously wrong. But instead of being directed immediately to a stroke-ready hospital, the family was told to go home and return if he didn’t improve. They waited. By the time he reached the hospital, 38 hours had passed. In stroke, time matters. The earlier a patient is recognised, taken to the right hospital and assessed for appropriate treatment, the more opportunities there may be to prevent devastating brain injury. The heartbreaking part is that the family didn’t

A foot problem that turned out to be a brain tumour

He came with abnormal movements, discomfort and numbness in his foot. He had already consulted several doctors and was told that his MRI was normal. So when Dr. Sharath suggested a brain scan, his family understandably questioned why. The problem seemed to be in the foot. Why look at the brain? But the symptoms had a neurological explanation. The area of the brain responsible for the foot was where the problem was — and the scan revealed a brain tumour. Sometimes, the place where you feel a symptom isn’t necessarily where the problem is. This is why understanding the patient’s story and c

Can a Diabetic foot be saved from amputation?

Can a diabetic foot be saved from amputation? A small injury or infection in the foot may not seem like a major problem. But in a person with poorly controlled diabetes, especially when blood circulation to the leg is reduced, that seemingly minor problem can quickly become much more serious. Poor blood supply means the tissues don’t get enough oxygen to heal. Add an infection to the picture, and the situation can progress to tissue damage, infection spreading, and in severe cases, loss of the limb. But this is also where early recognition and timely treatment can make a difference. Many of

Patients sent him to America to learn about CSF leaks

What started with a patient’s call from Mumbai took Dr. Sharath Kumar all the way to the US. A patient-led society dedicated to spinal CSF leaks invited him to spend time at a specialised CSF clinic, refine his skills, and learn from experts treating these complex disorders. He returned to India with new perspectives, refined skills, and a renewed mission — to spread awareness and help more patients with spinal CSF leaks. Sometimes, the patients we treat end up teaching us just as much. In conversation with Dr. Sharan Srinivasan and Dr. Sharath Kumar. Watch the full episode on Rebooting t

Which condition prevents you from sitting upright?

Imagine being unable to sit upright for most of your day. For some patients with spinal CSF leaks, being vertical can trigger severe symptoms, making even ordinary activities feel impossible. Some become unable to work, financially strained, and increasingly confined to life in a lying position. And in some cases, the journey to the right diagnosis can be long — with symptoms attributed to more common causes such as migraine or tension-type headache. The most striking example? Some patients have even had TVs mounted on their ceilings because they spend so much of their time lying down. In

Why shouldn’t doctors fear competition?

Doctors often worry about competition. But competition doesn’t mean there can’t be multiple doctors, hospitals or practices in the same area. Patients want options. They don’t want to wait for hours. And if they aren’t satisfied with your care, they’ll go somewhere else. Because ultimately, nobody is going to pay you for your degree. They come to you for recovery, for outcomes, for good care and for someone who communicates clearly with them. The goal isn’t to eliminate competition. It’s to become good enough that your results speak for you. In conversation with Dr. Sharan Srinivasan and

He couldn’t draw - and it turned out to be a stroke.

He was a designer. Then suddenly, he couldn’t draw diagrams. He could speak. He could read. He could communicate normally. There was no obvious paralysis. But when he was examined, he could draw parts of a diagram — just not the whole picture. The problem was apperceptive visual agnosia, a disorder of visual perception that can affect the ability to recognise or construct what we’re seeing. In this case, the sudden onset pointed toward a stroke. Sometimes, a neurological problem doesn’t look like weakness or paralysis. It can be something as unusual as suddenly being unable to make sense

Should you avoid radiology because of AI?

Thinking about choosing Radiology for your PG — but worried AI will replace radiologists? Dr. Sharath Kumar’s advice is simple: don’t let AI stop you. AI may augment radiologists, help them perform better, improve reporting and potentially allow them to serve more patients. But the bigger shift is toward becoming a clinical subspecialist — someone who understands the patient, works closely with clinical teams and brings expertise beyond simply reading scans. Diagnostic imaging, intervention, clinical collaboration and subspecialisation can all add value that goes beyond the report. The fu

Are radiologists really clinicians?

