An Exclusive Interview : Exploring The Neurological Impact Of Stress This World Health Day 2025

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To mark World Health Day 2025, Boldsky connected with Dr. Dhaivat Dalal, Consultant Neurophysician at Wave Neurology Centre, Ahmedabad, to explore how stress affects the brain and what we can do about it. As mental and emotional challenges become more prevalent amid the constant demands of modern living, Dr. Dalal shares grounded insights that bridge neuroscience with everyday experiences.

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Stress From A Neurological Perspective

While stress is commonly associated with mental health, Dr. Dalal points out that it doesn't fall directly under neurology. "It's more of a psychological and lifestyle disorder," he says. "It can be due to emotional reasons like a loss, or physical reasons such as daily routines involving transit and work."

He explains that short-term stress doesn't have much effect, but when it becomes prolonged, the body starts to adapt internally. "The internal milieu undergoes a change to combat it, and that can lead to long-standing neuroinflammation."

Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore

When asked about signs of stress, Dr. Dalal says one of the earliest symptoms is a lack of interest in daily activities. "Then, there's not being able to sleep well," he adds. "You might also experience tingling, dull headaches, and body aches."

Warning signs that people often overlook include feeling palpitations, sweating, and difficulty focusing. "These are your body's ways of signaling stress," he says.

What Stress Does To The Brain

The brain has an ability called neuroplasticity, which allows it to adapt to its environment. "If the stress is short-term, the brain can recover once the conditions improve," Dr. Dalal explains. "But if not, it may form new defense mechanisms or change its way of thinking."

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This can lead to emotional numbness, headaches, memory issues, and a loss of focus. "It's all happening at a neurochemical level. Even oxygen balance in the brain can be affected," he notes. "There is also Glutamate - an excitatory amino acid that can damage brain structure."

What Are The Most Affected Areas In The Brain

When asked if specific brain areas are more vulnerable to stress, Dr. Dalal says, "Neurologically, I don't think so but the memory structure, pain-processing structures, amygdala - emotion processing centre and prefrontal cortex are quite sensitive."

How Stress Affects Thinking And Decision Making

Dr. Dalal explains that memory has many layers and involves different parts of the brain. "One important area is the hippocampus. Inflammation there can affect the ability to gain new memories rather than retrieve old ones."

He adds, "With loss of focus, you become confused. It affects decision-making."

When Stress Turns Into Something Bigger

Stress, if persistent, can trigger or worsen several neurological conditions. "Functional disorders-low-grade headaches, movement disorders, numbness can occur," Dr. Dalal says.

He also mentions functional epilepsy, where seizures happen due to stress, not epilepsy. "Stress can also cause cryptogenic strokes in young people," he adds. "It's also a harbinger for dementia and Parkinsonism."

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So, What Can We Do?

When it comes to managing stress, Dr. Dalal emphasizes lifestyle approaches. "Walking, running, yoga, and meditation are all helpful," he says.

"These techniques have also been proven to release natural pain-reducing substances called endorphins, along with other neurochemicals that support brain health." He points out.

Why Sleep Is Non-Negotiable

Dr. Dalal highlights the role of sleep in recovering from stress. "Sleep is one of the most important parts of recovery. During sleep, certain hormones are secreted that help with memory and growth. Sleep activates the glymphatic system in the brain which is the cleaning system of the brain"

He adds, "In adults, neuroplasticity remains active and becomes more prominent during sleep. Sleep is necessary for good memory, productivity, and focus."

Are We More Stressed Than Before?

When asked if stress levels are higher today, Dr. Dalal says, "I don't know about the past, but city life is certainly more stressful"

Raising Awareness, Together

About raising awareness about the neurological effects of stress he says, "There are many support groups for Parkinson's, stroke, and epilepsy-both online and offline. In Bangalore, there's a group that performs dance therapy for Parkinson's. It's like physiotherapy."

He adds, "We're social animals. Meeting and talking about our problems can help reduce stress."

Final Thoughts For World Health Day 2025

Dr. Dalal signs off with heartfelt advice: "Live an active, happy, and healthy life. Enjoy the small pleasures. Stay connected to your roots, your loved ones and embrace spirituality."

He then quotes a dialogue from the movie 'Kal Ho Na Ho' - "Jiyo, khush raho, muskurao... kya pata, kal ho naa ho." (Live, be happy, smile... who knows, tomorrow may or may not come.)

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.