- +91-9248033375
- umeshtukaram96@gmail.com
- Tolichowki, Telangana
When Cancer Triggers the Nervous System
Paraneoplastic Neurological Syndromes (PNS) are rare, complex conditions that occur when the body’s immune system, while fighting cancer, mistakenly attacks parts of the nervous system. These syndromes are not caused directly by the tumor itself or its spread, but by the immune response associated with the cancer. At Rochana Medical Center, we offer expert evaluation and management of PNS under the care of Dr. Umesh T, a Senior Consultant Neurologist with over 31 years of clinical experience in advanced neuroimmunology.
PNS can affect any part of the nervous system — the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, or muscles — and may develop before the cancer is even diagnosed. They are most commonly associated with cancers such as:
Lung cancer (especially small cell lung cancer)
Breast cancer
Ovarian and uterine cancers
Lymphomas and thymomas
Paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis – memory loss, confusion, mood changes
Cerebellar degeneration – imbalance, tremors, difficulty speaking
Sensory neuropathy – numbness, tingling, or pain in limbs
Myelopathy – spinal cord dysfunction causing weakness or paralysis
Neuromuscular junction disorders – such as Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome
Rapid memory loss or personality changes
Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
Muscle weakness or unusual fatigue
Seizures or hallucinations
Unexplained sensory disturbances
Early diagnosis is essential, as neurological symptoms may appear months before the cancer is detected.
At Rochana Medical Center, we use a multidisciplinary, evidence-based approach:
Detailed neurological evaluation and symptom tracking
Antibody testing (anti-Hu, anti-Yo, anti-Ri, etc.)
Cancer screening and imaging to identify underlying tumors
Immunotherapy including steroids, IVIG, and plasmapheresis
Targeted cancer treatment in collaboration with oncologists
Supportive care and neuro-rehabilitation