Radiology is classified as a clinical specialty. But what does it really mean to be a clinician? A doctor doesn’t work in isolation. Surgeons, oncologists and other specialists constantly consult one another to understand the patient and make better decisions. So if a radiologist is a clinician, should radiology be more than simply sitting behind a screen and reporting scans? Perhaps being a clinical radiologist means understanding the patient, the clinical problem and the imaging — and bringing all three together. In conversation with Dr. Sharan Srinivasan and Dr. Sharath Kumar. 🎥 Watc

Why should radiologists talk to patients?

A second opinion isn’t always about looking at the same MRI again. Sometimes, it’s about adding the clinical story. Dr. Sharath Kumar describes this as “clinical radiology” — bridging the gap between the patient’s history, the clinician’s assessment and the imaging. And his advice to radiologists is simple: Talk to the patient. Take the history. Then look at the MRI. Because sometimes, the patient may tell you more than the scan alone ever could. In conversation with Dr. Sharan Srinivasan and Dr. Sharath Kumar. 🎥 Watch the full episode on Rebooting the Brain for more fascinating storie

What if the enemy attacks on your day off?

The 70-hour vs 40-hour workweek debate has been everywhere. But what happens when your profession deals with situations that simply cannot wait until Monday? A patient arrives on a weekend. Do you wait until Monday to operate? And then comes the Army analogy: If the enemy comes on a Saturday morning, do you tell them you’re off duty? Some professions are built around emergencies. The real question is how we balance professional responsibility with sustainable working lives. In conversation with Dr. Sharan Srinivasan and Major General Ravi Murugan. 🎥 Watch the full episode on Rebooting

How a slip of the tongue made him a radiologist?

In the 1990s, Radiology wasn’t even on his list. His first choice was Orthopaedics. But while staying at AIIMS, his seniors told him that Radiology was the trend — and that with their ranks, all three of them could get it. Then came counselling. The evaluator asked, “What do you want?” He intended to say Orthopaedics. Instead, he said Radiology. And just like that… “With a slip of the tongue, I became a radiologist.” Sometimes, careers take a turn you never planned for. In conversation with Dr. Sharan Srinivasan and Dr. Sharath Kumar. 🎥 Watch the full episode on Rebooting the Brain

Can brain aneurysms run in families?

NEET-PG toppers chose medicine over radiology - Is AI the reason?

For years, Radiology was considered the preferred choice among the highest-ranked medical graduates. But in NEET-PG 2025, something changed — General Medicine emerged as the first choice among many of the top rankers. Why? Work-life balance, the breadth of General Medicine, and perhaps even growing concerns about AI. But is AI really going to replace doctors? Or will the doctors who learn to use AI replace those who don’t? In conversation with Dr. Sharan Srinivasan and Dr. Sharath Kumar. 🎥 Watch the full episode on Rebooting the Brain for more fascinating stories. #NEETPG #NEETPG2025

How to change the habits of an organisation without risking it?

Changing an organisation isn’t about imposing one big idea and hoping it works. You experiment with multiple ideas. You seek objective, unvarnished feedback. You test them on a small enough scale that failure is survivable. Then, once you know what actually works, you scale it across the organisation with full support. Experiment. Learn. Then scale. In conversation with Dr. Sharan Srinivasan and Major General Ravi Murugan. 🎥 Watch the full episode on Rebooting the Brain for more fascinating stories. #Leadership #OrganizationalChange #Management #LeadershipLessons #DecisionMaking #Experi

What to do even if your stroke symptoms last only a few seconds?

What is cholesterol doing inside your arteries?

He was in a coma at 17. Ten years later, he has a job.

At 17, he was a football player. Then a high-speed road accident left him with a massive head injury and a prolonged coma. For his family, life changed overnight. But they didn’t give up. His mother kept pushing him forward. His father supported the family. His brother stood by them. And rehabilitation continued—not for weeks or months, but for years. Today, nearly a decade later, that same boy is working in HR at a corporate company and travelling independently by Metro to work in Indiranagar. He still stumbles. He still has falls. His journey isn’t perfect. But going from being bedrid

He was in the ICU. Everyone thought his career was over.

He was a well-known news anchor when he suddenly collapsed in the bathroom of his studio. He had experienced dizziness, a severe headache and briefly lost consciousness. The CT scan revealed a subarachnoid haemorrhage. Further imaging identified the underlying aneurysm, and he was transferred for definitive treatment. But while he was fighting for his recovery, his wife was fighting another battle. Every day, she stood outside the ICU and heard the rumours: “He won’t wake up.” “His brain is damaged.” “He’ll never return to television.” She was dealing with the medical stress of having

Why did you save my husband?

