DM Neuroradiology: Admissions, Medical Colleges, Eligibility Criteria, fee details

DM Neuroradiology or Doctorate of Medicine in Neuroradiology also known as DM in Neuroradiology is a super specialty level course for doctors in India that is done by them after completion of their postgraduate medical degree course. The duration of this super specialty course is 3 years, and it focuses on diagnosing abnormalities of the head, brain, spine, and neck using a range of neuroimaging techniques.

The course is a full-time course pursued at various recognized medical colleges across the country. Some of the top medical colleges offering this course include- the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research- Chandigarh, National Institute of Mental Health & Neuro Sciences- Bangalore, Sree Chitra Thirunal Institute for Medical Science and Technology- Thiruvananthapuram, and more.

Admission to this course is done through the NEET-SS Entrance exam conducted by the National Board of Examinations, followed by counselling based on the scores of the exam that is conducted by DGHS/MCC/State Authorities.

The fee for pursuing DM (Neuroradiology) varies from college to college and may range from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 15,00,000 per year.

After completion of their respective course, doctors can either join the job market or can pursue certificate courses and Fellowship programmes recognized by NMC and NBE. Candidates can take reputed jobs at positions as Senior residents, Consultants, etc. with an approximate salary range of Rs. 4,00,000 to Rs. 21,00,000 per year.

What is DM in Neuroradiology?

Doctorate of Medicine in Neuroradiology, also known as DM (Neuroradiology) or DM in (Neuroradiology) is a three-year super specialty programme that candidates can pursue after completing postgraduate degree.

Neuroradiology is the branch of medical science dealing with diagnosing abnormalities of the head, brain, spine and neck using a range of neuroimaging techniques.

National Medical Commission (NMC), the apex medical regulator, has released a Guidelines for Competency-Based Postgraduate Training Programme for DM in Neuroradiology.

The Competency-Based Postgraduate Training Programme governs the education and training of DMs in Neuroradiology.

The postgraduate students must gain ample of knowledge and experience in the diagnosis, treatment of patients with acute, serious, and life-threatening medical and surgical diseases.

The PG education intends to create specialists who can contribute to high-quality health care and advances in science through research and training.

The required training done by a postgraduate specialist in the field of Neuroradiology would help the specialist to recognize the health needs of the community. The student should be competent to handle medical problems effectively and should be aware of the recent advances in their speciality.

The candidate is also expected to know the principles of research methodology and modes of the consulting library. The candidate should regularly attend conferences, workshops and CMEs to upgrade her/ his knowledge.

Course Highlights

Here are some of the course highlights of DM in Neuroradiology

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for DM in Neuroradiology are defined as the set of rules or minimum prerequisites that aspirants must meet in order to be eligible for admission, which include:

• Candidates must be in possession of a postgraduate medical Degree (MD/MS/DNB) from any college/university recognized by the MCI (Now NMC)/NBE.
• The candidate must have obtained permanent registration of any State Medical Council to be eligible for admission.
• The medical college's recognition cut-off dates for the Postgraduate Degree courses shall be as prescribed by the Medical Council of India (now NMC).

Admission Process

• The admission process contains a few steps to be followed in order by the candidates for admission to DM in Neuroradiology. Candidates can view the complete admission process for DM in Neuroradiology mentioned below:

• The NEET-SS or National Eligibility Entrance Test for Super specialty courses is a national-level master's level examination conducted by the NBE for admission to DM/MCh/DrNB Courses.

• Qualifying Criteria-Candidates placed at the 50th percentile or above shall be declared as qualified in the NEET-SS in their respective specialty.

• The following medical institutions are not covered under centralized admissions for DM/MCh courses through NEET-SS:

1. AIIMS, New Delhi and other AIIMS
2. PGIMER, Chandigarh
3. JIPMER, Puducherry
4. NIMHANS, Bengaluru

• Candidates from all eligible feeder specialty subjects shall be required to appear in the question paper of respective group, if they are willing to opt for a superspecialty course in any of the super specialty courses covered in that group.

• A candidate can opt for appearing in the question papers of as many groups for which his/her Postgraduate specialty qualification is an eligible feeder qualification.

• By appearing in the question paper of a group and on qualifying the examination, a candidate shall be eligible to exercise his/her choices in the counseling only for those superspecialty subjects covered in said group for which his/ her broad specialty is an eligible feeder qualification.

Fees Structure

The fee structure for DM in Neuroradiology varies from college to college. The fee is generally less for Government Institutes and more for private institutes. The average fee structure for DM in Neuroradiology is around Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 15,00,000 per year.

Colleges offering DM in Neuroradiology

There are various medical colleges across India that offer courses for pursuing DM in (Neuroradiology).

As per National Medical Commission (NMC) website, the following medical colleges are offering DM in (Neuroradiology) courses for the academic year 2022-23.

Syllabus

A DM in Neuroradiology is a three years specialization course that provides training in the stream of Neuroradiology.

