I visited Lalbaug Diagnostics on a busy weekday afternoon, notebook in hand, to better understand how advanced neurological care is delivered in an urban Indian setting. As a medical journalist, my work focuses on context—how complex treatments are explained, delivered, and experienced by patients. My interview with Dr. Manish Baldia, a functional neurosurgeon whose work is often discussed in relation to the Cost of DBS surgery in Mumbai, provided a grounded, clinical view of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) beyond headlines and cost figures.
Meeting Dr. Manish Baldia: Qualifications and Training
Dr. Manish Baldia professional background reflects extensive training in neurosurgery, with subspecialization in functional neurosurgical procedures. He holds advanced qualifications in neurosurgery and has undergone focused training in movement disorder surgery, including Deep Brain Stimulation. DBS is a highly specialized intervention that requires precision, multidisciplinary coordination, and long-term follow-up—skills developed through years of structured training.
During our conversation, Dr. Baldia emphasized that functional neurosurgery differs from conventional neurosurgery in its goals. Rather than removing tumors or relieving pressure, DBS aims to modulate neural circuits. This, he noted, demands not only surgical expertise but also close collaboration with neurologists, psychiatrists, and rehabilitation teams. His role as a Neuro Doctor in Mumbai places him within this collaborative framework rather than as a standalone decision-maker.
Clinical Experience and Scope of Practice
Dr. Baldia’s clinical experience spans several years of managing complex neurological conditions, particularly movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, dystonia, and essential tremor. According to him, DBS is typically considered only after medical therapy has been optimized and symptoms remain disabling.
He described DBS as a journey rather than a single event—beginning with patient selection, followed by detailed imaging, surgery, device programming, and long-term monitoring. His experience includes managing both primary DBS procedures and follow-up adjustments, which are critical to achieving functional improvement.
Because of this sustained involvement in Parkinson’s care, some patients and professional discussions refer to him as the Best doctor for Parkinsons in Mumbai. In our discussion, however, Dr. Baldia consistently redirected attention to team-based outcomes and patient adherence rather than individual reputation.
Inside Lalbaug Diagnostics: Environment and Clinical Setup
Lalbaug Diagnostics, located in Parel, Mumbai, functions as a consultation and diagnostic hub rather than a surgical hospital. During my visit, the environment appeared structured and clinically oriented, with a steady flow of patients attending neurological consultations. The setup supports detailed evaluation, review of imaging, and long-term follow-up—essential components of DBS care.
Surgical procedures are performed at tertiary-care hospitals such as Wockhardt Hospital and Ruby Hall Hospital, where infrastructure supports advanced neurosurgery, anesthesia, and post-operative monitoring. Dr. Baldia practices across these locations, allowing continuity between outpatient evaluation and hospital-based intervention.
The clinic setup reflects an emphasis on planning and counseling. DBS candidates often require multiple consultations before surgery is even considered, and the space allows for these extended discussions.
Understanding Deep Brain Stimulation: Benefits and Risks
Deep Brain Stimulation is primarily used to manage symptoms of movement disorders that are not adequately controlled with medication. Dr. Baldia outlined the potential benefits in clinical terms:
- Reduction in tremors, rigidity, and motor fluctuations
- Improved daily functioning and independence
- Decreased reliance on high-dose medications in some patients
- Adjustable and reversible nature compared to ablative surgery
However, he was equally clear about risks. DBS is brain surgery, and risks include bleeding, infection, hardware-related complications, and transient neurological effects. There are also risks associated with stimulation itself, such as speech changes or mood alterations, which require careful programming and follow-up.
Dr. Baldia stressed that DBS does not cure underlying neurological disease. Instead, it helps manage symptoms, and outcomes depend heavily on patient selection and post-operative care.
Cost of DBS Surgery: A General Overview
When discussing the Cost of DBS surgery in Mumbai, Dr. Baldia emphasized that it varies widely. Costs are influenced by factors such as the type of DBS system used, hospital charges, duration of stay, and the need for ongoing programming sessions. In Mumbai, DBS surgery generally falls into a higher cost bracket compared to most neurological procedures due to the technology involved.
He cautioned against focusing solely on upfront cost. Long-term considerations—such as device longevity, follow-up programming, and access to care—are equally important. He also noted that some components of DBS care are ongoing, extending beyond the surgical admission.
Precautions and Aftercare Advice Shared During the Interview
A significant portion of our conversation focused on preparation and aftercare. Dr. Baldia outlined several precautions patients are advised to take:
- Undergo thorough neurological and psychiatric evaluation before surgery
- Ensure realistic expectations regarding outcomes
- Optimize general health conditions prior to the procedure
After surgery, aftercare becomes a long-term commitment. Patients typically require:
- Regular follow-up visits for device programming
- Monitoring for infection or hardware-related issues
- Medication adjustments in coordination with neurologists
- Support from caregivers during recovery and adaptation
Dr. Baldia noted that patients who actively engage in follow-up tend to experience more consistent symptom control.
DBS in an Urban Indian Context
In a city like Mumbai, access to advanced neurosurgical care has expanded, but awareness remains uneven. Dr. Baldia observed that many patients delay evaluation due to fear, cost concerns, or misinformation. Discussions around the Cost of DBS surgery in Mumbai often dominate initial conversations, sometimes overshadowing the importance of suitability and long-term planning.
He emphasized that DBS is not appropriate for every patient with Parkinson’s disease or tremor. Careful screening and counseling are essential to avoid unrealistic expectations and unnecessary risk.
Reflections from the Visit
As I concluded my visit to Lalbaug Diagnostics, one observation stood out: DBS is as much about decision-making as it is about technology. Dr. Manish Baldia approach reflects a cautious, structured philosophy—one that places patient understanding and long-term care at the center of treatment.
📍 Clinic Address:
Lalbaug Diagnostics
Clinic Hours: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Phone: 096767 67507
Practicing Locations: Wockhardt Hospital, Lalbaug Diagnostics, Ruby Hall Hospital
