B. S. Singhal
Neurology · Multiple Sclerosis
India
Overview
Doyen of Indian Neurology, discoverer of 'Singhal's Disease', and founder of the MS Society of India.
Biography
Executive Summary
Dr. Bhimsen Singhal (Dr. B. S. Singhal) is the doyen of Indian Neurology and a globally respected authority on Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Parkinson's Disease. Currently the Director of Neurology at Bombay Hospital, he is credited with defining the clinical profile of MS in India, debunking the earlier belief that the disease was rare in the subcontinent. He is the founder of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of India (MSSI) and the Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorder Society (PDMDS).
Early Life and Education
Born in Mount Abu, Dr. Singhal completed his medical education at Grant Medical College, Mumbai. He proceeded to the United Kingdom for advanced training at the prestigious Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, returning to India in 1962 to dedicate his life to serving his countrymen.
Professional Career
Dr. Singhal has headed the Department of Neurology at Bombay Hospital for over five decades. His clinic has been the last court of appeal for complex neurological cases from across India and Africa. He has held the presidency of the Neurological Society of India and the Asian Oceanian Association of Neurology.
Key Contributions & Innovations
- Megalencephalic Leukoencephalopathy with subcortical Cysts (MLC): He identified and characterized a unique form of leukodystrophy prevalent in the Agrawal community, now globally recognized as Singhal's Disease (or MLC). His collaboration with Dutch researchers led to the identification of the gene responsible for this condition.
- Multiple Sclerosis in India: His epidemiological studies laid the foundation for understanding the prevalence and phenotype of MS in Indian populations, leading to better diagnostic protocols.
- Patient Advocacy: By founding MSSI and PDMDS, he created the first robust support ecosystems for patients with chronic neurodegenerative diseases in India.
Awards and Recognition
- Padma Shri (2022): Honored for his distinguished service in Medicine.
- Dr. B.C. Roy National Award: For developing the specialty of Neurology in India.
- Dhanvantari Award: For outstanding contributions to medical science.
Legacy
Dr. Singhal's impact transcends clinical practice. He championed the cause of 'Non-Communicable Diseases' when infectious diseases still dominated the Indian health agenda. At 91, he remains active in research and philanthropy, embodying the highest ideals of the medical profession.
Affiliations & Institutions
Research Impact
Published In
Key Publications
Tissue signals imprint ILC2 identity with anticipatory function
CRISPR-mediated activation of a promoter or enhancer rescues obesity caused by haploinsufficiency
Global absence and targeting of protective immune states in severe COVID-19
A defect in COPI-mediated transport of STING causes immune dysregulation in COPA syndrome
Discovering dominant tumor immune archetypes in a pan-cancer census
Areas of Expertise
Medical Specialties
Clinical Knowledge & Procedures
Media Archive