“Why did you save my husband? You should have allowed him to die.” A husband was brought to the emergency department after a road traffic accident. He had no identification and no family to contact. He was critically ill, so lifesaving treatment and surgery were performed without waiting for his family. He survived. Eventually, he recovered enough to go home—but he had significant memory and behavioural problems and still needed assistance. A few weeks later, his wife came to the OPD. She explained that he had been the sole source of income. He drank every day, had no savings, and after

A seizure revealed a hidden brain tumour

The first seizure had an obvious explanation: hypoglycemia. He was diabetic, had recently started insulin, and his blood sugar was low. An MRI was done as a screening study, but nothing significant was seen. Three months later, he had another seizure. This time, the seizure was prolonged—and his blood sugar was normal. A repeat, more detailed MRI revealed a 3.5 cm necrotic mass in the right temporal lobe: a glioblastoma (GBM). Looking back at the first scan, there had been a tiny, subtle lesion—less than a centimetre—that was difficult to appreciate at the time. The lesson isn’t that eve

Moving from Tamil medium school to a professional course

He studied in Kanyakumari until the 12th standard, where even anatomy and physiology were taught in Tamil. Then medical college began. Suddenly, terms like arteries, veins and anatomy were being taught in English. His solution? He bought a dictionary and started translating everything. The challenge wasn’t just learning new words. It was changing the way he processed and understood what he was learning. For anyone who has moved from one language or educational environment to another, that transition can be a struggle that people rarely see. Sometimes, before you can learn something new,

The doctors missed a ruptured aneurysm

A severe thunderclap headache. Severe neck stiffness. And then, a diagnosis of meningitis. She was sent for an MRI, admitted to a medical college and started on IV antibiotics. Five days passed. By the tenth day, she developed severe neurological complications, including paralysis and strokes. The family was told that meningitis was causing the complications. But when the scans were reviewed again, something didn’t add up. An angiogram revealed the real problem: A ruptured cerebellar artery aneurysm. The aneurysm was treated immediately through radial access. A powerful reminder that

Why risk your life without a helmet?

A helmet takes seconds to put on. A brain injury can change your life forever. On Bangalore roads, riding without a helmet isn’t bravery, convenience, or saving time. It’s an unnecessary risk. You may survive the accident. But surviving doesn’t always mean walking away without a life-changing injury. Wear the helmet. Every single time. In conversation with Dr. Sharan Srinivasan and Major General Ravi Murugan. 🎥 Watch the full episode on Rebooting the Brain for more fascinating stories. #RebootingTheBrain #HelmetSafety #RoadSafety #BangaloreTraffic #BangaloreRoads #BrainInjury #Traumati

He called it magic. It was clinical neurology.

He showed the patient a pen. “What’s this?” “Pen.” Then he showed him a watch. “What’s this?” “Pen.” Watching this, he wondered: What is this magic? Then he realised what Dr. Thomas Matthew had done. He had looked at the patient’s MRI and understood exactly what to test at the bedside. The examination wasn’t random — it was guided by what he already understood about the patient’s brain. That moment changed everything. He thought: “I have to do this magic.” Sometimes, the most powerful part of medicine isn’t what you see on a scan. It’s knowing what to ask next. In conversation wit

What happened at the Line of Control?

On a moonless winter night along the Line of Control, an Army commander was moving towards one of his posts. The enemy posts were barely 20–25 metres away. A flash of light was spotted. Gunfire followed. Instinctively, he rushed towards cover. Then he slipped. He fell down an extremely steep, rugged mountainside and suffered a devastating spinal cord injury. Evacuating him took hours, with soldiers physically carrying him out under intermittent firing. He ultimately lost movement in his limbs and is now in a wheelchair. But what stands out most about his story isn’t the injury. It’s hi

What happens when a stroke isn’t recognised early?

A patient developed an early stroke and went to a GP clinic. He waited for nearly three hours before being seen. The early signs of stroke were not acted upon, and by the next day, he had developed a full-blown stroke. By the time he reached a stroke centre, the damage had progressed. The message is simple: stroke is time-sensitive. Recognising the warning signs, knowing where to send the patient, and acting quickly can make the difference between recovery and permanent disability. For clinicians, knowing what to do — and what not to do — is critical. Because ultimately, it could be some

Are we treating the patient or the scan?

