Dr. Shankar Balakrishnan

Dr. Shankar Balakrishnan is Clinical Lead of the Department of Neurology and Neurosciences at Rela Hospital in Chennai, and a specialist Interventional Neurologist with over 21 years of clinical experience. He holds a DM in Neurology from the Institute of Neurology at Madras Medical College and a prestigious Fellowship in Interventional Neuroradiology (FINR) from the University of Zurich, Switzerland, completed in 2018. This combination of credentials positions him as one of India's leading endovascular neuro-intervention specialists, with particular recognition for managing the most complex cases involving cerebral and spinal vascular disorders.

Dr. Balakrishnan's clinical depth spans diagnostic and interventional cerebral angiography, mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke, intracranial aneurysm coiling, arteriovenous malformation embolization, carotid and intracranial arterial stenting, flow diverter placement, and dural arteriovenous fistula management. He is recognized as the first physician in the Indian subcontinent to successfully implant a spinal cord pacemaker to restore mobility in paralyzed children—a pioneering neuromodulation achievement that underscores his innovation and technical mastery. His work volumes and procedural outcomes reflect the high-complexity case load managed at Rela Hospital's interventional suite.

International patients from the Gulf region, Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Commonwealth benefit from Dr. Balakrishnan's English fluency and his team's established international patient protocols. He has built a multidisciplinary rehabilitation centre in South India—the first of its kind in the region—comprising 13 specialists across seven clinical domains, inaugurated by the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. His reputation extends across the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Seychelles, Maldives, Fiji, UAE, and African nations, reflecting his standing as a trusted center for complex neurological and neurovascular care.

Rela Hospital, where Dr. Balakrishnan leads the neurology and neuroradiology services, is among South India's most accredited multispecialty centers, known for its advanced interventional suites, intensive care capacity, and dedicated international patient services. The hospital's combination of cutting-edge imaging (DSA, CTA, MRI), on-site ICU, and 24/7 acute stroke capability makes it an ideal destination for patients requiring emergency or elective neuro-intervention. International patients can expect seamless coordination from initial consultation through discharge and follow-up, with multilingual support and visa facilitation through Gaf Healthcare's concierge services.