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Best Neurologists for Multiple Sclerosis Disease-Modifying Therapy in Chennai, India

This page lists 1 multiple sclerosis disease-modifying therapy doctor in Chennai, India. Review each doctor's experience, specialty and hospital, then contact our care team for help with the next step.

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This page lists 1 multiple sclerosis disease-modifying therapy doctor in Chennai, India. Review each doctor's experience, specialty and hospital, then contact our care team for help with the next step.

About Multiple Sclerosis Disease-Modifying Therapy doctors in Chennai, India

This directory is based on doctors currently listed in GAF Healthcare's registry. Clinical suitability varies by patient; a doctor should review your history and investigations before any treatment decision.

Multiple Sclerosis Disease-Modifying Therapy doctors

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Dr. Rajendran S

MD, DM (Neurology), MRCP, MSc (Neurology)
Senior Consultant, Neurology · Specialty: Neurologist
Apollo Hospital, Chennai Chennai, India30+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
  • 30+ years of experience in Neurologist
  • Currently serving as Senior Consultant, Neurology at Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road, Chennai.
  • Has practised clinical neurology for over 30 years, managing complex neurological conditions across a broad patient population.
Expertise & Procedures
  • Epilepsy Diagnosis and Medical Management
  • Drug-Resistant Epilepsy Evaluation and Treatment
  • Acute Stroke Assessment and Treatment
  • Stroke Rehabilitation Planning
  • Parkinson's Disease Management
View all procedures →
Neurologist Experience: 30+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Apollo Hospital, Chennai
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Hospitals where these doctors practise

Why consider treatment in India?

Many international patients consider India for multiple sclerosis (ms) treatment for several reasons, including:

More affordable estimates

Competitive indicative costs compared with many other countries, for similar clinical standards.

Internationally accredited hospitals

Hospitals experienced in treating international patients.

Experienced specialists

Doctors who regularly manage similar cases.

Care coordination support

A team to help with planning, medical translation and follow-up.

About the Procedure

What is Multiple Sclerosis Disease-Modifying Therapy?

Multiple Sclerosis Disease-Modifying Therapy (DMT) refers to a range of medications and infusion protocols designed to reduce the frequency and severity of MS relapses, slow disability progression, and limit new lesion formation on MRI. Treatment selection depends on disease subtype (relapsing-remitting, secondary progressive, or primary progressive), disease activity, and patient tolerance. India offers globally recognized neurology centers providing DMT initiation, infusion therapy, and long-term monitoring at significantly lower cost than Western countries.

Who may be considered?

Multiple Sclerosis Disease-Modifying Therapy may be considered after a qualified specialist reviews your reports and medical history. Suitability varies from person to person and must be assessed by your treating doctor.

How does it work?

Monoclonal antibody infusions given at scheduled intervals under neurologist supervision, commonly used for active relapsing-remitting or progressive MS.

3 approaches available for this procedure:

High-Efficacy Infusion Therapy (Ocrelizumab / Rituximab / Natalizumab)

Most Popular

Monoclonal antibody infusions given at scheduled intervals under neurologist supervision, commonly used for active relapsing-remitting or progressive MS.

Comprehensive Investigations

Estimated cost: $300 - $900

Brain and spinal cord MRI with contrast, CBC, liver function tests, Hepatitis B/C screening, TB screening (Quantiferon/CT chest), JC virus antibody test, immunoglobulin levels, ECG

Treatment / Procedure Estimate

Estimated cost in India: $3,500 - $9,000

Stay in India

Pre-procedure stay (outside hospital): ~2 days
Hospitalisation: ~2-3 days (per infusion cycle)
Recovery period (outside hospital): ~3-5 days recommended
Total stay: approx 7-10 days

Usually Included in Hospital Package

  • Neurology consultation and MS specialist review
  • Infusion therapy in monitored day-care/hospital setting
  • Pre-infusion premedication and monitoring
  • Baseline MRI review
  • Nursing care during infusion

Usually Not Included

  • Cost of biologic medication if imported separately
  • Long-term repeat infusion cycles
  • Airfare and companion accommodation
  • Visa and travel insurance

Recovery and follow-up

Most patients resume normal activities within a few days after infusion or oral therapy initiation, with periodic neurology follow-up and MRI monitoring every 6-12 months; AHSCT patients require a longer immune-recovery period of 3-6 months with close infection monitoring.

Risks

Risks vary by therapy and include infusion reactions, increased infection susceptibility, liver enzyme abnormalities, and rare but serious complications such as progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) with certain infusion drugs; AHSCT carries higher risks including infection, bleeding, and treatment-related mortality.

Alternatives

Alternatives include symptom-focused management with physiotherapy and steroids for acute relapses, lower-efficacy first-line injectable DMTs (interferon beta, glatiramer acetate), or continued observation with regular MRI monitoring for very mild or stable disease.

What we need to prepare a formal estimate

Share whatever you have — the care team will confirm the final checklist after reviewing your case.