She came ready for spine surgery. Her MRI showed changes at D11–D12, and she had been referred for an operation. But when asked what her actual problem was, the answer didn’t quite fit the scan. So instead of operating, the clinician examined her and ordered an X-ray of the hip. The diagnosis? Hip tuberculosis. A powerful reminder that an abnormal scan is not necessarily the diagnosis. Clinical-radiological correlation matters. We are treating the patient, not just the picture. In conversation with Dr. Sharan Srinivasan and Dr. Sharath. 🎥 Watch the full episode on Rebooting the Brain

How did 14 MRIs miss a treatable condition for 18 months?

18 months. 14 MRIs. And a doctor who had gone from walking to being completely paraplegic. A 56-year-old ophthalmologist developed progressive weakness and pain in both legs. His MRI was reported as transverse myelitis, and he was started on steroids. Instead of improving, he deteriorated dramatically. After 18 months of investigations and 14 MRIs, he finally came in a wheelchair with a Foley catheter. The diagnosis? A spinal dural arteriovenous fistula — a condition that had been missed. Once the correct diagnosis was suspected, a dedicated MRI sequence confirmed it, followed by a spina

Who is actually responsible for raising your children?

She was a doctor. He was a doctor. And before they got married, they had a very important conversation: What would happen when they had children? They made a conscious decision not to put the responsibility of raising their children on their parents. His wife chose to take a break, slow down her career, and spend those early years with their children. As the children grew older and became more independent, she gradually returned to her professional life. Sometimes, building a family means accepting that you can’t maximise everything at the same time. In conversation with Dr. Sharan Sriniv

When AI makes a medical mistake, who do you sue?

If AI replaces the radiologist and misses a life-threatening finding, who is accountable? Imagine an AI correctly identifies a large brain tumour—but overlooks a small adjacent aneurysm. The aneurysm ruptures, the patient bleeds, and the patient dies. Who is responsible? The AI developer? The AI vendor? The hospital? The clinician who relied on the report? As AI becomes increasingly involved in clinical decision-making, the question isn’t only “Can AI diagnose?” It’s also: “Who takes responsibility when it gets something wrong?” In conversation with Dr. Sharan Srinivasan and Dr. Sharath

The headache that changed my career

I dismissed my sister’s worst headache. I was wrong. One day, Dr. Sharath Kumar’s sister called him saying she was having the worst headache of her life. He initially thought it was stress and told her to rest. But on her birthday, something made him ask again. Her headache had a very unusual pattern: The moment she stood up, the headache became severe. The moment she lay down, it disappeared completely. That clue led to further imaging, which revealed signs of a spinal fluid leak, brain sagging and other changes that explained her symptoms. Treatment was challenging, and several centre

Headache gets worse when you are upright? Pay attention!!!

Does your headache disappear when you lie down? Some headaches have a very specific pattern: You wake up feeling fine. As the day goes on and you’re upright, the headache starts. And when you lie down or rest, it improves. That detail may be important. When you see your neurologist, don’t simply say “I have headaches.” Tell them exactly how the headache behaves—when it starts, what makes it worse, and what makes it better. Because in a busy consultation, a very specific symptom pattern can sometimes be missed or mistaken for a more common type of headache. Your story is part of the diagn

Can a “Normal” MRI Still Miss Something? | Neuroimaging & Neurointervention | Dr. Sharath Kumar G.G.

Disclaimer: This content is created purely for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. What happens when a brain scan looks normal—but the patient clearly isn't? How can a neurological condition remain undiagnosed even after multiple scans? And how can the right imaging change not only a diagnosis, but the entire course of a patient's treatment? In this episode of Rebooting the Brain, we explore the fascinating world of neuroimaging and neurointervention with Dr. Sharath Kumar G.G., Lead Con

140 Hour weeks: the reality of neurosurgery training

He barely saw his daughter grow up. When his daughter was born in 1995, Dr. Sharan Srinivasan was in the peak of his neurosurgery training—working around 140 hours a week. For four and a half years, his schedule meant spending long stretches in the hospital, often leaving home before his daughter was awake and returning when she was already asleep. He describes it in one unforgettable line: “I literally saw my daughter grow horizontally.” He didn’t witness many of her early milestones himself. He heard about them from his wife. That was the reality of neurosurgical training at the time—a

How amazing is your brain!?

