👉Each year, around 13.8 million essential neurosurgical cases arise.
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The scope of neurosurgery is vast, encompassing a wide range of conditions such as brain tumors, stroke, spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, and other neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy.
What does a neurosurgeon do for the brain and nervous sy?
| Neurosurgical role |
Activities and treatments |
| Brain surgery |
Neurosurgeons do more than just brain operations; they treat various neurological issues. They often work closely with other health care professionals to provide comprehensive care for patients with neurological conditions. |
| Pain management |
They manage back and neck pain using therapies, including medications and physical therapy. |
| Injury care |
They treat head injuries with both surgical and non-surgical approaches. |
| Nerve damage |
They address nerve damage through surgical interventions, medications, and rehabilitation. |
What are the standard neurosurgical procedures for brain tumors?
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Brain surgery. It is used for removing tumors, including brain cancer, draining infections, or relieving pressure.
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Spinal surgery. To correct deformities, treat pain, or repair spinal injuries.
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Emergency treatments. For severe injuries and urgent conditions like strokes.
🔹Neurosurgical specializations
Neurosurgery is a diverse field with several subspecialties, each focusing on specific areas of the brain and nervous sy. Here are some of the most common neurosurgical specializations:
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Cerebrovascular surgery. This specialization focuses on diagnosing and treating blood vessel disorders affecting the brain, such as aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations. These conditions require precise surgical interventions to prevent strokes and other complications.
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Neuro-oncology. Specialists in neuro-oncology are dedicated to diagnosing and treating brain tumors, including gliomas, meningiomas, and metastatic brain tumors. They employ advanced techniques to remove tumors and improve patient outcomes.
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Spinal surgery. This area focuses on treating spinal cord injuries, degenerative spinal conditions, and spinal tumors. Procedures in this specialization aim to restore function and alleviate pain caused by spinal issues.
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Pediatric neurosurgery. Pediatric neurosurgeons address neurological conditions affecting children, such as hydrocephalus, spina bifida, and brain tumors. Their expertise ensures that young patients receive tailored and effective treatments.
👉Approximately 10–15% of neurosurgical procedures focus on children, addressing conditions like congenital spinal defects and facial anomalies.
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Functional neurosurgery. This specialization deals with neurological conditions affecting movement, sensation, and cognition, including Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and chronic pain. Functional neurosurgeons use techniques like deep brain stimulation to improve patients’ quality of life.
Who Should Consider Seeing a Neurosurgeon?
Here are some reasons you might need to see a neurosurgeon:
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Ongoing, severe headaches that usual treatments can't relieve.
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Strange or unexplained symptoms that affect how your nerves work.
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Constant back or neck pain that regular therapies don't help.
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Sudden weakness or numbness (urgent care needed - might be stroke symptoms).
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Conditions like tumors, cysts, or fluid buildup in the brain.
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Issues like slipped discs, spinal narrowing, or spine deformities cause pain or disability.
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Injuries to the head or spine from accidents.
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Conditions where nerves are squeezed or damaged affect how you move or feel.
✅ Seeing a neurosurgeon can significantly help improve quality of life by addressing these complex issues.
Why Go For Neurosurgery Abroad?
Patients are now looking to international neuro hospitals for several compelling reasons. These facilities often rank among the best neurological hospitals in the world and provide access to top neurology doctors and the best neurosurgery programs at a fraction of the cost in the US and UK.
👉International medical graduates (IMGs) tend to produce more research than American medical graduates (AMGs). Which country has the best neurosurgeons is a complex question, but a Bookimed medical coordinator can help you find the best fit for your needs.
The main reasons include:
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World-class specialists. Access highly skilled neurosurgeons trained at renowned institutions such as Johns Hopkins and Mayo Clinic.
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Advanced technology. Facilities abroad often boast cutting-edge technology like Gamma knife radiosurgery, providing top-tier care.
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No waitlists. Overseas countries offer immediate treatment, avoiding the long wait times typical in countries like Canada or the UK. They may provide neurosurgery within as little as 2-4 weeks of initial contact.
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Cost-effective packages. Comprehensive care packages that include surgery, hospital stay, and follow-up care can reduce overall expenses by up to 50-70%.
