CHILD NEUROLOGY DIVISION
The Child Neurology Division was established in 1974. Over the last 30 years it has
grown into an academic division of national and international reputation.
The Division has implemented several research projects of the World Health
Organization; Department of Science & Technology; Medical Research Council, UK;
Indian Council of Medical Research; Department of Biotechnology and All India
Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. It has made significant contributions towards
development of the specialty, education and reduction of childhood neuromorbidity.
Activities include clinical work, training, initiation of DM (Child Neurology), advocacy,
research and networking.
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1. Faculty and staff
2. Patient services: (OPD, Inpatient, Lab services)
3. Research
4. Training/ courses
5. Events/ Notices
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CURRICULUM VITAE
Prof. Veena Kalra
Thirty years of experience in Clinical Pediatrics, teaching and research relating to Child
Neurology. Established services for Electrophysiology, blood lead estimation,
neurometabolic tests, neonatal screening and psychometric evaluation. Developed a
computer based kit for children with learning disabilities (copyrighted).
Education: Delhi University (India) MBBS (1968); AIIMS (New Delhi) MD (1972).
Awards: Distinguished academic career. Topped in Academics since 1963. WHO
Research Training Grant Awardee (worked at MRC). Cambridge University, U.K. and
WHO Laboratory, Geneva (1981); ST Achar Endowment Award for Best Clinical
Research of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (1983); Kanishka Award for Medical
Education.
Publications: Over 153 original research publications in areas of child neurology,
hepatic and neuro-genetic disorders of children. Guided 46 MD/Ph.D thesis; 6 DM
thesis. Authored over 45 chapters for Indian and Foreign medical text books. Authored
text books entitled, `Practical Pediatric Neurology’ in 2002; “Development through
activity” in 2004, several monographs and patient friendly literature
National and International Membership of Scientific Bodies

Fellow, Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP)

Fellow, National Academy of Medical Sciences

Fellow, National Academy of Sciences

Founder Member, IAP’s Child Neurology Chapter

Executive Board Member of International Child Neurology Association

Chairperson, International Child Neurology Education Committee of ICNA
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
Member, Membership Advisory Committees – ICNA

President, Asian & Oceanian Child Neurology Association

Active Member, Child Neurology Society, USA

Member, Oxford & Cambridge Society of India

Member, Indian Academy of Pediatrics

President and founding member, Association of Child Neurology

Indian Epilepsy Society

Founder Member, Indian Society for Inborn Errors of Metabolism
Editorial Boards – Journal of Child Neurology (USA); Pediatric Neurology (USA),
Journal of Pediatric Neurology, Turkey, Indian Journal of Pediatrics, Indian Pediatrics,
Indian Journal of Medical Research, National Medical Journal of India, Pediatrics Today
etc.
Important International Conferences Organized:

Expert Group Meeting of SAARC Pediatricians for Reduction of Childhood
Neurological Morbidity (15-19 January 2000)

International Child Neurology Education Conference (17-19 November 2000,
New Delhi)

2nd SAARC Group Meeting on Reduction of Childhood Neurolomorbidity (7-11
August 2002, New Delhi)