Who decides how hard your hand should grip? Put three cups in front of you—a steel cup, a glass and a thermocol cup. Your hand doesn’t use the same grip for all three. It automatically adjusts the force and movement depending on what you’re holding. But who makes that decision? It’s not simply the hand. Your brain, eyes and hand are constantly communicating in real time, coordinating the movement and adjusting it to the object in front of you. That’s why recovering movement after paralysis isn’t always enough. The real goal is purposeful, coordinated movement. In conversation with Dr.

Do doctors really listen to their patients?

Doctors, we have an attitude problem. A surgeon may ask about the pain, bleeding, wound and other clinical symptoms—and feel the conversation is complete. But the patient may still be wondering: When can I eat? When can I have a head bath? When should I take this medicine? Before food or after? And often, patients don’t ask. They may be overwhelmed, in pain, under medication, or simply unsure of what they should be asking. That’s why a good healthcare team needs someone who can listen to the patient, understand what they’re struggling with, and offer solutions. Sometimes, the doctor isn

Why did a neurosurgeon start a rehabilitation centre?

Saving a life was never enough for him. For Dr. Sharan Srinivasan, becoming a neurosurgeon was never only about operating and saving lives. His deeper goal was to help patients regain function, return to their feet and get back to living as much as possible. It was an emotional decision—one that eventually became the seed for an idea that would take shape many years later as PRS Neurosciences. Because sometimes, the most important part of saving a life is helping someone find their way back to it. In conversation with Dr. Sharan Srinivasan and Mr. Ganapathy 🎥 Watch the full episode on R

₹50 to Fix It. ₹450 to Know How.

₹50 to fix it. ₹450 to know which nut to tighten. A doctor tried to fix a leaking tap at home. Nothing worked. A plumber arrived, tightened one nut, and stopped the leak in two minutes. When the doctor questioned the ₹500 bill, the plumber had a simple answer: “₹50 to tighten the nut. ₹450 to know which nut to tighten.” And that’s the difference between simply doing a task and having the expertise to identify the right problem and the right solution. In medicine, expertise isn’t just about knowing how to treat. It’s knowing what needs to be treated. In conversation with Dr. Sharan Srini

Saving his life wasn’t enough

Saving his life wasn’t enough. Suresh was a young businessman, newly married, when a serious brain injury changed everything. After surgery and a prolonged ICU stay, he survived—but the damage had taken away something fundamental. He couldn’t respond to his own name. He couldn’t recognize his wife. He couldn’t recognize the child who was born while he was going through his illness. For his family, saving his life was only the beginning. And this led to a powerful realization: In neurocare, survival cannot be the only goal. The goal has to be helping the person reconnect, communicate, fu

The clot dissolved. So why wasn’t he recovering?

The scan was better. The patient wasn’t. A patient had suffered a serious brain bleed. Surgery wasn’t required, and after weeks of medical management, a follow-up scan showed that nearly 70–80% of the clot had dissolved. It felt like good news. But when the doctor told the family, the father’s son asked a simple question: “Then why is my father not talking, walking or eating?” That question revealed a crucial distinction in neurorehabilitation: Physical healing is not the same as functional recovery. A clot dissolving does not automatically mean that the person will wake up, walk, speak

Hope is NOT the plan

Hope is not the plan. In rehabilitation, we cannot promise that someone will return to their “fast life” in three months. What we can promise is a structured plan—one that works towards meaningful progress, step by step. Recovery may be slow. It may be frustrating. There may be moments when you feel like giving up. But slow progress is still progress. And while hope gives you the strength to keep going, a plan gives you a direction to follow. In conversation with Dr. Sharan Srinivasan and Mr. Ganapathy. 🎥 Watch the full episode on Rebooting the Brain for more fascinating stories. #Reb

How important is the caregiver in recovery?

The medicine matters. The doctor matters. But so does the person giving the medicine. A treatment can only work when all three work together. If medication isn’t given at the right time or in the right way, the doctor may assume the medicine itself isn’t working—and change the treatment unnecessarily. The same principle applies to rehabilitation. The patient and caregiver are both part of the treatment journey. Especially in neurorehabilitation, caregivers play a crucial role in making sure therapy, medication and daily care continue beyond the treatment session. Because recovery doesn’t

Would you say the same thing to a soldier?

