Neurology in Pattaya

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 Pattaya?

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 Pattaya 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 Pattaya

About Pattaya

Pattaya is a resort city that lies on the eastern coast of the Gulf of Thailand. It is about 62 miles southeast of Bangkok, the capital of Thailand. Pattaya was once a small fishing village. During the Vietnam War, the American soldiers positioned in Thailand visited Pattaya for rest and relaxation. Their enthusiasm about the town spread among other soldiers. Soon it became popular as an R&R destination and a great alternative to Bangkok. Now, it is a thriving tourist destination within Thailand.

According to a recent survey, 11 percent of all medical tourists that visit Thailand have chosen Pattaya as their destination for Treatments and procedures. Pattaya hospitals offer high-quality services at an affordable cost and they provide a range of medical facilities such as health checks, dentistry, cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries, Breast Augmentation procedures, and even cardiac bypass surgeries. The doctors and senior medical team are highly skilled, and they communicate in English with foreign patients.

Phuket's medical facilities offer comprehensive packages aimed at medical tourists, which cover treatment expenses, meticulous aftercare, and accommodation in state-of-the-art private rooms. Notable establishments within this sector include names like the Bangkok Pattaya Hospital, the Pattaya Memorial Hospital, Pattaya International Hospital, and Pattaya City Hospital.

These hospitals are globally recognized for their high-standard healthcare services. Coupled with advanced technology and experienced professionals, they offer a broad range of medical treatments. Balancing excellent medical services with warm Thai hospitality, these institutions provide patients with a comfortable, stress-free medical journey topped with personalized care and attention.

Popular Areas in Pattaya City

Pattaya is the second most-visited city in Thailand next to Bangkok. Divided into four, the North, South, East and Central Pattaya, it is home to about 390,000 inhabitants. Central Pattaya is lively with bars and shopping areas. North Pattaya houses many high-end hotels and is an upmarket area. South Pattaya, with the Walking Street, is a nightlife center. Pratumnak Hills, called the Beverly Hills of Pattaya, is the cleanest and green area, offering the best view of the city. It is also home to the Big Golden Buddha.

This beautiful island city is an ideal location for beach and adventure lovers, and party enthusiasts. It has many exotic beaches, water-theme parks, beautiful nature, religious temples, and exhilarating nightlife.

Some popular areas of tourist interest in Pattaya are –

• Beaches – The beaches are the most popular places in Pattaya and have plenty of beach activities such as parasailing, jet-skiing, snorkeling, and more. Pattaya Beach, Jomtien Beach and Koh LarnBeach are the most visited beaches of the City.
• Sanctuary of Truth –With a height of 105 meters, the Sanctuary of Truth is a place of peace and reflection. Made of teakwood with intricate wooden carvings, the monument built by a millionaire has four wings, each of which is dedicated to the Thai, Chinese, Khmer and Indian religious idols.
• Koh Larn – Located 4 miles from the Pattaya coast, Koh Larn is a beautiful island with six beautiful and unique beaches with plenty of water activities. Boats from Pattaya operate several times every day to this island.
• Khao Phra Tamnak – This is a viewpoint on top of the hill that separates Jomtien Beach from South Pattaya. Wat Phra Yai, the iconic Golden Buddha statue, is atop the mountain. The viewpoint offers a sweeping and scenic view of Pattaya City, and the Bay.
• Walking Street – is a 500-meter stretch and is a busy and trendy street. It is a popular attraction for entertainment and nightlife and is known for its bright and big neon signages. The side streets are lined with bars, nightclubs, live bands, go-go bars, restaurants, and discotheques.
• Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden –is spread over a 500-acre park with a scenic landscape and has the feeling of a theme park with cultural shows, restaurants. The garden has won many awards for its landscapes and you will see many exotic flowers and unique species.
• Floating Market –The Four Regions Floating Market is different from other floating markets of Thailand. The market is divided into four regions, north, northeast, south and central. Each division of the market sells products from a particular region. The shops or stalls are in boats that move around the canals.

Phuket's repertoire of attractions extends beyond its pristine beaches and medical facilities, inviting visitors to discover its varied cultural and recreational sites. Engaging attractions such as the Elephant Village and the Sri Racha Tiger Zoo offer unique wildlife encounters, while theme parks like the Cartoon Network Amazone deliver splashes of fun for all ages. There's also the Million Years Stone Park to marvel at nature's wonders, and Art in Paradise offers a delightful interactive experience.

Weather and Climate in Pattaya City

Located in the tropics, Pattaya is characterized by a tropical wet and dry climate where temperatures tend to remain elevated throughout the year. The city usually sees an average maximum temperature of approximately 91.4°F, making it a perfect destination for those who enjoy a warm climate.

However, it's important for visitors to note that due to the high levels of humidity prevalent in Pattaya, the city may often feel hotter than the actual temperature indicates. This increased perception of heat due to humidity is known as the 'heat index,' and is a common aspect of tropical climates. So whether you're planning a day at the beach or exploring the town, light, breathable clothing and plenty of hydration are recommended to keep comfortable and make the most of your visit.

