Neurology in Hua Hin

Neurology is a branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and the treatment of diseases of the nervous system. The nervous system is a complex and sophisticated system that regulates and coordinates our body activities. It is divided into two major parts:

• The central nervous system: the brain and spinal cord
• The peripheral nervous system: all nerves branching out from the brain and spinal cord, and extend to other parts of the body, including organs and muscles.

Since the nervous system is complex, there are numerous subspecialties within the field of neurology, including:

• Neurodevelopmental disabilities
• Pediatric or child neurology
• Neuromuscular medicine
• Pain medicine
• Hospice and palliative care neurology
• Headache medicine
• Vascular Neurology (stroke care)
• Sleep medicine
• Autonomic disorders
• Brain injury medicine
• Neuropsychiatry
• Epilepsy
• Neurointensive care

A doctor who specializes in treating diseases of the nervous system is called a neurologist. Symptoms that often require a neurologist help may include coordination problems, muscle weakness, confusion, dizziness, and a change in sensation. People who are having problems with their senses, such as vision, touch, or smell, may also require to see a neurologist since problems with senses are sometimes caused by disorders of the nervous system.

A neurologist may also treat patients with:

• Stroke
• Seizure disorders, such as epilepsy
• Migraines and headaches
• Brain aneurysms
• Brain tumors
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Multiple sclerosis
• Infections of the nervous systems, such as meningitis, encephalitis, or brain abscesses
• Neuromuscular disorders, such as myasthenia gravis
• Neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Lou Gehrig’s disease
• Sleep disorders
• Spinal cord disorders, such as autoimmune and inflammatory disorders
• Speech and language disorders

Keep in mind that neurologist does not perform surgery. If you need surgery, you will be referred to a neurosurgeon.

What does Neurology Involve?

A wide variety of different tests and procedures are used to diagnose and treat neurological conditions. On your first appointment with a neurologist, a physical and neurological exam is likely to be performed. A neurological exam is done to test muscle strength, coordination, and reflexes.

Because different diseases can have similar symptoms, more than one testing may be required for your neurologist to make a diagnosis.

Some of the procedures that fall into the field of neurology may include:

Electromyography

Electromyography (EMG) is used to measure how well your muscles react to electrical stimulation from motor neurons, which are specific nerves controlling muscle movement. It can help neurologists diagnose general muscle or nerve dysfunction, as well as spinal cord disease.

During an EMG, small needles called electrodes are inserted into the muscle by a specially trained technician. The electrodes can measure the different electrical activity occurring in muscle tissue during periods of movement and rest.

Electroencephalogram

Electroencephalogram (EEG) is performed to assess and record electrical activity in your brain. Neurons in our brain communicate with other neurons through electrical impulses, which an EEG can record. Brain wave patterns can also be tracked by an EEG. It is used to help diagnose conditions of the brain, including tumors, inflammation, injuries, as well as psychiatric disorders, epilepsy, and seizures.

During an EEG, electrodes are placed on your head. The electrodes are connected to a computer, which converts electrical signals into patterns that can be seen from a screen or printed on a piece of paper.

Lumbar puncture

Lumbar puncture is done to test your spinal fluid. It involves inserting a needle into your spine after numbing it with an anesthetic. Using the needle, a sample of your spinal fluid is taken.

A lumbar puncture can help diagnose the following conditions:

• Meningitis
• Encephalitis
• Leukemia
• Myelitis
• Dementia
• Autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Bleeding in the brain

The procedure can also be used to treat conditions affecting the spinal cord. Your neurologist may inject anesthetics, cancer treatments, or antibiotics using a lumbar puncture needle.

Tensilon test

To help diagnose myasthenia gravis, your neurologist may perform a tensilon test. It involves the injection of a medicine called Tensilon. Then, your neurologist observes how medicine affects your muscle movements.

Sleep study

Chronic sleep problems are diagnosed in a Sleep Study. Also known as a Polysomnogram (PSG), this procedure involves monitoring patients during sleep and physiological data is recorded electronically.

Other tests

Other types of tests may be used by your neurologist to make a diagnosis. These may include:

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI scan)
• Computed tomography (CT scan)
• Positron emission tomography (PET scan)
• Biopsy
• Genetic testing
• Angiography

Botox injections

Botox injections can be done to treat some neurological conditions, such as cerebral palsy, that can cause your limbs to pull in toward your center. Sometimes, these contracted muscles can be relaxed with Botox injections.

Botox injections involve injecting tiny amounts of botulinum toxin into your skin of muscles using a thin needle.

Brain tumor treatment

A range of treatments can be done to treat a brain tumor. If your neurologist believes that you need surgery, you will be referred to a neurosurgeon who will remove as much of the brain tumor as possible through surgery.

A brain tumor may also be treated with radiation therapy, which uses high-energy beams to kill tumor cells.

Brain tumor treatment may be integrated between the departments of neurology and oncology.

