Pratibha Singhi

Pratibha Singhi is an Indian pediatric neurologist. As the first pediatric neurologist in the country, she built the fields of pediatric neurology and neurodevelopment there. She is head of pediatric neurology at Amrita Hospital, Faridabad. Formerly she was director of pediatric neurology and neurodevelopment at Medanta, and chief of pediatric neurology and neurodevelopment in the department of pediatrics, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh.

In 2020 she was elected the President of the International Child Neurology Association, with a 4-year term 2022-2026.

Early life and education
Singhi was born in Ajmer, India. She graduated from the Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College in 1973, winning many awards, including the President of India Medal.

Career and research
Singhi studied Pediatrics in California and worked in Jamaica before returning to India. She later trained in Pediatric Neurology at The Johns Hopkins Hospital and Kennedy Krieger Institute Baltimore, In 1983, Singhi joined the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh and began developing a pediatric neurology program. In 1985 she co-founded PRAYAAS, the Rehabilation Center for Handicapped Children, with her mentor, Dr. B.N.S. Walia. PRAYAAS has evolved into a multidisciplinary center serving children with cerebral palsy, autistic spectrum disorder and other neurodevelopmental disorders.

Without options to learn about pediatric neurology in India, Singhi traveled to Johns Hopkins Medical School and the Kennedy Krieger Institute, to the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, and to the Royal Victoria Infirmary for additional work and training.

In India she built the fields of pediatric neurology and neurodevelopment as the first pediatric neurologist in the country. She served as the president of the Association of Child Neurology India and Vice President of the India Academy of Cerebral Palsy.

Singhi has an h-index of 36, having published more than 500 papers in peer-reviewed journals. Her primary areas of research have been neurological infectious disease, epilepsy, and neurodevelopmental disabilities. For four consecutive years beginning in 2020, she has been ranked among the top 2% of scientists in the world in an analysis by John Ioannidis at Stanford University.

Honors

 * 2013: Dr. S. Janaki Memorial Oration by the National Academy of Medical Sciences for recognition of outstanding contributions in the field of neurological disorders
 * 2015: Research Paper of the Year, British Medical Journal South Asia
 * 2021: Dr. K. C. Chaudhuri & Dr. Amala Chaudhuri Lifetime Achievement Award from the Indian Journal of Pediatrics
 * 2022 Frank Ford Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient, International Child Neurology Association
 * 2023: Sitaram Jaipuria Foundation Award for Excellence in Medicine

