Neurosurgery in Da Nang

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 Da Nang?

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

About Da Nang

Da Nang is a port city in Vietnam that accesses the South Chinas Sea. It is known as the tourism capital of South Central Vietnam due to its serene beaches, clear blue water, ancient pagodas, lush national parks, and French colonial buildings. The city is developing at a rapid pace, with new modernist apartments, hotels, and restaurants springing up. For the past several years, the city has also seen a growing number of foreign visitors who seek both leisure and medical treatments. It is quickly becoming a medical tourism hotspot due to its modern healthcare facilities, advanced technology, devoted specialists, and competitive prices. Additionally, numerous medical centers in the city offer traditional medicine, which is seen as an attractive treatment option for many foreign tourists. 

Popular Parts of Da Nang

Ngu Hanh Son is one of the most attractive parts of Da Nang. It has numerous attractions and resorts. Here, visitors can explore both Da Nang’s traditional culture and natural beauty. From exploring the hidden beauty of the Marble Mountains, visiting the Non-Nuoc Pagoda, having fun at Asia Park, to relaxing at My Khe Beach, this part of the city is brimming with activities. Not too far from Ngu Hanh Son is Son Tra, a popular tourist hotspot where visitors can find Son Tra Mountain (Monkey Mountain), Linh Ung Pagoda, Dong Dinh Museum, Vietnam Cultural Exchange, and Love Bridge Da Nang. Along with Ngu Hanh Son and Da Nang, visitors also flock in Hai Chau. The area is packed with amazing museums, such as the Da Nang Museum and Ho Chi Minh Museum. 

Transport in Da Nang

Da Nang International Airport is where international tourists will arrive. It serves domestic flights to many cities in Vietnam and international flights to numerous cities in Asia, such as Shanghai, Seoul, Singapore, and Doha. There are some budget airlines operating from this airport, such as Jetstar Pacific and VietJet Air. Da Nang has many convenient transport modes. Taxis are widely available everywhere and are metered. Those looking for a more affordable and faster option can opt for motorbike taxis. Online hailing apps, such as Grab (similar to Uber) are also available.

Visas in Da Nang

Citizens of 24 countries, including Denmark, Cambodia, and the UK, may visit and stay in Da Nang for up to 90 days without a visa. Other nationalities are required to apply for a visa prior to their arrival. Vietnam provides an electronic visa system for nationals of 81 countries.

Weather in Da Nang

Da Nang experiences two seasons. From September to December is the wet season, with rain showers almost every day. It is also the typhoon season. The dry season starts from January and lasts until August. The weather can get hot, sometimes rising to 30°C.

Additional Info

1. Local Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the official currency and 1 USD converts to approx. 23,270 VND.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are widespread around the city. Credit cards are accepted in many hotels but always bring cash. Tipping is not obligatory but appreciated.
3. Local Language: Vietnamese is the official language. However, English is widely spoken in the city, especially in tourist areas.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Vietnam’s constitution provides for freedom of worship. The largest religion in Da Nang is Vietnamese folk religion. Other religions, such as Buddhism and Christianity are also present. However, many people are not religious.
5. Public Holidays: New Year’s Day, Tet Holiday, and National Day are some of the most important public holidays.