Brain rehabilitation therapy

Brain rehabilitation therapy is used to help you relearn functions that are lost as a result of a brain injury. Brain rehabilitation therapy is usually integrated between specialty teams in the departments of neurology, sports medicine, psychiatry and psychology, neuroradiology, and the vestibular/balance laboratory.

Deep brain stimulation

During deep brain stimulation, electrodes are implanted within certain areas of the brain. The electrodes generate electrical impulses that can regulate abnormal impulses. These electrical impulses may also affect certain chemicals and cells within the brain.

Deep brain stimulation can be done to treat numerous conditions, including dystonia, essential tremor, epilepsy, and Parkinson’s disease. It is also being studied as a potential treatment for multiple sclerosis and stroke recovery.

Spinal stenosis treatment

Spinal stenosis is a condition that occurs when the spinal canal narrows and pinches the nerves, leading to back and leg pain. Spinal stenosis may be treated with pain medications, physical therapy, steroid injections, decompression procedure, or surgery. Surgery is usually performed if other treatments have not helped.

How Long Should I Stay in Hua Hin?

Your length of stay depends on the type of procedure you have, you may be allowed to leave the hospital on the same day or you will stay for several days. For diagnostic procedures, you should be allowed to leave the hospital on the same day. However, you should wait until the results of the test are ready before you can fly home, which may take as long as 7 days, sometimes even longer. If you undergo brain tumor treatments or other types of treatment, especially treatments that involve surgical intervention, you should aim to stay in Hua Hin at least for 10 days.

What's the Recovery Time?

The recovery time can be different for each procedure. It may also depend on the reason why you are having the procedure and your overall health. Your neurologist and neurosurgeon will give you a recovery timeline for each procedure. The recovery period for diagnostic procedures is typically short and you may be able to resume your normal activities within a week or so. For surgical procedures, you may need to wait 4 weeks or months until you can go back to your daily routine, including work and exercise.

What About Aftercare?

A detailed aftercare instruction will be given to you following your procedure. While the instructions will be different for each procedure, they typically include a diet plan, exercise, restrictions, and wound care (if any surgical intervention is involved). You should follow these instructions carefully in order to have a speedy and smooth recovery.

You may also need to attend follow-up checkups to monitor your overall condition and healing. For brain tumors, you may need to attend regular checkups to ensure the tumor has not come back.

What's the Success Rate?

The field of neurology is constantly advancing. The success rate of each procedure is typically high, particularly when performed by highly skilled and experienced medical professionals. Still, some procedures may carry some risks, such as bleeding, infection, and nerve injury.

Are there Alternatives to Neurology?

Since neurology is the branch of medicine to diagnose and treat problems of the nervous system, there are no other alternatives. However, if your doctor found that your disease or illness is found to be caused by other problems unrelated to the nervous system, your doctor will recommend you to see the relevant doctor.

Neurology in and around Hua Hin

About Hua Hin

Perched on the seaside and a mere 195 km from Bangkok, sits the resort town of Hua Hin. Once a modest and peaceful island, it has since transformed into a prominent tourist destination within Thailand, boasting superb infrastructure and a diverse range of accommodation options. These cater to the growing ex-pat community and the influx of tourists who make their way to this picturesque town each year.

Hua Hin is synonymous with exceptional healthcare services that draw in medical tourists from all over the globe. This influx can be attributed to the town's provision of top-tier medical treatments that uphold high international standards. But it is not only the medical offerings that attract these visitors, they also revel in the unique sights, shopping experiences, and the unmatched Thai hospitality available in Hua Hin. Consequently, this charming seaside town has secured its place as one of the most sought-after wellness destinations on a global scale.

The benefits of traveling to Hua Hin as a medical tourist are as follows.

• Affordability: The treatments and medical procedures performed here cost only a fraction of the price you would expect to pay in your home country.
• Highly reputed professionals: Well-trained Doctors, who have a good understanding of the English language, are ready to serve you.
• Latest technology: You will find the hospitals equipped with modern and up-to-date medical equipment & technology.
• Wide range of Procedures: Cosmetic surgery, anti-aging treatments, cardiac surgery, premium-health check-ups are some of the more popular treatments amongst the medical tourists visiting Hua Hin.

Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin, San Paulo Hospital, and Hua Hin Hospital are some of the well- known healthcare centers of this Beach resort town.

Popular areas in Hua Hin

• Khao Takiab: The vibrant suburb lies 7 km away from the town and the main attractions include Khao Mountains, the 20 m tall Buddhist Statue, and the beach. You can enjoy the variety and taste of the delicious seafood. Tourists can also indulge in a variety of activities such as kayaking, swimming, jet-skiing, banana boat ride, and parasailing. Several budget hotels and luxurious resorts are available in the neighborhood to accommodate visitors.
• Cha-Am Beach: The beach is stunning yet quiet. You can relax while reading a novel or under a parasol for a traditional Thai massage. You will find stretches of local food shops, budget hotels, and guesthouses and the replica of the famous Greek island, Santorini is the highlight of this region.
• Cicada Market: The famous Cicada Market houses an impressive array of shops that sell handicrafts, paintings, glass-blown figurines of animals, T-shirts with graphic designs, and more. You can even get your own caricature painted for 300 THB.