The city has three distinct seasons –

• Cool Season - Is from November to February and the temperature is moderate, and the weather is dry.
• Hot Season - March to May is the hottest time of year and day temperatures are unbearably hot and humid. The weather starts hotting up by mid-March, and peaks during April and May.
• Wet Season – June to October are the wet months. Temperatures start to moderate from the end of May. September and October are the wettest months and local flooding is normal in Pattaya during this season.

Getting Around in Pattaya City

U-Tapao Pattaya Airport is about 18 miles, and at a 45-minute drive from Pattaya. The airport operates a small number of daily domestic and international flights. The best way to reach Pattaya by air would be via Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport which is 75 miles away from Pattaya. It is just an hour and a half drive by road from Bangkok. Suvarnabhumi Airport is well-connected to many international cities and from Suvarnabhumi Airport, you can take a Grab Taxi, or a metered taxi to reach Pattaya. You can also take the train from Bangkok, which will take about 4 hours, and cost you about 35 THB.

An equally practical and economical option for travelling to Pattaya from Bangkok is utilizing the bus service. With a moderate fare of around 115 THB, these buses are regular and efficient, making hourly departures from Bangkok's Eastern Bus Terminal to Pattaya. The service is impressively extensive, running between the early hours of 5 am through to late in the evening at 11 pm.

For visiting local spots within Pattaya, tourists can opt for a variety of transportation modes such as the popular songthaews, tuk-tuks, rental cars, Grab Taxi services, motorbike taxis, as well as car and motorbike rentals for those preferring to self-drive. Songthaews are distinct dark blue pick-up trucks that have been ingeniously remodeled into passenger vehicles. Offering a cost-effective ride at 5 THB for locals and a mere 10 THB for foreigners, they're an ideal choice for short distance travel.

Further, those who wish to cover long distances or simply crave a more comfortable experience can opt for taxis. Despite being relatively costlier than other forms of public transport, taxis in Pattaya offer a convenient and relaxing journey. They allow you to explore the city's intriguing sites and beautiful landscapes at your own pace, instilling a sense of ease and personalization to your travel plan. The options don't end here, though. With rental services, you can hire a car or a motorbike to drive around the city. It gives you the freedom to plan your itinerary, stop at will for impromptu sightseeing or leisure breaks.

On the other hand, the increasingly popular Grab Taxi service offers the convenience of hailing a ride with just a few taps on your smartphone. So whether it's hopping on a songthaew, zooming off on a motorbike, or enjoying a comfortable ride in a taxi, getting around Pattaya is easy, efficient, and tailored to suit a variety of preferences and budgets.

Tourist Visas in Pattaya City

Visa Exemption - Thailand exempts nationals from 55 countries, including the UK, USA, and many European countries, from obtaining a tourist visa. This means that these visitors can enter Thailand and stay for up to 30 days without having to apply for a visa in advance. The only requirement is that their passport must be valid for at least six months beyond their intended date of departure from Thailand.

To enter Thailand under the visa exemption program, visitors must obtain an arrival stamp at the immigration checkpoint at their port of entry. This is a free and simple process, and it only takes a few minutes.

Visa on Arrival - Nationals from 24 countries, including China and India, can obtain a visa on arrival at the airport in Thailand. This visa allows them to stay in Thailand for up to 15 days.

To obtain a visa on arrival, visitors must present a valid passport (valid for at least six months beyond their intended date of departure from Thailand), a completed visa application form, and a passport photo. They must also pay a visa fee of 2,000 Thai baht.

Important Information

• Visitors who enter Thailand under the visa exemption program or who obtain a visa on arrival cannot extend their stay.
• Visitors who overstay their visa will be subject to a fine and may be banned from re-entering Thailand.
• Visitors who are unsure of their visa status should contact the Thai embassy or consulate in their home country.

Additional Information

1. The local currency of Pattaya is the Thai Baht (THB). 1 US dollar is worth on average  34.5559 THB as of 2023. You will need to have Thai Baht currency for street shopping as most retailers don’t accept cards.
2. ATMs are available everywhere and accept all major debit and credit cards. Though street vendors accept only cash, most retailers in malls accept card payments.
3. The official language of Thailand, including Pattaya, is Central Thai. Locals understand and speak English in the tourist areas.
4. Buddhism is the major religion of Pattaya. Many practice Daoism along with Buddhism. Hinduism and Islam are the other major religions practised in Thailand.
5. While visiting Buddhist temples, it is best you wear conventional clothes and remove your footwear before entering the temple.
6. Chinese New Year (Feb 5), Makha Bucha Day (Feb 19), Songkran Festival (April 12-16), Asahina Bucha and Buddhist Lent Day (July 16 & 17), and Constitution Day Dec 10) are a few important holidays in Pattaya.