8th Asian & Oceanian Congress on Child Neurology ( 7-10th October; 2004)
Resource Person: National Board of Examinations; Ministry of Health & Family
Welfare; Ministry of Welfare; Department of Science & Technology; Indian Council of
Medical Research; Examiner in Pediatrics of India and Foreign Universities; US
Department of Health & Human Service (Childhood disability); International Ciudad
University, Mexico (Childhood Neuro-cysticercosis).
Areas of Interests: Promoting programmes for Child Neurology Education world-wide;
Initiated a DM Course in Child Neurology at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences,
New Delhi; Clinical, research on- CNS infections, Epilepsy, Febrile convulsions,
Neurocysticerosis, Neuro metabolic disorders. Malnutrition and brain development, Lead
screening & poisoning in community, Neuromuscular disorders, Learning Disability and
Developmental disabilities, Initiated newborn screening programme.
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Administrative responsibilities: Hospital management board, store purchase, Hostels,
undergraduate curriculum, AIIMS Research grant etc.
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CURRICULUM VITAE
Dr Sheffali Gulati
Working as Associate Professor, joined as a faculty in July 2000. Helped in the
establishment of Electrophysiology services in the Department.
Academic Qualifications: MBBS (AIIMS) December, 1992; MD Pediatrics (AIIMS)
December, 1996
Publications: Her major research publications in Indian and International journals have
been in the field of Child Neurology. She has written chapters in books in the same field
and has assisted Professor Veena Kalra in authoring and editing a book on Practical
Pediatric Neurology
Membership of Scientific Bodies: Elected as Member of National Academy of Medical
Sciences, India, December, 2005. Executive Board member (2004) Delhi branch, IAP;
Life member, Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP); Life member, Neurological Society of
India; Life member, International Child Neurology Association; Executive member &
Life member, Association of Child Neurology; Life member, Asian & Oceanian Child
Neurology Association; Life member, Indian Epilepsy Society; Life Associate Member,
of Indian Academy of Neurology; Life member, Genetics Chapter of Indian Academy of
Pediatrics; Life member, Child Neurology Chapter of Indian Academy of Pediatrics,
Founder Member, Indian Society for Inborn Errors of Metabolism
Editorial board member / Reviewer of Articles for International & National
Journals: Editorial Board Member of Indian Pediatrics & Indian Journal of Pediatrics;
Reviewer for Acta Pediatrica, Medical Science Monitor, Indian Journal of Pediatrics,
Indian Pediatrics, Neurology India, Indian Journal of Medical Sciences, Indian Journal of
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Clinical Biochemistry, Pediatric Clinics of India, The National Medical Journal of India;
Co-editor of the News letter of Association of Child Neurology.
Areas of Interest:
Has helped in establishing the electrophysiology services in the Department. Her special
interests are neurometabolic disorders, neurogenetics, neurocysticercosis, febrile
convulsions, epilepsy, neuromuscular disorders, electrophysiology and developmental
disabilities.
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1.
Faculty and staff
Head, Child Neurology Division
Professor Veena Kalra, MD, FAMS, FNASc
Chief, Child Neurology Division
Head, Department of Pediatrics
All India Institute of Medical Sciences
Ansari Nagar, New Delhi-110 029
Phone: +91-11-26593209, +91-11-26594424
Fax:
+91-11-26588663
Email:
kalra_veena@hotmail.com;
kalra.veena@gmail.com
Co-ordinator
Dr. Sheffali Gulati, MD
Associate Professor, Child Neurology Division
Department of Pediatrics
All India Institute of Medical Sciences
Ansari Nagar, New Delhi-110 029
Phone: +91-11-26588500, 26588700 extn 4679
Fax: 91 11 26588663
E-mail:sheffalig@yahoo.com; sheffaligulati@gmail.com
Staff:
Mrs. Savita Sapra, Child Psychologist
Mrs. Sumita Gupta, Physiotherapist
Mrs Sushila, EEG technician
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2.
Patient services: (OPD, Inpatient, Lab services)
Facilities for Patient Care

OPD: Tuesday & Friday: Room No. 3 & 9; 9 am onwards

Developmental Clinic: Monday: Room No: 12, 13; 2 pm onwards: For patients
with developmental delay/ regression and High Risk follow up.

Neurocysticercosis clinic: Monday: Room No. 8; 2 pm onwards

Pediatric Neurology Clinic(PNC): Wednesday: Room No 7,8, 14; 2 pm
onwards:- New cases & PNC file by appointment:- Counter in OPD; Old cases
appointment:- Room 8 in OPD on Wednesday 2pm onwards or Room 3058
Pediatric Office (Mr Suresh): Caters to patients with a wide spectrum of
neurological problems including epilepsy, stroke, ataxia, degenerative brain
disease,
cerebral
palsy,
mental
retardation
etc.
Annual
registrations:
Approximately 6500 old and 2000 new cases.

Myopathy Clinic: Friday: Room No: 7,8; 2 pm onwards: Caters to patients with
a wide spectrum of neuromuscular disorders including muscular dystrophies,
congenital myopathies, hereditary neuropathies, spinal muscular atrophy and
acute flaccid paralysis. Annual registrations: Approximately 1150 old and 250
new cases.
Inpatient Services
Pediatrics Unit II: C V ward
Investigations available:
Pediatrics Department Room No. 3057
Incharge: Professor Veena Kalra
Contact person: Dr. Sheffali Gulati
EEG technician: Ms Sushila

Blood Lead estimation: Appointment from Pediatric Department room no. 3055/
3057 or Tuesday/ Friday 9am onwards in Room No.3, 9 or Wednesday 2 pm
onwards in Room No. 8, 14.
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
Needle electromyography: Tuesday, Thursday 2.00 pm onwards in Room No.
3057. Appointment from Room 3055/ 3057 or Tuesday/ Friday 9am onwards in
Room No. 9 or Wednesday 2 pm onwards in Room No. 8, 14.