Select publications

 * Jauhari P, Singhi P, Sankhyan N, Malhi P, Vyas S, Khandelwal N. A Comparison of Spastic Diplegia in Term and Preterm-Born Children. J Child Neurol. 2018 Apr;33(5):333-339. doi: 10.1177/0883073817754175. Epub 2018 Feb 21. PMID 29464974.
 * **National Consultation Meeting for Developing IAP Guidelines on Neuro Developmental Disorders under the aegis of IAP Childhood Disability Group and the Committee on Child Development and Neurodevelopmental Disorders; Dalwai S, Unni J, Kalra V, Singhi P, Shrivastava L, C Nair MK. Consensus Statement of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics on Evaluation and Management of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Indian Pediatr. 2017 Jun 15;54(6):481-488. doi: 10.1007/s13312-017-1052-z. Epub 2017 Mar 29. PMID 28368271.
 * Singhi, P. (2017). Age At Diagnosis For Autism Spectrum Disorders: Does It Differ By Place Of Residence?. (n.p.): Morressier.
 * Saini AG, Padmanabha H, Attri S, Singhi P. Malar rash in classical homocystinuria. BMJ Case Rep. 2017 May 3;2017:bcr2017220296. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2017-220296. PMID 28473367; PMCID: PMC5747660.
 * Dhawan SR, Gupta A, Singhi P, Sankhyan N, Malhi P, Khandelwal N. Predictors of Neurological Outcome of Tuberculous Meningitis in Childhood: A Prospective Cohort Study From a Developing Country. J Child Neurol. 2016 Dec;31(14):1622-1627. doi: 10.1177/0883073816668112. Epub 2016 Sep 21. PMID 27655469.
 * Saini AG, Sankhyan N, Vyas S, Laugel V, Calmels N, Singhi P. Teaching NeuroImages: The syndrome of cutaneous photosensitivity, growth failure, and basal ganglia calcification. Neurology. 2016 Aug 9;87(6):e56-7. doi: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000002949. PMID 27502967.
 * Suthar R, Saini AG, Sankhyan N, Sahu JK, Singhi P. Childhood Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis. Indian J Pediatr. 2016 Jul;83(7):628-33. doi: 10.1007/s12098-015-1988-8. Epub 2016 Jan 23. PMID 26801499.
 * Kaur J, Singhi P, Singhi S, Malhi P, Saini AG. Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Outcomes in Children With Sepsis-Associated Encephalopathy Admitted to Pediatric Intensive Care Unit: A Prospective Case Control Study. J Child Neurol. 2016 May;31(6):683-90. doi: 10.1177/0883073815610431. Epub 2015 Oct 23. PMID 26500243.
 * Saini AG, Sankhyan N, Suthar R, Singhi P. Acute axonal polyneuropathy following honey-bee sting: a case report. J Child Neurol. 2014 May;29(5):674-6. doi: 10.1177/0883073813517262. Epub 2014 Jan 21. PMID 24453148.
 * Saini AG, Nagaraju S, Sahu JK, Rawat A, Vyas S, Singhi P. Teaching neuroImages: Griscelli syndrome and CNS lymphohistiocytosis. Neurology. 2014 Apr 8;82(14):e122-3. doi: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000000288. PMID 24711539.
 * Singhi P, Sahu JK, Sarkar J, Bansal D. Clinical profile and outcome of children with opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome. J Child Neurol. 2014 Jan;29(1):58-61. doi: 10.1177/0883073812471433. Epub 2013 Jan 14. PMID 23318697.
 * Jauhari P, Sahu JK, Sankhyan N, Singhi P, Vyas S. Intractable vomiting antecedent to optic neuritis: an early clinical clue to neuromyelitis optica. J Child Neurol. 2013 Oct;28(10):1351-2. doi: 10.1177/0883073813488665. Epub 2013 May 13. PMID 23670251.
 * Saini A, Singhi P, Sodhi KS, Gupta A. Bell palsy in a neonate with rapid response to oral corticosteroids: a case report. J Child Neurol. 2013 Apr;28(4):506-8. doi: 10.1177/0883073812444734. Epub 2012 May 16. PMID 22592004.
 * Singhi P, Mahajan V, Khandelwal NK. Sudden-onset ptosis caused by midbrain neurocysticercosis in 2 children. J Child Neurol. 2008 Mar;23(3):334-7. doi: 10.1177/0883073807309240. Epub 2008 Jan 11. PMID 18192649.
 * Lakshmi CV, Singhi P, Malhi P, Ray M. Topiramate in the prophylaxis of pediatric migraine: a double-blind placebo-controlled trial. J Child Neurol. 2007 Jul;22(7):829-35. doi: 10.1177/0883073807304201. PMID 17715274.
 * Singhi P, Bansal A, Geeta P, Singhi S. Predictors of long term neurological outcome in bacterial meningitis. Indian J Pediatr. 2007 Apr;74(4):369-74. doi: 10.1007/s12098-007-0062-6. PMID 17476082.
 * Singhi PD, Ray M, Singhi S, Narendra Kumar Khandelwal. Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis in North Indian Children: Clinical Profile and Follow-Up. Journal of Child Neurology. 2006;21(10):851-857. doi:10.1177/08830738060210100201
 * Nagaraj R, Singhi P, Malhi P. Risperidone in children with autism: randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. J Child Neurol. 2006 Jun;21(6):450-5. doi: 10.1177/08830738060210060801. PMID 16948927.
 * Singhi P, Jain V. Bell's palsy in children. Semin Pediatr Neurol. 2003 Dec;10(4):289-97. doi: 10.1016/s1071-9091(03)00077-9. PMID 14992461.
