Dr. Shankar Balakrishnan

Professional Summary

Dr. Shankar Balakrishnan is a dynamic Interventional Neurologist and Clinical Lead in the Department of Neurology and Neurosciences at Rela Hospital, Chennai. He is both a Paediatric and Adult Neurologist with specialized fellowship training in Endovascular Neuro-intervention from the University of Zurich, Switzerland. With over 8 years of experience, he is recognized as one of the youngest Endovascular Neuro Intervention Specialists, managing the most complex cases involving brain and spine vascular disorders. Dr. Balakrishnan has earned distinction as the first doctor in the Indian subcontinent to help paralyzed children walk using a pacemaker for the spinal cord — a pioneering achievement in neuromodulation. He established a first-of-its-kind in-house rehabilitation team in South India, comprising 13 professionals across 7 different domains, working under one roof. This rehabilitation centre was inaugurated by the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Mr. M.K. Stalin, underscoring the significance of his contributions. His team's work has earned recognition and credibility across international regions including the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Seychelles, Maldives, Fiji, UAE, and Africa. Dr. Balakrishnan is proficient in diagnostic cerebral angiograms, procedural angiograms, and the diagnosis and treatment of chronic neurological diseases, making him a trusted choice for patients seeking advanced neurological and neurovascular care.

Specializations

• Interventional Neuroradiology

Procedures & Expertise

• Mechanical Thrombectomy
• Intracranial Aneurysm Coiling
• Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) Embolization
• Carotid Artery Stenting
• Intracranial Arterial Stenting
• Flow Diverter Placement
• Dural Arteriovenous Fistula Embolization
• Pediatric Vascular Malformation Embolization

Education & Qualifications

• FINR — Fellowship in Interventional Neuroradiology

  University of Zurich, Switzerland, 2018

• DM (Neurology)

  Institute of Neurology, Madras Medical College, Dr. Tamil Nadu MGR Medical University, Chennai, India, July 2015

• MD (Paediatrics)

  NHL Medical College, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, India, 2010

• MBBS

  Stanley Medical College, Dr. M.G.R Medical University, Chennai, India, 2005

Hospital Affiliations

• Rela Hospital, Chennai, India

Awards & Recognition

• Awarded the prestigious Prof. CUV Gold Medal for "All Rounder Best Outgoing of The Year" in DM Neurology, 2015
• Most Admired and Innovative Neurologist of the Year 2022 by Iconic Healthcare Summit and Awards 2022

Affiliations & Memberships

• Member, American Academy of Neurology (AAN)
• Member, International Movement Disorder Society (MDS)
• Member, International Headache Society (IHS)
• Member, Indian Academy of Neurology (IAN)
• Member, Indian Association of Epilepsy (IAE)
• Member, Stroke and Neurointervention Foundation (SNIF)
• Member, European Society of Minimally Invasive Neurological Therapy (ESMINT)
• Member, International Neuromodulation Society (INS)