Dr. Ann Agnes Mathew

Dr. Ann may recommend the following tests depending on the condition:

• Neuro imaging: MRI or CT scans (to check brain structure)
• EEG (Electroencephalogram) (to evaluate seizures and epilepsy) including Video EEG and long term EEG where mandated
• Genetic testing (for conditions like Epilepsy, Neurodevelopmental disorders, muscular dystrophies, neurometabolic  and neurogenetic disorders)
• Metabolic tests (for rare metabolic disorders)
• Neurodevelopmental assessments (for autism, ADHD, learning disabilities)

Dr. Ann advises parents to seek medical advice if their child:

• Does not babble by 9 months
• Does not say single meaningful words by 12 months
• Does not combine words using an ‘action word’ by 2 years
• Struggles with social interaction, eye contact, or nonverbal communication

Early intervention with speech therapy backed by neurological evaluation leads to better outcomes and esnures opportunities for recovery are not missed.

Dr. Ann diagnoses autism using clinical observation, developmental history, and standardized assessment tests that aim to map the level of the child’s development and his or her deviation from what is expected age in other children their age. Steps after diagnosis include:

1. Early intervention therapies (speech, occupational, behavioural therapy)
2. Education & training for parents
3. A multidisciplinary care plan, including support from Paediatric neurologists, early interventionists, speech therapists, psychologists, and allied therapists.

Ultimately what it does is uses, strenghths of the child to overcome their weaknesses, bearing in mind neuroplasticity timeline is not wasted.

Dr. Ann provides a multidisciplinary approach to treating muscular dystrophy all of which is tailor made dependent on the type of muscular dystrophy. These are all based on the current international standards of care in this group of conditions. They might include disease modifying therapies such as:

• Steroid therapy to slow disease progression in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
• Physical therapy & assistive devices for mobility but again tailor made, as it could be counterproductive otherwise.
• Newer therapies such as Gene therapy & exon-skipping drugs (where applicable)
• Comprehensive care involving pulmonology, cardiology, physiatrists, orthopaedic surgeons & endocrinologists
• Participation in clinical trials and research-based treatments

Dr. Ann explains that about 70% of childhood epilepsy is treatable and can go into remission with medication. Some children may outgrow epilepsy, while others might need long-term management. For drug-resistant epilepsy, Dr. Ann might recommend ketogenic diet, Vagal nerve stimulation, or epilepsy surgery along with evaluation for their underlying cause.

Dr. Ann advises parents to look for early signs of developmental delay, including:

• Delayed speech (not having any meaningful words by 12-months age, and not saying simple words by 18 months)
• Delayed walking (The usual range is that an infant walks independently by 12 to 18 months, but what matters here more than the age of attainments, is the duration in months between standing with support and starting to walk, which should not exceed a few months)
• Poor social interactions (not making eye contact, or responding to their name)
• Difficulty with motor skills (grasping objects, sitting up, crawling)
• Repetitive behaviours or lack of interest in surroundings

If these signs are present, Dr. Ann recommends early assessment and intervention.

Dr. Ann is affiliated with multiple medical centres in Bangalore, India, including:

• Synapse Neuro & Child Neuro and Developmental Centre, Jayanagar
• Virgo Healthcare, Brigade Signature Towers, Katamnallur Cross

Yes, Dr. Ann offers teleconsultations for follow-ups and second opinions. However, some conditions require in-person evaluations, especially for developmental assessments and neurological examinations. Tele consultations can be scheduled by contacting +91 99020 01412.

Dr. Ann has always been passionate about helping children with neurological disorders and making a difference in their lives. Her training in the UK and the high burden of paediatric neurological conditions in India inspired her to focus on this field. She is also actively involved in medical education, advocacy, and research

Dr. Ann primarily practices in Bangalore, India. Patients can visit Dr. Ann’s at Synapse Neuro and Child development centre, Jayanagar by calling +91 99020 01412 or at Virgo Healthcare, Brigade Signature Towers, Old Madras Road by contact +91 99019 55252.

Dr. Ann is a paediatric neurologist who specializes in diagnosing and treating neurological disorders in children. Dr. Ann treats epilepsy both simple and complex, developmental delays, muscular dystrophies, cerebral palsy, neurogenetic disorders, autism-related neurological concerns and paediatric stroke.

VNS is a device that is implanted under the skin which helps people gain control of their epilepsy. It is particularly beneficial for anyone with poorly controlled epilepsy despite being on two or more medication. But this eligibility needs to be evaluated and recommended by an epilepsy specialist. 

Cerebral palsy can be treated by early timely interventions that aim at using the neuroplasticity of young children’s brains. While it cannot be fully cured, we can certainly reduce its impact in the future life of the child. 

Ketogenic diet is an alternate treatment for epilepsy where the fuel for the brain is switched from glucose to ketones. This has been a proven way to treat epilepsy, especially drug-resistant epilepsy. 

Yes, she provides personalized and holistic treatment plans, not limited to just epilepsy, tone and spasticity management but also dietetics, early intervention where applicable, including therapy guidance such as navigating life, education and society with CP. 

Dr. Ann specializes in Paediatric Neurology, Childhood Epilepsy, Refractory and Complex epilepsy, Muscular Dystrophies, Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), Paediatric Stroke, Cerebral Palsy, Myasthenias,  Headaches, Neurodevelopmental Disorders like Autism, ADHD and Intellectual disability. 

Yes, she provides personalized treatment plans, including therapy guidance, spasticity management, and assistive technology support for children with Cerebral Palsy.
 

She is actively involved in clinical trials for neuromuscular disorders and has led research on epilepsy, genetic disorders, and rare paediatric neurological diseases.
 

25 years as paediatrician and 15 years as paediatric neurologist 
 

The primary specialization of Dr. Ann Agnes is Paediatric Neurology