Reports required

  • Recent brain and spinal cord MRI reports (with and without contrast)
  • Neurologist's clinical notes and MS diagnosis history
  • Relapse history and EDSS disability score
  • Current and past DMT medication records
  • Recent blood test results (CBC, liver/kidney function)
  • Lumbar puncture/CSF analysis report, if available
  • Visual evoked potential or OCT report, if performed
  • List of current medications and allergies

Patient information needed

  • MS subtype (relapsing-remitting, secondary/primary progressive)
  • Duration since diagnosis and number of relapses
  • Current mobility status and level of assistance needed
  • Any prior DMT use and reasons for switching, if applicable
  • Existing comorbidities (cardiac, hepatic, autoimmune conditions)
  • Pregnancy status or family planning considerations
  • Vaccination history and infection screening status
  • Preferred travel companion and accommodation needs

Costs shown are indicative planning estimates based on typical pricing across leading Indian hospitals. They are not a quote — actual pricing depends on your case complexity, hospital choice, and length of stay. Share your reports for a personalized estimate.

Want a formal estimate?

Share your reports and patient information so our care coordination team can review your case.

How this directory is built

Doctors are matched using the specialty, location, condition (Multiple Sclerosis Disease-Modifying Therapy) and procedure (Multiple Sclerosis Disease-Modifying Therapy) recorded in their profiles. Inclusion is not an endorsement and does not guarantee a treatment outcome.

Need help with the next step?

Share your needs with our care coordination team for information about doctors and hospitals.

Common questions

FAQs about Multiple Sclerosis Disease-Modifying Therapy in Chennai, India

What is Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a long-term autoimmune condition in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the protective myelin coating around nerve fibres in the brain and spinal cord, impairing nerve signal transmission. It can follow different clinical courses, most commonly a relapsing-remitting pattern, but may also be progressive from onset or over time.
What are the symptoms and health risks of Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?
People with MS may experience a broad spectrum of symptoms including visual disturbances (such as optic neuritis), limb weakness or numbness, balance and coordination problems, spasticity, bladder dysfunction, fatigue, and difficulties with memory or concentration. Symptoms can vary considerably between individuals and may fluctuate — improving, worsening, or accumulating depending on disease course and activity. Experiencing any of these symptoms does not by itself confirm a diagnosis of MS, and a formal clinical evaluation is necessary to distinguish MS from other neurological conditions.
How is Multiple Sclerosis (MS) diagnosed?
Diagnosis of MS is typically guided by the McDonald Criteria, which integrate clinical findings with MRI evidence of lesions disseminated in space and time within the central nervous system. A neurologist will take a detailed history of symptom episodes, perform a full neurological examination, and usually request brain and spinal cord MRI scans, often with and without contrast, to identify characteristic plaques. Additional investigations such as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis for oligoclonal bands, visual evoked potentials (VEPs), and blood tests to exclude other conditions may also be used, with the overall pattern — rather than any single result — informing the diagnosis and classification of MS subtype (e.g. relapsing-remitting, secondary progressive, primary progressive).
How is Multiple Sclerosis (MS) treated?
Treatment for MS is highly individualised and is guided by disease subtype, relapse frequency, severity of disability (often tracked using the Expanded Disability Status Scale, or EDSS), and MRI activity. Non-procedural approaches form the cornerstone of management for most patients and include disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) to reduce relapse rates and slow progression, as well as symptom-specific medications and rehabilitation. In selected cases where conventional DMTs have not provided adequate disease control, more intensive procedural interventions — such as haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) — may be considered, always within the context of a specialist multidisciplinary team and individual risk-benefit assessment.
Can Multiple Sclerosis (MS) be treated without a procedure?
The primary management pathway for MS is non-surgical. Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) — ranging from first-line oral or injectable agents to higher-efficacy infusion-based treatments — are used to suppress immune activity, reduce relapses, and limit new lesion formation. Complementary non-pharmacological support including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, cognitive rehabilitation, psychological support, and lifestyle measures (regular exercise, smoking cessation, vitamin D optimisation) play an important role alongside medication in maintaining quality of life and function.
When is Multiple Sclerosis Disease-Modifying Therapy considered for Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?
Multiple Sclerosis Disease-Modifying Therapy may be considered only when it is appropriate for the confirmed diagnosis and the expected benefit outweighs the individual risks. The decision may depend on symptom severity, investigation results, previous treatment, overall health and the patient's goals. A specialist should discuss alternatives and recovery before any procedure is planned.
Which doctor treats Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?
MS is evaluated and managed primarily by a neurologist with specialist expertise in demyelinating diseases or neuroimmunology; many centres operate dedicated MS clinics where neurologists work alongside MS specialist nurses, physiotherapists, and other allied health professionals. In cases where advanced intervention such as stem cell therapy is being considered, a haematologist with experience in HSCT for neurological conditions may also be involved.
How do I choose a doctor for Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?
When selecting a specialist or centre for MS care, it is worth comparing the neurologist's experience specifically with MS and the range of DMTs they routinely prescribe, including access to higher-efficacy therapies, as well as the availability of a multidisciplinary MS team, MRI facilities, and structured long-term follow-up and monitoring protocols.
What documents do international patients need to share for a medical evaluation?
Share a concise medical summary, symptom timeline, previous diagnoses, investigation and imaging reports, procedure or biopsy reports where relevant, current medicines, allergies and related treatment records. Provide clear copies with translations when needed. The reviewing doctor may request additional information before giving an opinion.
How does GAF Healthcare help international patients plan treatment in India?
Our care coordination team can review the initial information, help identify suitable doctors and hospitals, request a medical opinion where available, explain next steps and indicative cost information, and support practical planning before travel. A remote opinion does not replace an in-person examination or emergency care.
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