Neurosurgery in Costa Rica

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 Costa Rica?

Your length of stay depends on the type of procedure you underwent. For diagnostic tests, you may need to stay in Costa Rica 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 Costa Rica 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 Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a tiny country in Central America, bordered by Panama, Nicaragua, the Caribbean Sea, and the Pacific Ocean. This country is generally regarded as having the most democratic and stable government of all the Central American countries. It charms its visitors with unspoiled beaches, lush rainforests, a plethora of wildlife, and steaming volcanoes. Besides its breathtaking landscape, Costa Rica is also famous for its healthcare. Tens of thousands of medical tourists come to this country to take advantage of its world-class yet inexpensive medical care. Most of the medical procedures in the country are 40% to 50% cheaper than in the United States or Europe. Cosmetic surgery and dentistry are the most sought-after procedure, but a growing number of foreign patients also come for orthopedic treatment, bariatric surgery, and eye surgery. 

Popular Parts of Costa Rica

Surrounded by volcanoes and green hills, San José, the capital and largest city of Costa Rica, has one of the most spectacular settings in the world. This laid-back and pleasant capital is filled with colonial mansions that have been converted into contemporary galleries, amazing food, and vibrant nightlife. The most popular attractions in this city are Museo de Jade, Teatro Nacional, Museo Nacional de Costa Rica, and Mercado Central. Those who want to relax under the sun usually visit Tamarindo, which is famous for its beaches. Here, visitors can visit Las Baulas National Marine Park, go rafting in the Colorado River, or relax in Playa Tamarindo.

Weather and Climate in Costa Rica

Due to its close proximity to the Equator, Costa Rica is a tropical country with two seasons: the dry “summer” season and rainy “winter” season. The dry season, from January to April, is warm and pleasant. Rain is very unlikely to fall during this season, even in the rainforests. The rainy season, sometimes called the “green season,” is hot and humid. Rain usually falls in the afternoon and evening, while the mornings are often sunny. On the Caribbean coast, rainfall is spread out throughout the year, but it gets far less rain in September and October.

Getting around in Costa Rica

Juan Santamaría International Airport is the main international airport in Costa Rica, located in San José. It has various flights to domestic and international destinations, including Toronto, Mexico, New York, and London. Affordable domestic flights between San José and popular destinations are the fastest way to get around and handy for accessing the more remote areas. Buses are reasonably priced and have an extensive network, but they can be slow. Private and shared shuttles are available, the best way to get around is, however, by renting a car as it gives more flexibility and allows you to access more remote destinations. 

Tourist Visas in Costa Rica

Everyone who wants to visit and stay in Costa Rica is required to have a passport unless they are a citizen of one of the visa-exempt countries. The visa-exempt countries include EU countries, the UK, the US, Australia, Russia, and several other nations. Citizens of other countries not listed in the visa exemption agreement need to apply and obtain a visa before visiting.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: Colón (CRC) is the national currency of Costa Rica. 1 USD is equivalent to 601 CRC. In some places, such as tourist areas, US dollars are accepted. 
2. Money & Payments: ATMs accepting foreign cards, particularly Visa, can be found in all major cities and small towns. Credit cards, such as Visa and MasterCard, are all accepted in larger establishments. Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. 
3. Local Language: Costa Rican Spanish is the official and most commonly spoken language in Costa Rica. English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Roman Catholicism is the official religion in Costa Rica, but the constitution provides for freedom of religion. Around 17% of the population is unaffiliated with any religions and around 3% follows either Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Neo-Paganism, or other religions. 
5. Public holidays: New Year’s Day, Juan Santamaria Day, Guanacaste Day, Assumption, Mother’s Day, Independence Day, Day of the Cultures, and Christmas Day are some of the most celebrated public holidays in Costa Rica.