Neurosurgery in Selangor

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 Selangor?

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

About Selangor

Occupying the status of both the most populous and developed state, Selangor is indeed the pride of Malaysia. Its advanced infrastructure and superior living standards, coupled with the country's lowest instance of poverty, make it stand out. Perfectly positioned on the western coast of Peninsular Malaysia, it envelops Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, both of which were formerly a part of Selangor. Despite its impressive development marked by towering structures,

Selangor manages to retain its natural charm boasting splendid landscapes and tranquil retreats. The state's deep-rooted cultural essence and unmatched healthcare services further enhance its appeal.

Selangor is the medical tourists’ favorite destination because of its geographical position and low cost of living. The state has some of the best medical experts with 12 government hospitals and over 30 private hospitals and medical centers, many of which are recognized internationally and accredited by Joined Commission International and the Malaysia Society for Quality in Health (MSQH).

Selangor has become a preferred destination for medical tourists who seek procedures such as dental surgeries, cosmetic surgeries, IVF treatments, and eye surgeries. Among the numerous hospitals offering these procedures, KPJ Ampang Puteri and Sunfert International Fertility Centre have gained immense popularity due to their high standards and patient-centric approach. This underlines Selangor's standing as a leading destination for healthcare in the region.

Popular Areas in Selangor

Tourists who want to indulge in Selangor’s beautiful nature can go to Kuala Selangor Beach (Mirror of the Sky), Chilling Waterfalls, Kuala Selangor Nature Park, or the National Zoo of Malaysia. Those who want to experience culture can visit Galeri Diraja Sultan Abdul Aziz, Mah Meri Cultural Village, and Sultan Alam Shah Muzeum.

Among Selangor's numerous tourist magnets, Batu Caves stands out. This impressive limestone hill is home to three large caves and multiple smaller ones. Revered as a national treasure of Malaysia, Batu Caves hold immense religious significance for the Hindu community.

Visitors are always in awe of the world's tallest statue of the Hindu deity, Murugan, situated here. In addition to the religious and natural appeal, the site also offers sights of varied cave fauna and thrilling climbing routes, delivering an all-round enriching experience.

The state’s capital, Shah Alam, also has plenty to offer. Tourists can go to I-City to see millions of LED lights, indoor park, or to shop. The Blue Mosque (Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque) is also a popular destination where tourists can see the beautiful mix of Islamic and Malay architecture.

Weather and Climate in Selangor

Adorned with a tropical rainforest climate, Selangor is characterized by a warm and humid environment all year round. Daytime temperatures generally fluctuate between 25 - 35°C, but during the dry season, these can peak at a scorching 37°C.

The wet season ushers into the region as the calendar transitions into April, often extending as far as October, leaving the land generously watered. An increased intensity of rains is observed towards September and October, marking the peak of the rainy spell. For prospective visitors seeking to avoid the wet season, the months from late November to February typically prove the most comfortable for exploring and sightseeing, blessed with less rainfall and mild temperatures.

However, it should be remembered that even amidst the monsoon season, the weather isn't uniformly gloomy; there are often luminous intermissions. The sun tends to break through the rain-soaked clouds, bathing the land in its warm rays. Consequently, even during the monsoons, numerous days are well-lit, and visitors have ample opportunities to explore the local beauty undeterred. Brazil, in every season, has its unique appeal. Whether it's soaked in rain or draped in warm sunshine, it never fails to mesmerize its guests.

Getting Around in Selangor

There are two main airports: Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and Subang Airport. Kuala Lumpur International Airport is the main airport in Malaysia that has a multitude of routes across the globe. The airport is divided into two parts, KLIA that mostly serves large airlines, and KLIA 2 that focuses on serving low-cost carries. Subang Airport is the hub for FireFly and Malindo Air.

Navigating Selangor is made effortless by its well-established infrastructure. The primary means of transportation include taxis, trains, and buses. Taxis, while economical, can prove to be slightly tricky, as some drivers refrain from using the fare meter. Visitors are therefore advised to approach taxi counters to secure a fixed-rate coupon, ensuring they aren't subjected to inflated prices.

Public transit systems like the KTM Komuter Train, MRT, and LRT are widely recognized as the most efficient modes of transportation for traversing Selangor. However, it's important to note that these service networks may not extend to certain rural areas. When visiting these less accessible regions, tourists may find it beneficial to hire a car, thereby gaining the advantage of flexibility. Alternatively, the option of using bus services provides a more economical solution for easy mobility.

Tourist Visas in Selangor

Nationals hailing from countries like China, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Bhutan, Serbia, and Montenegro are required to secure a visa prior to their arrival in Malaysia. Meanwhile, most other nationalities are offered the convenience of visa-free entry, valid for either a 30-day or 90-day stay. It is crucial for all visitors, regardless of their country of origin, to hold a passport that remains valid for at least six months subsequent to their entry into Malaysia.

An online visa application platform or eVisa is available for selected foreign nationals. eVisa can be applied around the world except for Malaysia and Singapore. Tourists who wish to visit Malaysia for medical treatment can apply for an eVisa Medical, valid for a single journey with a maximum of 30 days. The Malaysian Government has a very strict visa regulation, overstaying will result in RM10.000 fine and/or 5 year’s imprisonment, do ensure to extend your tourist visa if you need to.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: Malaysian Ringgit is the local currency with 1USD equivalent to RM4.72. The currency is printed in various colors and sizes, making it easier and less confusing for travelers to work with the currency to avoid giving the wrong bills when shopping. The Malaysian Ringgit is formerly known as ‘Malaysian Dollar,’ older Malaysians sometimes refer to it as ‘Dollars,’ you can ask which dollar they mean if you are unsure.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are widely available in the state. Credit cards (MasterCard and Visa) are accepted in most hotels and established restaurants. Tipping is not a common culture and many restaurants already add a service charge onto the bills, but tourists may tip.
3. Local Language: The national language is Malay, but English is in extensive use since many locals can speak English. Tamil, Mandarin, and Cantonese are also widely spoken.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Many people from different ethnicity coexist in Selangor. Malay, Chinese, and Indians are among the biggest ones. The official religion is Islam, as in other parts of Malaysia; with 57.9% percent of the population is Muslim, followed by Buddhist, Hindu, Christian, and Taoism.
5. Public Holiday: The rich racial diversity in Selangor is greatly celebrated all year round, especially on the holy days of every religion such as Aidilfitri, Chinese New Year, Thaipusam, and Deepavali. Selangor also hosts the three-day Thaipusam festival around January or early February, when hundreds of thousands of pilgrims meet at Batu Caves.