Ensure to include the Maruekhathaiyawan Palace, Black Mountain Water Park, Hua Hin Hills Vineyard, Plearn Wan Shopping Village, Hutsadin Elephant Foundation, Wat Bor Fai, and Ratchapak Park in your itinerary. These attractions will only help to make your trip more memorable and fun-filled.

Weather and Climate in Hua Hin

Hua Hin has a tropical climate and experiences three distinct seasons: Wet, Dry, and Hot.

• Dry season: November to February. The average temperature is around 26°C during the dry season. The nights get cooler and sunshine is in abundance during the day. Afternoons are quite windy with high tides. It seldom rains during this season.
• Hot season: March to June. The average temperature can rise to 29°C. Some days can be very hot with temperatures as high as 35°C or more. Even during the night, the weather is dry and hot. However, towards the end of the season, you can expect moderate rains.
• Wet season: July to October. The average temperature remains around 28°C. Evenings are generally cool and pleasant. The afternoons receive moderate to heavy downpours. October is the wettest month at Hua Hin. There were incidences of flooding in downtown a few years back. Thankfully, the runoff is too quick to cause any potential damage.

November to March is the best time to visit Hua Hin.

Getting around in Hua Hin

Hua Hin International Airport is 15 minutes away from Hua Hin city center. Recently, the Thai Government proposed plans costing 3.5 billion Baht to reform and upgrade the airport to handle more passengers. Right now, the airport handles charted flights, besides Air Asia's Hua Hin-Kuala Lumpur domestic flights.

Within the City, you can use the daily ferry service to commute to cities like Pattaya, Ko Samui, and Ko Tao. As Bangkok lies close to Hua Hin, you can drive or take the train to the capital city. Hua Hin Railway station operates several ordinary, express, and special express trains to its neighboring towns and cities.

Moving around the compact town of Hua Hin is an easy task. The Songtaew generally serves as the preferred and most economical mode of transport, setting you back just 10 Baht for a distance of 1-3 km. Tuk-tuks, while more expensive, come into play for closer distances, exacting a minimum fare of 150 Baht for a distance within a kilometer. For those seeking a middle-ground price point, motorbike taxis offer a feasible solution, charging around 60 Baht for a distance spanning 1-3 km. Additionally, conventional taxis and rickshaws remain readily available, bringing further convenience to commuting within Hua Hin.

Beyond these options, the town also caters to those who prefer to employ self-navigated modes of transport. Car and bike rental services are plentiful in Hua Hin, providing visitors the freedom to roam around the city at their own pace. Whether you're driving down the scenic coastal route or cycling through the charming city streets, these personalized transport services add a layer of adventure and exploration to your Hua Hin travel experience.

Tourist visas in Hua Hin

Thailand has a relatively flexible visa policy, which makes it a popular tourist destination for people from all over the world. Citizens of many countries, including the G7 countries, can enter Thailand without a visa and stay for up to 30 days. Citizens of some other countries, such as India, China, Russia, Bulgaria, and Saudi Arabia, can obtain a visa on arrival, which allows them to stay for up to 15 days.

If you are planning to stay in Thailand for longer than 15 days, or if you are traveling to Thailand for a specific purpose, such as work or study, you may need to apply for a non-immigrant visa. There are different types of non-immigrant visas available, depending on your purpose of travel.

You can apply for a non-immigrant visa at a Thai embassy or consulate in your home country. You will need to provide a valid passport, a visa application form, and other supporting documents, such as a letter of invitation from a Thai company or university.

The processing time for non-immigrant visas can vary, so it is important to apply well in advance of your travel date.

Here are some additional tips for applying for a Thailand visa:

• Make sure that you have all of the required documents.
• Be prepared to answer questions about your trip and your purpose for visiting Thailand.
• Be aware that the visa requirements for Thailand can change at any time, so it is always best to check with the Thai embassy or consulate in your home country before you travel.

Additional Information

1. Thai is the official language largely spoken throughout the country. The locals in Hua Hin speak good English. Yet, it is indispensable to learn a few common Thai words and phrases.
2. Hua Hin’s currency is the Thai Baht (TBH). 1 US dollar is approximately around 34.5559 THB as of 2023. 
3. All of the big resorts and restaurants accept credit card payments. You can also find many ATM machines and money exchange booths across the city.
4. Most of the population in Hua Hin practices Buddhism, followed by Islam and Christianity. When talking about members of Thailand's Royal Family you must be respectful as it is of the highest priority.
5. The people of Hua Hin celebrate many festivals. New Year's Eve, Chinese New Year, Makha Bucha, Chakri Day, Songkran, Coronation Day are a few of them. The exact festival date varies every year on a Western Calendar.