Motor nerve conduction studies, sensory nerve conduction studies, F wave:
Tuesday, Thursday 2pm onwards in Room No. 3057. Appointment from Room
3055/ 3057 or Tuesday/ Friday 9am onwards in Room No. 9 or Wednesday 2 pm
onwards in Room No. 8, 14

Brainstem auditory evoked responses: Tuesday, Thursday 2pm onwards in
Room No. 3057. Appointment from Room 3055/ 3057 or Tuesday/ Friday 9am
onwards in Room No. 9 or Wednesday 2 pm onwards in Room No. 8, 14

Visual evoked responses: Pattern and Flash: Tuesday, Thursday 2pm onwards
in Room No. 3057. Appointment from Room 3055/ 3057 or Tuesday/ Friday 9am
onwards in Room No. 9 or Wednesday 2 pm onwards in Room No. 8, 14

Electroencephalography: All 6 working days a week in Room No. 3057.
Appointment from Room 3057/ 3058 Mrs Sushila

Blood/ CSF Lactate: Through Pediatric Unit II Senior resident Place: CV ward;
Criticare lab, DV ward

DQ, IQ, Behavioral assessment, stimulation: Prior appointment. Place:
Pediatric OPD Room no. 6 on Tuesday, Friday 9am onwards; Wednesday
2pm onwards, Room No 6; Monday 2pm onwards in Room No. 3. Contact
person: Mrs Savita Sapra
Charges levied for any tests so far:
EEG: Rs 200/-
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3.
Research
List of research work done/ in progress
Seizures/ epilepsy

Febrile seizures: Role of per rectal diazepam; trial of oral diazepam versus
clobazam; rectal diazepam versus oral phenobarbitone

Acute childhood seizure: Intranasal Midazolam versus per rectal diazepam

Evaluation of intractable seizures: causes, early markers, investigations in
intractable epilepsy – MRI epilepsy protocol, SPECT, EEG, Presurgical work
up.

Drug trials- clobazam, lamotrigine, vigabatrin, Divalproate

An international phase 3 study titled “A Randomized, Open Label,
Multicenter Study With Open-Label Extension of the Pharmacokinetics and
Safety of Topiramate Administered as the Oral liquid and Sprinkle
Formulations as an Adjunct to Concurrent Anticonvulsant Therapy in Infants
(Aged 1 to 23 months, Inclusive) With Refractory Partial-Onset Seizures”
(Protocol TOPMAT-PEP-1002 Phase I”

Trials for Neurocysticercosis-Anti – epileptic drug regimens cysticidal drug
trials, community intervention programme, low dose regime for multiple
NCC.

Effect of short term phenytoin monotherapy on bone mineral density in
ambulatory epileptic children.

Study of antinuclear antibody and antiphospholipid antibody in intractable
epilepsy.
Neuroinfections

Role of countercurrent immunoelectrophoresis, LDH, LDH isoenzymes, ADA
in CNS infections

Viral encephalitis: Identification of Japanese B encephalitis using indirect
immunoflouresce in CSF, virus isolation from CSF using C6/36 line of
continuous Aedes albopictus cells and detection of Japanese encephalitis
specific IgM antibody in CSF and serum by MAC-ELISA.
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
Newer therapeutic options: Intrathecal Alpha-interferon therapy in sub-acute
sclerosing panencephalitis.

Unusal CNS infections
Neurocysticercosis

Clinical profile and epidemiology of Neurocysticercosis

Diagnosis of Neurocysticercosis: Blood/CSF ELISA; Study of toxoplasma
and cysticercal antibodies in blood & CSF of patients with inflammatory
granulomas.

Cysticidal therapy in Neurocysticercosis: Short course (8day) oral
albendazole; 28 day Albendazole
trial in
one or two ring lesions;
Randomized controlled trial of Albendazole (28 days) versus high dose
Praziquantel(1 day); Dexamethasone Versus albendazole; low dose regime
albendazole in multiple NCC

Retrospective analysis to study calcification as a risk factor for
epileptogenecity in neurocysticercosis; Is calcification epileptogenic in
neurocysticercosis? - A Study of Single Photon Emission, Computed
Tomography, Electroencephalography and Computed Tomography

Community education programme in 24 MCD primary schools in Delhi;
Health education interventions among school children for prevention of
taeniasis and neurocysticercosis; Risk of seizures and neurocysticercosis
among children with Taeniasis and their household contacts.

