Neurosurgery in Germany

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 Germany?

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

About Germany

Germany, a titan in Central Europe and a vital constituent of the European Union, enjoys the reputation of having the finest healthcare system across the continent. Medical tourists often choose Germany due to its unrivaled service quality over cost, with Neurosurgery procedures being the most in-demand.

Prices here exhibit a significant hike when compared to the neighboring countries of Poland and Hungary. Germany, despite housing just two JCI accredited facilities, places considerable trust in its local accreditation bodies.

This includes institutions such as the German Institute for Standardisation, the Telemedicine for the Mobile Society (TEMOS), and the Cooperation for Quality and Transparency in Healthcare (KTQ-GmBH). The language barrier is virtually non-existent as the majority of the doctors and medical staff exhibit proficiency in English. Beyond the capital city of Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, and Frankfurt are popular delectations among medical tourists.

Popular Parts of Germany

Home to an approximate 83 million inhabitants, Germany stands tall as the second most populated nation in Europe. The country presents a fascinating blend of deep-rooted history and cutting-edge technology. Visitors can pay their respects at numerous WWII memorials and museums, bask in the allure of the country's picturesque natural landscapes, or surrender to the tantalizing array of culinary delights that Germany has to offer. Truly, Germany embraces diverse interests, ensuring every traveller finds something to cherish.

• Berlin is Germany’s capital city. It is a vibrant city with diverse sights to see. Visit the glass dome of The Reichstag, take a walk through Brandenburg Gate, be inspired by Berlin Cathedral, or wander around a UNESCO World Heritage Site: Museumsinsel (Museum Island).
• Munich is home to a beautiful historic city center, futuristic drives, and outdoor fun. For a historical tour, tourists can travel to the Church of St. Peter, the city’s oldest parish church dating back six centuries. For a car lover, visit the BMW Museum to learn more about the history of BMW cars and motorcycles. For outdoor activity, tourists can surf at the Eisbach wave on the Isar river.
• Hamburg provides refreshing sea air. The city was labeled as “the gateway to the world” because it is a center of international trade. As the city revolves around water, tourists should stroll around the harbor, lay around beside the Elbe, or sail on the Outer Alster lake.
• Frankfurt am Main is the financial and business hotspot of Germany. Although it is packed with skyscrapers, the city still offers amazing architecture, a piece of history, and even a large green space in the city forest.
• Hanover calls itself as the “EXPO City” because it hosts several of the biggest exhibition in the world. The city also boasts an astonishing blend of modern and ancient. There are a number of museums and galleries, a large zoo, and innovative street art for tourists to explore.

Weather and Climate in Germany

The four distinct seasons make Germany a year-round destination for tourists. The summer starts in June and ends in August. The average temperature is 24 °C, sometimes even as high as 30 °C. People tend to enjoy outdoor activities during this season. This is also the most popular time to visit and peak travel season, so prices can be higher than usual.

Autumn graces Germany in the months of September and October. During this time, the weather is comfortably warm, closely mirroring that of summer. However, by mid-November, a notable drop in temperatures can be expected. This period is particularly popular among tourists owing to the much-celebrated Oktoberfest.

Winter in Germany, which runs from December through February, can be chilling with temperatures dropping to as low as -10°C. Yet, the festive vibrancy brought on by the Christmas season often offsets the cold. Visitors planning a trip during winter must ensure to pack ample warm clothing for a comfortable experience.

Spring in Germany marks the delightful bloom of cherry blossoms and typically spans from March through May. The transition into this season often ushers in a rapid rise in temperatures, making it a beautiful and warm period to visit.

Getting around in Germany

Frankfurt Airport is the largest airport in Germany. The airport serves domestic flights as well as international flights. It connects the country with almost every country in the world. The airport is the hub for Condor and Lufthansa. It also serves budget airlines such as Ryanair, Euro wings, Wizz Air. Düsseldorf International Airport and Munich Airport also receive their shares of international flights.

Train, bus, and taxi are the best options to get to the city center from Frankfurt Airport. A trip by train usually costs 4.65 EUR and takes around 40 minutes. Train tickets need to be punched, otherwise, you can get a 50 EUR fine. The bus costs 4.35 EUR and takes around 30 minutes. Buses that take tourists to the city center are No. 61, 77, 72, 58, 62, N81 and N7. Taxis are not very cheap, it will cost around 25 EUR and will take approximately 20 to 30 minutes to the city center.

As the creator of the first highway system, Germany has some of the best public transportation in the world. The public transportation is integrated with one ticket that gives tourists access to buses, trams, U-Bahn trains, and S-Bahn trains. A one-way fare starts from 2.90 EUR. It is better to get a one-day unlimited pass for 7 EUR or three days for 17 EUR.

Train travel is very efficient and affordable. Germany rail system has both high-speed trains and regular trains. High-speed trains are very fast but much more expensive. It’s advised to book train tickets in advance. Buses are the most cost-effective way to get around Germany although it is not as efficient as the train. Buses here are comfortable with air-conditioning and rest stops.

Taxis in Germany are expensive. All taxis are metered and start with a base fare of around 3.70 EUR. There is no Uber in the country, but tourists can use the MyTaxi App. If you want to get around the city, the best way is to rent a bicycle. Most cities are equipped with well-marked bicycle lanes.

Tourist Visas in Germany

Germany extends a cordial welcome to citizens from numerous nations, offering them visa-free entry. This privilege applies to travelers from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Israel, Japan, Poland, the United States, and Switzerland, who are invited to stay for up to 90 days without the need for a visa.

Moreover, as a member of the European Union (EU), Germany adheres to the policy of open borders with its fellow EU nations. Consequently, EU citizens can freely travel to and enter Germany without any requirement for a visa. This ease of movement provides an added advantage for those wishing to visit Germany, whether for business, leisure, or medical purposes.

Citizens of other countries need a Schengen Visa. The application for a Schengen Visa must be filed with the embassy of the country of your primary destination. It is best to always check the requirements for Germany Visa Application before applying.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: the local currency is the euro (EUR). 1 USD converts to 0.94 EUR.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are easily available across the country. The easiest way to obtain cash is to use an ATM linked to international networks. Credit cards are not widely accepted in Germany, so always make sure to carry some cash. Some hotels, shops, and restaurants will accept credit cards. Tipping 1 EUR to room cleaners or porters is common. Most people add 5% or 10% tip in restaurants and bars. Tourists can tip about 10% to taxi drivers.
3. Local Language: The official language is German. It is nice to know a little German to show respect. Many Germans in major cities and tourist areas will know a little English.
4. Local Culture and Religion: 57% of Germany’s population follows Christianity, making it the largest religion in the country. Islam is the second largest religion. Buddhism, Judaism, Hinduism are also practiced.
5. Public Holidays: Germany celebrates Christian religious holidays. The country hosts several festivals such as Maibaumaufstellung every 1st May and Oktoberfest in October.