The course content for DM in Neuroradiology is given in the Competency-Based Postgraduate Training Programme released by National Medical Commission, which can be assessed through the link mentioned below:

Course contents:

During the course, the student should be imparted and acquire learning in the following specific knowledge domains:

A. Anatomy

1. Basic neuro- and vascular anatomy

2. Embryology of the nervous system, brain, spinal cord and peripheral nervous system

3. Embryology of the vascular system as relevant to the nervous system

4. Anatomy of the vascular system in general with special emphasis on blood supply to the brain and spinal cord and functional vascular anatomy of CNS.

5. Anatomy of the brain and spinal cord, peripheral nervous system

6. Embryology and anatomy of the spine

7. Embryology and anatomy of the skull and face.

8. Anatomy of musculo-skeletal system in relation to CNS and PNS.

B. Physiology

1. Basic and applied neuro- and vascular physiology including cardiac hemodynamics, ECG, EEG.

2. Physiology of nerve conduction, cerebral and spinal blood circulation,

3. Basics of physiology of nervous system

4. Basics of physiology of peripheral vascular system.

5. Physiology of cerebral circulation

6. Physiology of cerebrospinal fluid

7. CSF dynamics and functional inter-relationship of CNS haemodynamics and hydrodynamics.

8. Basic and applied neurophysiology including cardiac haemodynamics.

C. Pathology

1. Pathological basis of neurological and vascular disorders

2. Congenital lesions of the central nervous system – brain, spine and spinal cord and organs of special senses

3. Neoplastic disease of the head and neck, skull base including pathologies of temporal bone and orbit

4. Neoplastic diseases of the brain, spine and its coverings.

5. Infective and inflammatory lesion of the CNS

6. Degenerative and demyelinating diseases of the CNS

7. Vascular and ischaemic lesions of brain and spine.

8. Intracranial aneurysms and AVMs

9. Intracranial hemorrhage

10. Hydrocephalus

11. Cerebral edema

12. Congenital malformations of CNS

13. Neonatal and perinatal CNS disorders

14. Genetic and inherited disorders of CNS

15. Metabolic and Immunologic disorders affecting CNS

16. Arteritic and related diseases

17. Miscellaneous

D. Neuro-chemistry and Neuro-pharmacology

1. Contrast media in imaging

2. Emergency drugs in Neuroimaging and Interventional Therapeutic Neuroradiology

3. Antiplatelets and anticoagulants

4. Vasodilators

5. Vasoconstrictors

6. Embolic agents

7. Thrombolytic agents

8. Anaesthetic and analgesic drugs with respect to neuro-imaging and neuro- intervention

9. Antibiotics

10. Anti-inflammatory drugs

11. Cortico-steroids

12. Drugs to counter cerebral edema

13. Drugs to control hypertension

14. Drugs for renal diseases

15. Drugs used in Neurointervention and Therapeutic Neuroradiology

E. Physical principles of imaging

1. Image intensifier and TV and Flat Panel Detectors

2. Tomography

3. Angiography and Digital subtraction and angiography

4. Computed Tomography and recent advancements in CT

5. Ultrasound and Doppler and their recent advances

6. Magnetic Resonance Imaging, angiography, spectroscopy, FMRI (Diffusion, Perfusion), molecular imaging and recent advances

7. Film processing techniques – wet and dry

8. Principles of single photon emission and positron emission tomography (SPECT and PET)

9. Fusion Imaging technologies –SPECT, CT PET, MR PET etc.

10. Basics of Nuclear Medicine and safe handling of radioactive material.

11. Radiation protection and Recommendations of Atomic Energy Regulatory Board

12. Computers in Radiology

13. Picture archival and communication systems and Teleradiology

14. New image storage technologies, CLOUD storage systems

F. Therapeutic and Interventional Neuro-radiology

1. Endovascular recanalization / revascularization techniques.

2. Drugs and materials used in endovascular, interventional neuroradiology

3. Embolization Techniques

4. Embolization of CNS lesions.

5. Embolization of craniofacial lesions

6. Interventions in spinal vascular lesions.

7. Thrombolytic therapy in CNS lesions,

8. Spinal interventions –

a. Chemonucleolysis

b. PLDD (Percutaneous Laser disc decompression),

c. Vertebroplasty,

d. Kyphoplasty,

e. Percutaneous Biopsy.

f. Others – Facet Joint Injections etc.

9. Atreriovenous Malformations (AVM) and Fistulae (AVF): Natural History, aetiopathogenesis, clinical features, Imaging and management.

10. Dural Arteriovenous Malformation (DAVFs): Natural History, aetiopathogenesis, clinical features, Imaging and management.

11. Carotico cavernous Fistula (CCF): Aetiopathogenesis, natural history, clinical features and management.

12. Spinal Vascular Malformations: Natural History, aetiopathogenesis, clinical features, Imaging and management.

13. Embolization of vascular lesions of head and neck and spine: meningiomas, juvenile angiofibromas, paragangliomas, tumors of vertebral bodies etc.