Prospective randomized double blind controlled trial of dexamethasone versus
albendazole on calcification as an outcome in 1-2 ring enhancing lesions in
neurocysticercosis in children.
Learning disabilities

Development of a computer based kit for children with Learning Disabilities.

Awareness school intervention programme
Neuromuscular disorders

Clinical
spectrum
of
Xp21
myopathies,
immuno-histochemical
characterization and gene deletion; Corticosteroids trial in Duchenne
Muscular Dystrophy.
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
Cardiac function in non-ambulatory children with Duchenne Muscular
dystrophy or those with advanced disease; Cardiac dysfunction in Becker
muscular dystrophy and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy carriers.

Clinico electrophysiological genetic studies on floppy children (SMN and
NAIP gene deletion studies).

Randomized Double blind placebo controlled trial of Gabapentin in children
with Spinal Muscular Atrophy.

A randomized open label placebo controlled study of the effect of creatine
supplementation on muscle P31 MRS spectra in Duchenne muscular
dystrophy.
Acute Flaccid paralysis

Molecular, Biological and serological detection of parameter of association of
campylobacter jejuni infection in children with Guillain Barre syndrome.

Detection of polio and non polio enteroviruses by polymerase chain reaction
in poliomyelitis and aseptic meningitis.

Clinical, virological and neurophysiological study on acute flaccid paralysis in
children.

Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy in patients with Acute - Guillian Barre
syndrome.
Malnutrition

Neurobiological effects of Vitamin E deficiency in malnourished children

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy in Protein Energy Malnutrition.
Lead

Evaluation of the severity and prevalence of plumbism in different population
groups in Delhi

Zinc protoporphyrin as a screening test for lead toxicity and lead exposure
among Delhi children.

Lead in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity disorders ( ADHD).

Lead Pollution and Health in Delhi – A follow up study.
Headache
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
Prophylaxis of migraine: Randomized controlled trial of flunarizine versus
propranolol.
Attention Deficit Disorders

Role of Mentat in Attention Deficit Disorders (ADD).

Atomoxetine trial
Cerebral Palsy

Role of botulinum toxin in reducing spasticity in children with CP.

A double blind placebo controlled trial to study the efficacy of Baclofen in
reducing tone in children with spastic Cerebral palsy 2-5 years of age.

Role of autologous stem cell transplantation in cerebral palsy.
Neurometabolic disorders

Evaluation of all cases with suspected neurometabolic disorders and initation
of therapeutic interventions wherever available
Autistic Spectrum Disorders

Autism network established- Screening tests, autism rating scales and drug
trials with Resperidone, Olanzepine under Indo-US Science & technology
Collaboration, Training resource material developed, Awareness generation,
networking with NGOs& parents, Registry for Autism initiated in Delhi.

Rett syndrome: Clinical evaluation, genetic evaluation, stimulation and
therapeutic trials.

“ Molecular Genetic studies in Indian children with Rett syndrome.”
Laser therapy

The effect of low level laser therapy in "common childhood illness" under the
National Laser Programme sponsored by the Department of Atomic Energy.

Helium Neon laser therapy for prophylaxis of recurrent throat infection.

Semiconductor diode laser therapy for nocturnal enuresis.

Helium Neon laser therapy in would healing, children with multidrug resistant
infections, chronic lymphadenitis.
Indian Childhood Cirrhosis

Multifaceted studies on epidemiology, National collaborative study
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
Role of D-Penicillamine in Indian Childhood Cirrhosis, immune mediation,
complement profile .
Role of Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography in

Childhood intractable epilepsy

Tuberous sclerosis

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Magnetic resonance spectroscopy in various neurological disorders

Persisting ring lesions in neurocysticercosis

Megalencephaly and leukodystrophy

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorders

Friedreich ataxia base line and on follow up while on a therapeutic trial

Tuberous sclerosis

Neurocysticercosis/ Tuberculoma

Rett syndrome

Leighs disease
Cerebrovascular disease

Study of etiological risk factor profile in Pediatric strokes

Role of autologous stem cell transplantation in Pediatric strokes
Leukodystrophies

A study of the spectrum of childhood leukodystrophies: Correlation with imaging,
spectroscopic and biochemical features.

Molecular Genetic studies in patients with Leukodystrophy especially
Adrenoleukodystrophy
Developmental delay

Etiological yield of comprehensive evaluation of Global developmental delay in
young children.