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Recovery in a vacation setting. Recover in appealing tourist destinations, which can boost psychological recovery. Destinations like Costa Rica or Thailand offer beautiful settings conducive to healing.
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Language services. Top rated neurology hospitals provide language support services to ensure clear communication, enhancing the safety and comfort of the experience.
How Much Can You Save on Neurosurgery by Going Abroad?
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Neurosurgical procedures are significantly cheaper abroad compared to the US and UK. For example:
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Transnasal resection of a tumor costs up to $40,000 in the US but only around $11,000 in Hungary, saving about 73%.
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Tomotherapy costs up to $35,000 in the UK but is available for as low as $14,000 in the Dominican Republic, saving up to 60%.
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In the US, discectomy can cost up to $25,000, whereas it's around $6,000 in Hungary, saving up to 76%.
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Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is priced up to $120,000 in the US but only $55,000 in Poland, saving about 54%.
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Vagus nerve stimulation costs up to $60,000 in the US compared to $24,000 in Hungary, saving around 60%.
How much does neurosurgery cost?
| Country |
Transnasal resection of tumor |
Tomotherapy |
Discectomy |
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery |
Vagus nerve stimulation |
| Costa Rica |
$12,000 - $16,000 |
$18,000 - $25,000 |
$6,500 - $8,500 |
$50,000 - $70,000 |
$24,000 - $35,000 |
| Czech Republic |
$11,000 - $15,000 |
$15,000 - $22,000 |
$5,500 - $7,500 |
$45,000 - $65,000 |
$22,000 - $32,000 |
| Dominican Republic |
$9,000 - $12,500 |
$14,000 - $20,000 |
$5,000 - $7,000 |
$38,000 - $55,000 |
$19,000 - $28,000 |
| Hungary |
$8,000 - $11,000 |
$13,000 - $18,000 |
$4,500 - $6,000 |
$35,000 - $48,000 |
$17,000 - $24,000 |
| Mexico |
$11,000 - $15,000 |
$16,000 - $23,000 |
$5,500 - $7,500 |
$40,000 - $58,000 |
$21,000 - $30,000 |
| Poland |
$9,000 - $12,500 |
$14,000 - $20,000 |
$5,000 - $7,000 |
$38,000 - $55,000 |
$19,000 - $28,000 |
| Republic of Korea |
$14,000 - $20,000 |
$22,000 - $30,000 |
$8,000 - $10,000 |
$55,000 - $80,000 |
$30,000 - $42,000 |
| Spain |
$13,000 - $18,000 |
$19,000 - $27,000 |
$7,000 - $9,500 |
$48,000 - $75,000 |
$26,000 - $38,000 |
| Thailand |
$13,000 - $16,000 |
$19,000 - $27,000 |
$6,000 - $8,000 |
$45,000 - $65,000 |
$23,000 - $32,000 |
| Turkey |
$11,000 - $13,500 |
$16,000 - $23,000 |
$5,000 - $6,500 |
$40,000 - $55,000 |
$21,000 - $28,000 |
| United Kingdom |
$18,000 - $25,000 |
$26,000 - $35,000 |
$10,000 - $13,000 |
$65,000 - $90,000 |
$35,000 - $50,000 |
| United States of America |
$30,000 - $40,000 |
$35,000 - $50,000 |
$18,000 - $25,000 |
$80,000 - $120,000 |
$45,000 - $60,000 |
What Are the Factors Affecting Treatment Costs?
Here's a breakdown of key elements that influence neurosurgery expenses:
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Type of procedure. More intricate procedures like removing deep brain tumors or conducting multiple-level spinal fusions usually cost more due to the complexity, longer surgical time, and greater resource use.
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Surgeon's expertise. Surgeons specializing in specific neurosurgical subfields, such as vascular or pediatric neurosurgery, may charge more due to their unique skills.
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Hospital facilities. Advanced tools such as intraoperative MRI and robotic surgical sys enhance precision and add to the cost.
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Geographical location. The location of the hospital can significantly impact costs, with urban centers in high-cost regions typically charging more. In Istanbul, healthcare costs are higher than in smaller Turkish cities but still 40-60% lower than in the US or UK.
