ANAESTHESIOLOGY

The Department of Anaesthesiology & Pain Medicine at Apollo Clinic Agartala provides specialised consultation and personalised care for patients experiencing acute, persistent or chronic pain. The department focuses on identifying the underlying cause of pain, reducing discomfort, improving mobility and helping patients return to their daily activities with greater confidence.

Pain may arise from problems affecting the spine, joints, muscles, nerves or internal organs. It may also develop after an injury, surgery or long-term medical condition. When pain persists, it can affect sleep, mood, work performance, movement and overall quality of life. Timely evaluation by a pain specialist can help determine the cause and guide appropriate treatment.

Comprehensive Pain Assessment

Every patient receives a detailed clinical assessment based on the location, intensity, duration and nature of the pain. The specialist also reviews the patient’s medical history, previous injuries, surgeries, medications, investigation reports and the impact of pain on everyday activities.

Depending on the clinical condition, further investigations such as X-rays, ultrasound, CT scans, MRI or laboratory tests may be reviewed or advised. The purpose of the assessment is to identify the source of pain and develop an individualised treatment plan.

Conditions Evaluated and Managed

The department provides consultation and management support for a wide range of pain-related conditions, including:

• Chronic back and lower-back pain
• Neck pain and cervical discomfort
• Sciatica and radiating leg pain
• Slipped disc and spine-related pain
• Shoulder, knee, hip and other joint pain
• Arthritis-related discomfort
• Muscle, ligament and soft-tissue pain
• Neuropathic and nerve-related pain
• Persistent pain following surgery
• Cancer-related pain
• Headache and selected facial-pain conditions
• Pain following injury or trauma
• Age-related musculoskeletal pain
• Complex and recurrent pain conditions

Personalised Pain Management

Pain treatment differs from one patient to another. The treatment plan is prepared according to the underlying condition, severity of pain, overall health, age, lifestyle and previous response to treatment.

Management may include medication, activity modification, posture correction, physiotherapy support, exercise guidance, lifestyle changes and minimally invasive pain-management procedures when clinically appropriate.

The aim is not only to provide temporary relief but also to address the cause of pain, improve physical function and reduce the risk of recurrence.

Interventional Pain Medicine

Interventional pain medicine involves image-guided or minimally invasive procedures that may help diagnose or treat certain pain conditions. These procedures may be considered when medicines and conservative treatment do not provide adequate relief.

Depending on the diagnosis and suitability of the patient, interventional options may include targeted injections, nerve blocks or other specialised pain-relieving procedures. The doctor explains the expected benefits, limitations, preparation requirements and possible risks before recommending any procedure.

Not every patient requires an intervention. The decision is made only after proper clinical evaluation.

Back, Neck and Spine-Related Pain

Back and neck pain may result from poor posture, muscle strain, disc problems, arthritis, nerve compression, injury or age-related changes.

The department provides evaluation for persistent pain, stiffness, tingling, numbness and pain that travels to the arms or legs. Early assessment can help identify warning signs and determine whether the patient requires medication, rehabilitation, interventional treatment or referral for surgical evaluation.

Joint and Musculoskeletal Pain

Joint pain can affect movement, balance and independence. It may develop due to arthritis, injury, inflammation, overuse or age-related degeneration.

The pain specialist works with orthopaedic doctors, physiotherapists and other healthcare professionals, where required, to develop a coordinated treatment plan focused on pain relief, mobility and functional recovery.

Neuropathic Pain

Neuropathic pain occurs when nerves are damaged, compressed or irritated. Patients may experience burning, tingling, electric-shock-like pain, numbness or increased sensitivity.

The department provides evaluation and medical management for nerve-related pain associated with diabetes, spinal conditions, previous injuries, surgery and other neurological or medical disorders.

Cancer-Related and Palliative Pain Care

Patients with cancer may experience pain due to the disease itself, treatment or pressure on nearby nerves and organs. The department provides supportive pain-management consultation aimed at improving comfort, sleep, mobility and quality of life.

Care is planned in coordination with the patient’s oncology team and may include medication, supportive measures and selected interventional procedures when appropriate.

Postoperative and Acute Pain

Pain after surgery or injury requires appropriate management to support recovery, movement, breathing and rehabilitation.

The department may assist with the assessment and management of persistent postoperative pain or pain that continues beyond the expected recovery period. The underlying cause is evaluated before further treatment is recommended.

Anaesthesiology Consultation

Anaesthesiologists play an important role in preparing patients for surgical and diagnostic procedures. Where required, the department may provide pre-anaesthetic evaluation to assess the patient’s medical fitness, current medicines, allergies, previous anaesthesia history and potential risk factors.

Patients with diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, respiratory problems or other chronic conditions may require additional assessment before a planned procedure.

The anaesthesiologist helps determine the most appropriate anaesthesia plan and guides the patient regarding fasting, medication use and other preparation instructions.

Multidisciplinary Care

Chronic pain often requires care from more than one medical specialty. The Department of Anaesthesiology & Pain Medicine may coordinate with orthopaedic surgeons, neurologists, oncologists, physiotherapists, physicians and radiologists according to the patient’s condition.

This multidisciplinary approach helps ensure that both the source of pain and its impact on physical and emotional well-being are addressed.

When Should You Consult a Pain Specialist?

A specialist consultation may be helpful when:

• Pain continues for several weeks or repeatedly returns
• Back or neck pain affects movement or sleep
• Pain travels to the arms or legs
• There is burning, tingling or numbness
• Joint pain limits walking or daily activities
• Pain persists after surgery or injury
• Regular medicines provide inadequate relief
• Pain affects work, mood or quality of life
• Cancer-related pain requires additional management

Sudden severe pain, pain associated with major trauma, loss of consciousness, chest discomfort, breathing difficulty, weakness of a limb or loss of bladder and bowel control may require urgent medical attention.

Patient-Centred Pain Care

The Department of Anaesthesiology & Pain Medicine at Apollo Clinic Agartala follows a compassionate, evidence-based and patient-centred approach. Patients are guided clearly regarding their diagnosis, available treatment options, expected outcomes and follow-up requirements.

The department is committed to helping patients achieve meaningful pain relief, improved mobility, better sleep and greater independence through responsible and personalised medical care.