14. Intracranial Aneurysms: Natural History, aetiopathogenesis, clinical features, Imaging and Endovascular management.

15. PTA and stenting of the intracranial vessels.

16. Vein of Galen aneurysmal malformations: Natural history, aetiopathogenesis, clinical features, Imaging and Endovascular management

17. Management of Post SAH vasospasm/ vascular spasm of the CNS vessels due to other causes

18. Management of acute ischemic stroke and related issues

19. Management of dural sinus thrombosis

20. Complications in Interventional and Therapeutic Neuroradiological procedures and their management

21. Tools and devices for Therapeutic and Interventional Neuroradiology

22. Pre-procedure and post-procedure care of patient

23. Techniques in Therapeutic and Interventional Neuroradiology

24. Pharmacology as applied to Therapeutic and Interventional Neuroradiology

25. Managements of AVFs and acute traumatic CNS vascular lesions

26. Stereotactic Radiotherapy in AVMs and DAVFs- concepts and indications

27. Chemotherapy for cranial and orbital malignancies

28. Wada Testing

29. Temporary Balloon Occlusion test (BTO) of cerebral vessels

30. Permanent Balloon Occlusion of cerebral vessels

31. Traumatic lesions of supra-aortic vessels

32. Inferior petrosal sinus sampling

33. Intracranial arterial thrombolysis / embolectomy and venous thrombolysis

34. Percutaneous treatment of herniated disc

35. Nerve blocks

36. Intra-vascular ultrasound

G. Imaging in disorders of brain, spinal cord, orbit, base of skull, head and neck, otorhinology

1. Disorders of brain development

2. CNS manifestations of phakomatoses and other inherited syndromes

3. Epilepsy

4. White matter disorders and inherited metabolic disorders

5. Intra-axial brain tumors

6. Extra-axial brain tumors

7. Intracranial haemorrhage

8. Intracranial vascular malformations and aneurysms

9. Cerebral ischaemia and infarction

10. MR Angiography techniques and clinical applications

11. Head trauma

12. Intracranial infection / inflammation

13. Metabolic and immunological disorders of CNS

14. Genetic and hereditary disorders of CNS

15. Normal ageing, dementia and neurodegenerative disorders

16. The skull base

17. Sella turcica and parasellar region

18. Anatomy and diseases of temporal bone

19. Eye, orbit and visual system

20. Paranasal sinuses, temporal bone

21. Congenital anomalies of spine and spinal cord: embryology and malformations

22. Degenerative disease of spine

23. Neoplastic diseases of spine and spinal cord

24. Spinal trauma

25. Vascular disorders of spine and spinal cord

26. Spinal infections and inflammatory disorders

27. Anatomy and pathologies of Head and Neck diseases

Career Options

After completing a DM in Neuroradiology, candidates will get employment opportunities in Government as well as in the Private sector.

In the Government sector, candidates have various options to choose from which include Registrar, Senior Resident, Demonstrator, Tutor etc.

While in the Private sector the options include Resident Doctor, Consultant, Visiting Consultant (Neuroradiology), Junior Consultant, Senior Consultant (Neuroradiology), Neuroradiology Specialist.

Courses After DM in Neuroradiology Course

DM in Neuroradiology is a specialisation course that can be pursued after finishing a Postgraduate medical course. After pursuing specialisation in DM in Neuroradiology, a candidate could also pursue certificate courses and Fellowship programmes recognized by NMC and NBE, where DM in Neuroradiology is a feeder qualification.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs) –DM in Neuroradiology Course

Question: What is the full form of DM?

Answer: The full form of DM is a Doctorate of Medicine.

Question: What is a DM in Neuroradiology?

Answer: DM Neuroradiology or Doctorate of Medicine in Neuroradiology also known as DM in Neuroradiology is a super specialty level course for doctors in India that is done by them after completion of their postgraduate medical degree course.

Question: What is the duration of a DM in Neuroradiology?

Answer: DM in Neuroradiology is a super specialty programme of three years.

Question: What is the eligibility of a DM in Neuroradiology?

Answer: Candidates must be in possession of a postgraduate medical Degree (MD/MS/DNB) from any college/university recognized by the Medical Council of India (now NMC)/NBE.

Question: What is the scope of a DM in Neuroradiology?

Answer: DM in Neuroradiology offers candidates various employment opportunities and career prospects.

Question: What is the average salary for a DM in Neuroradiology candidate?

Answer: The DM in Neuroradiology candidate's average salary is between Rs. 4,00,000 to Rs. 21,00,000 per year depending on the experience.

Question: Can you teach after completing DM Course?

Answer: Yes, candidate can teach in a medical college/hospital after completing DM course.

Question: Do Neuroradiologists do surgery?

Answer: Neuroradiologists are radiologists that have further certification and training in treating abnormalities in the central and peripheral nervous system, spine, head and neck. They can also treat diseases by means of minimally-invasive, image-guided surgery.