A study of Gastroesophageal reflux by scintigraphy and ultrasonography in
developmentally delayed children.
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
A randomized controlled trial of mosapride versus metoclopramide for treatment
of Gastroesophageal reflux in developmentally delayed children.
Miscellaneous

Pilot study to evaluate brain-drain among graduates of the All India Institute of
Medical Sciences, New Delhi

To study the cognitive and behavioral profile of children with celiac disease
before and after the introduction of a gluten free diet and the various
neuropsychiatric manifestations of celiac disease.

Prevalence of MTHFR C677T polymorphism in north Indian mothers having
babies with Trisomy 21 Down Syndrome.

Evaluation of genetic polymorphism in MTHFR gene (C677T) as a risk factor for
neural tube defect in offsprings.

Prevalence of spina bifida occulta in patients with enuresis and its relation to
urodynamic and neurophysiologcal measurements.
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4. Training/ Courses
Under Graduate Training
Essential Pediatric neurology for MBBS undergraduate students, B.Sc. (Hons) Nursing
students and B.Sc. (Hons) Speech and Hearing course. Curriculum based on practical
pediatric problems developed.
Postgraduate Training
Junior residents (MD students) undergo specialty training for 6-8 months during the 3year residency programme. They attend teaching rounds, journal clubs, clinical case
discussions, clinical combined rounds, grand rounds, radiology conference, mortality
audit. Around 18 junior residents are registered for the 3 year MD training programme.
Department conducts a Pediatric CME programme annually and inhouse updates/
programmes 2-3 times per year.
DM (Pediatric Neurology) training
Participate in the training activities of the Department and upgraded Neurology Child
development training schedule. The DM students rotate through adult Neurology,
Neurosurgery, Neuropathology, Neuroradiology, Neurogenetics, Research epidemiology
and Electrophysiology in addition to Pediatric Neurology.
Training in Rural Services
The AIIMS has a rural outreach project located 35 km away for training and research.
This Comprehensive Rural Health Services Project (CRHSP) caters to a rural population
of 72,182 through 2 Primary Health Centres, 11 Extended Health Centers and a 60
bedded level II Hospital at Ballabhgarh. It provides a unique opportunity for communitybased training and research in Pediatrics and Pediatric Neurology.
Training opportunities:
In service training facility for short term (<3 months) and long term ( 3 months)
available to National candidates from the armed services, medical colleges and
international candidates from the SAARC region. Training program includes approach
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towards neurological problems, rationalization of investigations, diagnosis, management
and rehabilitation of cases in Child Neurology. It includes:

Clinical Child Neurology training in inpatients, Outpatient Department, Child
Neurology Clinic, Neuromuscular Clinic, Developmental Clinic and Genetics Clinic.

Neuroradiology Conference: weekly to discuss CT and MRI scans.

Neuropathology Conference: monthly Interdisciplinary meet for muscle/ nerve/ brain/
skin biopsies performed.

Neuroelectrophysiological discussion (including EEG, EMG, motor and sensory
NCV, BERA, VER).

Neurogenetic training.

Brief research projects to train in research methodology
Applications for the same should be addressed to the Dean, AIIMS.
Training Modules

A training module has been developed for physicians working at the district and
sub-district hospitals, and the primary health centers. The module was developed
for the Expert Group Meeting for Upgrading the Training and Research Skills of
Pediatricians of SAARC countries for Reduction of Childhood Neurological
Morbidity (15-19 January 2000).

An educational video on Cerebral palsy and congenital malformations of the CNS
developed under the above mentioned SAARC meeting.

Practical Pediatric Neurology: A comprehensive textbook on Pediatric Neurology

Development through Activity: A book for parents guiding them for stimulation

Pragya: A computer based kit for children with learning disability

Booklet on Pragya

Booklet on Autism

Booklet on Lead poisoning

Booklet on Neurocysticercosis
Other activities
 Expert Group Meeting for Upgrading the Training and Research Skills of
Pediatricians of SAARC countries for Reduction of Childhood Neurological
Morbidity (15-19 January 2000)
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
International Child Neurology Education Conference (17-19 November 2000,
New Delhi)

2nd SAARC Group Meeting on Reduction of Childhood Neurolomorbidity (7-11
August 2002, New Delhi)

8th Asian & Oceanian Congress on Child Neurology (7-10th October, 2004).
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5. Events/ notices
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