Neurosurgery in Bangalore

Neurosurgery is a medical specialty that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of disorders/diseases or injury that affects any portion of the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, spinal column, and peripheral nerves. This specialty includes both adult and pediatric patients. A physician who specializes in neurosurgery is called a neurosurgeon. Although they are mostly known as ‘brain surgeons,’ they are also medically trained to help patients who suffer from neck and back pain, as well as a wide range of other illnesses. Some of the most common conditions that neurosurgeons can treat include:

• Meningitis
• Traumatic head injury
• Cervical spine disorders
• Sciatica
• Herniated disc
• Stroke
• Chronic pain
• Carotid artery disease
• Pituitary tumors
• Brain tumors
• Hydrocephalus
• Trigeminal neuralgia
• Spine tumors
• Vertebral fractures
• Sciatica
• Lumbar spinal stenosis.

A neurosurgeon can provide diagnostic procedures, as well as both surgical and non-surgical treatment. These include, but are not limited to:

• Computerized Tomography (CT) scan
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Lumbar Puncture
• Electroencephalography (EEG)
• Ultrasonography (USG)
• Biopsy
• Aneurysm repair
• Tumor removal
• Trauma repair
• Clot removal
• Deep brain stimulation (DBS)
• Brain stereotactic radiosurgery
• Epilepsy surgery
• Fetal surgery
• Endovascular treatment
• Endoscopic procedures
• Hyperhidrosis surgery, such as endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy
• Seizure surgery
• Spinal fusion
• Trigeminal neuralgia surgery.

How Long Should I Stay in Bangalore?

Your length of stay depends on the type of procedure you underwent. For diagnostic tests, you may need to stay in Bangalore for 3 to 7 days to wait until the results are ready and to discuss the results with your neurosurgeon. In some cases, you may be allowed to leave for home immediately. For medical treatments, you usually need to stay in the hospital for two to five days, and stay in Bangalore for 7 to 14 more days, sometimes even longer. During your stay, you will have to attend regular checkups where your neurosurgeon monitors your condition. If everything is fine, you will be allowed to travel home.

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

Since there is a wide range of procedures, recovery times vary. In general, it can take around 4 to 12 weeks to recover from surgery. During this period avoid strenuous activities and take time off of work. Your doctor will gradually allow you to increase your activity levels, based on their examination at the follow-up visits. 

What Aftercare is Required?

After neurosurgery treatments, you will have to change your lifestyle. A healthy diet, such as keeping your salt levels down and avoiding sugary food, is crucial to prevent complications. It is also important that you exercise regularly and get enough sleep. For some types of surgery, you will need rehabilitation therapy, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech, language therapy. 

What's the Success Rate?

Given the advances in technology, understanding of the nervous system, and surgical understanding, the success rate of neurosurgery continues to improve and is now higher than before. For example, the success rate of endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) is around 95%, while the likelihood of being seizure-free five years after epilepsy surgery is around 95%. Still, every procedure come with potential risks and side effects, such as infection, excessive swelling of the brain, spinal fluid leakage, and seizures.

Are there Alternatives?

If you have any conditions related to your nervous system, you can go to a neurologist as the alternative. However, since neurologists do not perform surgery, they will refer you to a neurosurgeon should surgery be required as part of your treatment.

Neurosurgery in and around Bangalore

About Bangalore

Bangalore, officially known as Bengaluru, is a megacity and the third-most populous city in India. It is a multi-religious, multi-ethnic, and cosmopolitan city, which is reflected by its huge number of places of worship for different religions. It is also one of the most developed cities in India, with its modern metro system, lovely parks, and a burgeoning shopping scene. In recent years, the city has become one of the most preferred medical tourism destinations in India. Its popularity is driven by its high-quality and modern medical centers, highly skilled doctors, exemplary services, and pocket-friendly medical treatment packages. Most medical tourists who come to this city are seeking bariatric surgeries, cardiac surgeries, cosmetic surgeries, and dental treatments. 

Popular Parts of Bangalore

Despite Bangalore’s rapid development, the city still retains its charm. Visitors can admire its Victorian-era architecture, visit its temples, explore its colorful markets, or relax in its peaceful gardens. Those who wish to get a glimpse into the city’s past should visit the opulent Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace which was completed in 1791; this palace gives visitors an exquisite example of Indo-Islamic architecture. Not too far from the palace is the ruins of Bangalore Fort, which was built in 1537. Although not much of the fort remains today, it is still one of the ancient heritages of the city. Since Bangalore is a city of multi-religions, any visit to the city will not be complete without seeing one of its places of worship. Therefore, make sure to head to the Bull Temple, a breathtaking 16th-century construction that captures the hearts of many visitors. 

Transport in Bangalore

The main gateway to Bangalore is Kempegowda International Airport, which is located about 40 kilometers north of the city. It handles both domestic and international flights to numerous cities in Asia and Europe. It is relatively easy to navigate around the city as you can use the new Bangalore Metro train, Uber, and Ola Cabs. 

Visas in Bangalore

Unless you are a citizen of Bhutan, Nepal, or Maldives, you will need to apply and obtain a visa to visit Bangalore. Visa on arrival is available for citizens of Japan, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates. e-Visa is provided for 150 nationalities and is valid for 60 days.

Weather in Bangalore

There are three seasons in Bangalore. From March to May is summer, which has a moderate type of climate with an average temperature of around 20°C to 35°C. The monsoon season, from June to September, witnesses a drop in temperature, but a rise in humidity levels, this season experiences the highest rainfall, especially from August to September. Winter has pleasant and soothing weather as the temperatures drop to an average of 16°C to 27°C and it is one of the best times to visit.

Additional Info

1. Local Currency:  The Indian rupee (INR) is the official currency. 1 USD converts to approx. 73 INR.
2. Money & Payments:  ATMs are widely available around the city. Credit and debit cards are accepted but always carry some cash. Tipping is not expected.
3. Local Language: Kannada is the official language, but other languages such as Hindi and Tamil are also spoken. Many people understand and speak English.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Hinduism is the largest religion in Bangalore, followed by Islam, Christianity, Jainism, Sikhism, and Buddhism.
5. Public Holidays: Bangalore celebrates numerous public holidays, including Sankranti, Republic Day, Maha Shivratri, Khutub-E-Ramzan, Independence Day, Eid Milad, Kannada Rajyothsava, and Mahatma Gandhi Birthday.