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Pre- and post-surgical care.The length of stay and the need for postoperative rehabilitation vary greatly. More extensive recovery needs can significantly increase total costs.
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Additional Treatments. Treatments like postoperative chemotherapy, radiation for tumor management, or ongoing physical therapy for spinal surgeries must be factored into the overall cost calculation.
Why Is Neurological Surgery Cheaper Abroad?
Several key factors contribute to the lower costs of neurosurgery abroad:
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Labor costs. Healthcare salaries in Thailand and Turkey are up to 70% lower than in the US, dramatically reducing medical service costs.
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Operational expenses. With a cost of living index about 50% lower than the US, per Numbeo, countries like Mexico can offer more affordable healthcare.
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Government subsidies. Government support in Turkey reduces patient costs by 20-30%, helping maintain affordable, high-quality services.
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Insurance and litigation costs. Lower malpractice insurance costs in Eastern European countries, such as Poland and the Czech Republic, decrease healthcare expenses.
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Volume and specialization. The best hospitals for neurology catering to international patients often perform more procedures, leading to economies of scale and lower costs per surgery.
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Medical tourism focus. Investments in medical tourism in regions with JCI-accredited facilities, like Spain, ensure top-quality care at 40-60% lower prices than in the US.
How to Select the Right Neurology Hospitals?
Finding the best neurosurgery clinic involves looking at several key aspects.
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Reputation and expertise. Go for neurosurgery clinics known for their excellence. Facilities ranked as the best neurological hospitals in the world often feature top-tier specialists and cutting-edge treatments. They still may be less expensive than the ones in Western countries.
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Accreditations. Choose neurosurgery hospitals accredited by leading organizations such as Joint Commission International (JCI) or those recognized by the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS).
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Specialist expertise. Ensure the presence of top neurology doctors and top-rated neurologists. Clinics that are part of the best neurosurgery programs usually have experts listed on the website.
💚 On Bookimed, you can find all the essential details about doctors. International patient support through Bookimed eases the process of accessing global healthcare facilities.
💡Reading patient reviews on Bookimed offers valuable insights into the quality of care and patient experiences at specific neurosurgery clinics.
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Top Clinics for Neurosurgery According to Bookimed
💚 Bookimed evaluates neurosurgery clinics using explicit criteria, including patient reviews, success rates, neurosurgeon expertise, and advanced technologies, helping patients make confident, informed decisions. The Clinic Ranking Policy is transparent.
For example, Valued Med Hub Hospitals in Istanbul, Turkey is frequently recognized as best neuro hospital in world.
Best neurology hospitals in the world according to Bookimed:
How to Find The Best Neurosurgeon?
Selecting the best neurologist involves careful consideration of their qualifications and the quality of care they provide.
- American Board of Neurological Surgery (ABNS);
- The Royal College of Surgeons (RCS);
- ISO 13485 certifies quality management sys for medical devices.
- Training and education. A qualified neurosurgeon should have advanced training in neurosurgery.
Those who have undertaken fellowships or specialized training in specific areas such as vascular neurosurgery, tumor neurosurgery, or pediatric neurosurgery are particularly adept at handling complex cases.
- Harvard Medical School;
- Johns Hopkins University;
- University of Oxford;
- Mayo Clinic.
💚 Bookimed ensures that all neurosurgeons within their network are thoroughly vetted, meeting stringent standards of care and expertise.
References
- Global neurosurgery: the current capacity and deficit in the provision of essential neurosurgical care. Executive Summary of the Global Neurosurgery Initiative at the Program in Global Surgery and Social Change / M. C. Dewan et al. Journal of Neurosurgery. 2019. Vol. 130, no. 4. P. 1055–1064. URL: https://doi.org/10.3171/2017.11.jns171500 (date of access: 07.02.2025).
- Neurosurgery – Royal College of Surgeons. Royal College of Surgeons. URL: https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/news-and-events/media-centre/media-background-briefings-and-statistics/neurosurgery/ (date of access: 07.02.2025).
- Analysis of neurosurgery resident research activity in the United States / R. Vought et al. Journal of Neurosurgery. 2024. P. 1–8. URL: https://doi.org/10.3171/2024.2.jns232752 (date of access: 07.02.2025).