Not every job comes with the luxury of fixed working hours. For the armed forces, the responsibility is 24/7, 365 days a year. There is no “clocking out” when the safety of a nation is at stake. The intensity cannot simply drop because the working day is over. Even a momentary compromise can have consequences far beyond the individual. But this also raises an important question: How much sacrifice can we reasonably expect in the name of nation-building—and where do we draw the line? What do you think? Is the comparison fair? Tell us in the comments. In conversation with Dr. Sharan Srini

A stroke changes two lives

One stroke can change two lives—not one. 🧠❤️ When a husband suddenly has a stroke or a head injury, his wife may suddenly become his caregiver. But she didn’t choose this role. There was no time to prepare. Before the stroke, they had a functioning family, individual responsibilities, personal time and a life they understood. Suddenly, everything changes. The caregiver may have to deal with emotional stress, financial uncertainty, physical exhaustion and sleep deprivation—often while spending long hours outside an ICU, waiting and hoping. We prepare families for the patient’s medical nee

Functional Independence After Stroke & Brain Injury:The Science of Neurorehabilitation| Ganapathy A.

Disclaimer: This content is created purely for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. What does independence really mean after a stroke, brain injury, or neurological condition? We often think of recovery as being able to walk again. But true recovery goes far beyond movement. It is about being able to perform everyday activities, participate in family and community life, return to work, and live with as much independence as possible. In this special Independence Day episode of Rebooting th

What Does Independence Really Mean After a Brain Injury? | ft. Mr. Ganapathy Arumugham

Independence is something we often take for granted—until a stroke, brain injury, or neurological condition suddenly takes it away. What does it really mean for a person to become independent after neurological injury? Is it simply being able to walk? Or is it being able to dress yourself, eat, use the bathroom, move around your home, return to work, and participate in life again? In this special Independence Day episode of Rebooting the Brain, we are joined by Mr. Ganapathy Arumugham, Senior Occupational Therapist, Head of the Department of Occupational Therapy, Advanced Neuro Rehab Specia

Do we need more doctors or more hospitals?

Is healthcare actually saturated—or are the jobs? 🩺 There’s a big difference between saying “there aren’t enough jobs for doctors” and saying “there is no need for more doctors.” With a population of around 1.4 billion and tens of thousands of hospitals, the healthcare workforce and the number of healthcare organizations aren’t necessarily growing at the same rate. So yes, jobs can be saturated. But does that mean the healthcare needs of the population have been met? If every specialty were truly saturated, there would be no patients left to treat. The real question may not be “Are there

Do you love medical series?

Most medical shows entertain. This one actually teaches. 🧠🎬 From Grey’s Anatomy and Scrubs to House MD and The Good Doctor, medical dramas usually balance storytelling with medical information. But Starting Troubles takes a very different approach. Across all six episodes, the story is packed with real neurological and neurosurgical concepts—from tremors and surgical options to rehabilitation and its role in recovery. It’s entertainment, but it’s also designed to make people understand what actually happens to the brain and how patients can recover. In conversation with Dr. Sharan Srini

If you get lost in a familiar place, don’t ignore it

He went to the bank. He couldn’t find his way home. 🧠 A man went to a familiar place in his neighbourhood—but when it was time to return, he couldn’t figure out how to get home. This can be a form of visual-spatial or geographical disorientation, where the brain struggles to understand and navigate familiar surroundings. The visual system has different pathways involved in recognizing objects, colours and faces and in understanding where we are in space. When these networks are affected, navigation can become surprisingly difficult. This can occur with conditions such as stroke, dementia,

What is Bheja Unfry?

It's not just a story—it's a reflection of real life. In this insightful conversation, Dr. Sharan Srinivasan and Dr. Jagdish Chaturvedi discuss Bheja Unfry and the powerful message behind every doctor's journey, every patient's struggle, and why "You are my business. Have you watched Bheja Unfry yet? Share your thoughts below! #PRSPerspective #DrSharanSrinivasan #DrJagdishChaturvedi #BhejaUnfry #DoctorLife #Healthcare #WebSeries #RebootingTheBrain

Why did a doctor want to make a web series???

What started as frustration over poor brain health awareness became a movement that reached thousands. In this fascinating conversation, Dr. Sharan Srinivasan and Dr. Jagdish Chaturvedi reveal how a single phone call—and one unconventional idea—led to the making of bheja unfry Sometimes, the biggest changes begin with the simplest conversations. Would you watch a play that could change how people think about neuroscience #DrSharanSrinivasan #DrJagdishChaturvedi #EpilepsyAwareness #RebootingTheBrain #HealthcareInnovation #Storytelling #BrainHealth #MedicalEducation