 * Singhi P, Jagirdar S, Khandelwal N, Malhi P. Epilepsy in children with cerebral palsy. J Child Neurol. 2003 Mar;18(3):174-9. doi: 10.1177/08830738030180030601. PMID 12731642.
 * Singhi PD, Ray M, Suri G. Clinical spectrum of cerebral palsy in north India—an analysis of 1,000 cases. J Trop Pediatr. 2002 Jun;48(3):162-6. doi: 10.1093/tropej/48.3.162. PMID 12164600.
 * Baranwal AK, Singhi PD, Singhi SC, Khandelwal N. Seizure recurrence in children with focal seizures and single small enhancing computed tomographic lesions: prognostic factors on long-term follow-up. J Child Neurol. 2001 Jun;16(6):443-5. doi: 10.1177/088307380101600611. PMID 11417612.
 * Singhi P. Neurodevelopmental disorders and the pediatrician. Indian J Pediatr. 2001 May;68(5):421-2. doi: 10.1007/BF02723020. PMID 11407157.
 * Singhi P, Malhi P. Clinical and neurodevelopmental profile of young children with autism. Indian Pediatr. 2001 Apr;38(4):384-90. PMID 11313510.
 * Singhi PD. Newer antiepileptic drugs and non surgical approaches in epilepsy. Indian J Pediatr. 2000 Jan;67(1 Suppl):S92-8. PMID 11129899.
 * Mallhi P, Singhi P. Screening young children for delayed development. Indian Pediatr. 1999 Jun;36(6):569-77. PMID 10736585.
 * Singhi PD, Goraya JS. Cerebral palsy. Indian Pediatr. 1998 Jan;35(1):37-48. PMID 9707903.
 * Singhi PD, Mitra S. Hallervorden-Spatz disease: late infantile type. J Child Neurol. 1997 Jun;12(4):281-2. doi: 10.1177/088307389701200413. PMID 9203072.
 * Singhi PD, Mitra S. Approach to the management of a child with epilepsy. Indian Pediatr. 1997 Jan;34(1):27-40. PMID 9251277.
 * Singhi PD, Jayshree K. Febrile seizures: an update. Indian Pediatr. 1995 May;32(5):564-72. PMID 8613315.
 * Singhi PD, Singhi SC. Central nervous system infections in children (bacterial, tubercular). Curr Opin Neurol. 1995 Apr;8(2):150-5. doi: 10.1097/00019052-199504000-00012. PMID 7620590.
 * Singhi PD. Recent trends in the management of acute bacterial meningitis. Indian Pediatr. 1994 Nov;31(11):1321-7. PMID 7896328.
 * Singhi P, Radhika S. Kiss: a developmental milestone or a culture-determined skill? Am J Dis Child. 1992 Jun;146(6):663-4. doi: 10.1001/archpedi.1992.02160180021009. PMID 1595620.
 * Singhi PD. Early identification of neuro-developmental disorders. Indian J Pediatr. 1992 Jan-Feb;59(1):61-71. doi: 10.1007/BF02760900. PMID 1377177.
 * Singhi PD, Padmini P, Mantri SB. Farber's disease. Indian Pediatr. 1991 Nov;28(11):1338-41. PMID 1808062.
 * Singhi PD, Gupta A, Agarwal A. Aicardi syndrome. Indian Pediatr. 1991 Dec;28(12):1513-6. PMID 1819576.
 * Singhi PD, Goyal L, Pershad D, Singhi S, Walia BN. Psychosocial problems in families of disabled children. Br J Med Psychol. 1990 Jun;63 ( Pt 2):173-82. doi: 10.1111/j.2044-8341.1990.tb01610.x. PMID 2142891.
 * Singh S, Singhi PD. Stokes-Adams attacks misdiagnosed as epilepsy. Indian Pediatr. 1988 Sep;25(9):903-4. PMID 3243649.
 * Bhargava S, Garg OP, Singhi S, Singhi P, Lall KB. Prevalence of behaviour problems in Ajmer school children. Indian J Pediatr. 1988 May-Jun;55(3):408-15. doi: 10.1007/BF02810363. PMID 3225029.
 * Singhi PD. Counselling the parents of a child with cerebral palsy. Indian Pediatr. 1988 Apr;25(4):368-70. PMID 3225045.
 * Singhi PD, Kaur S. Abdominal epilepsy misdiagnosed as psychogenic pain. Postgrad Med J. 1988 Apr;64(750):281-2. doi: 10.1136/pgmj.64.750.281. PMID 3186570; PMCID: PMC2428499.
 * Singhi PD. Problems in the rehabilitation of paralytic poliomyelitis. Indian Pediatr. 1987 Mar;24(3):203-7. PMID 3679459.
 * Singhi S, Singhi P. Current trends in neonatal fluid therapy. I. Physiological basis. Indian Pediatr. 1986 Dec;23(12):973-89. PMID 3570452.
 * Singhi S, Walia BN, Singhi P, Walia HK. Roentgenographic cranial-base and calvarial measurements of north Indian children from birth to two years of age. Dev Med Child Neurol. 1984 Feb;26(1):112-6. doi: 10.1111/j.1469-8749.1984.tb04415.x. PMID 6698321.
 * Singhi P, Singhi S. Pica type of 'nonfood' articles eaten by Ajmer children and their significance. Indian J Pediatr. 1982 Sep-Oct;49(400):681-4. doi: 10.1007/BF02752653. PMID 7188191.
 * Singhi P, Singhi S. Blood pressure changes in meningitis: their relation with intracranial pressure. Indian Pediatr. 1982 Apr;19(4):339-44. PMID 7141645.
 * Singhi S, Singhi P, Lall KB. Congenital asymmetrical crying facies. Clin Pediatr (Phila). 1980 Oct;19(10):673-5, 678. doi: 10.1177/000992288001901005. PMID 7408369.
 * Singhi S, Singhi P. Intrathecal ATS and high dosage diazepam in neonatal tetanus. Arch Dis Child. 1979 Aug;54(8):650-1. doi: 10.1136/adc.54.8.650-a. PMID 507924; PMCID: PMC1545775.
 * Singhi S, Singhi P, Singh M. Extrapyramidal syndrome following chloroquine therapy. Indian J Pediatr. 1979 Feb;46(373):58-60. doi: 10.1007/BF02811499. PMID 457222.