Neurosurgery in Tunis

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 Tunis?

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

About Tunis

Tunis is the capital and the largest city of Tunisia and is the center of government and administration as well as the center of commercial and cultural activities. It is divided into two parts, the old city known as Medina and the new city or Ville nouvelle. Even though it is located on the southern shores of the Mediterranean Sea, the city does not have many beaches. Still, it has managed to attract millions of tourists in 2018 thanks to its rich history displayed in numerous ancient buildings. These buildings have an enchanting blend of North African and French Architecture that will leave anyone in awe. Many tourists come to see the Roman ruins of Carthage or to stroll around and shop in the Medina.

Tunis is known to have a high standard of healthcare, which attracts an increasing number of medical tourists each year. Many of the medical tourists come from other African countries that have an inferior healthcare system. However, the city’s excellent reputation in cosmetic surgery and dental treatment appeal to many patients from Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. The private medical centers are armed with the best equipment and English speaking staff. The Tunisian Ministry of Health regulates cosmetic and plastic surgeons to ensure that there is a high standard. In addition to exceptional healthcare, Tunis also offer attractive prices for medical treatment and the cost of living. 

Popular Areas in Tunis

Although it is the largest city in Tunisia, Tunis can feel like a compact city and can be explored on foot. The city has a number of famous attractions that are always packed with tourists.

• Carthage was founded in the 9th century BC and was once a powerful empire of the Mediterranean as well as home to a wonderful civilization before being destroyed by the Romans in the Third Punic War. It was then to become an important Christian center until the Islamic invaders destroyed it. Today, the ruins have become a UNESCO World Heritage Site that tourists can visit.   
• The Medina in Tunis is one of the most remarkable medieval medinas in North Africa. There are over 700 monuments within the area, from mosques to madrassas to historical places. It is easy to get lost in the impressive maze-like alleyways, but tourists are encouraged to admire the Islamic architecture and art or learn more about the city’s history. Tourists can also shop in one of the souqs selling everything from shisha pipes to shoes or enjoy one of the cafes.
• Sidi Bou Saïd is a picturesque cliff-top village with cobbled streets, blue-and-white walls, and glimpses of pristine blue waters. It is probably one of the most beautiful places in Tunisia. The beautiful architecture is a blend of the Ottoman and the Andalusian. It is now a sleepy fishing village perfect for anyone who wants to get away from busy city life. The village has been a gateway for artists, bohemians, and pilgrimage for centuries.
• Bardo Museum is the second-largest museum in Africa and the main attraction of this museum is the ancient Roman mosaics recovered from Carthage. The museum also exhibits Greek statues, artifacts of the region’s Berber, and the accomplishments of the Islamic culture in the country. Other than the exhibitions, the building itself is decorated in impressive historic Islamic decorative arts.

Weather and Climate in Tunis

Tunis has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate meaning the city enjoys warm and sunny weather all year round. The summer can be hot and dry because rain is very rare and the summer usually lasts from June to August and the average temperature is around 25 °C but can get as high as 40 °C. July and August are the high tourist season, especially at the beach resorts. The city begins to get rain in autumn, often accompanied by a short thunderstorm. The winter is the wettest season of the year because it can rain every two or three days and the temperature can drop to 7 °C in the morning and 16 °C in the afternoon. The rainfall decreases in spring, and in March, the temperature ranges between 8 °C to 24 °C and the sunshine usually becomes dominant in May.

Getting Around in Tunis

Tunis-Carthage International Airport is the main airport in Tunisia and the airport connects Tunis with other cities in the country as well as the rest of the world as it serves flights to and from the Middle East, Africa, and major Europeans countries. It is the hub for Tunisair, Tunisair Express, and Nouvelair, but there are not many budget airlines operating flights from the airport. To get to the city center from the airport, tourists can opt for a taxi or bus. The bus is operated by the SNT bus line and departs every 30 minutes. It is very affordable with a single ticket costing less than 1 TND. There is also a more luxurious and expensive bus line known as the TUT bus and the bus departs every 15 minutes. If you want a more private mode of transportation use an airport taxis and they are usually metered.

Tourists have plenty of options to get around Tunis. There is a tram system in the city with inexpensive tickets, usually around .48 TND. However, be aware that it can be packed during the rush hours. Taxis are a good option to get around, the taxis are metered, and the base fare is around .4 TND but can be much more expensive if you hail one off the street. 

Tourist Visas in Tunis

Nationals of 97 countries including Australia, China, Singapore, the United States, and Russia can enter and stay in Tunis for up to 90 days without a visa. Other nationalities not listed in the visa exemption agreement are advised to check at their nearest Tunisia embassy or consulate. The country provides an online visa application to simplify the process of obtaining a visa to enter the country.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: Tunisian dinar (TND) is the official currency of Tunisia. 1 USD will get you 2.61 TND. 
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are widespread in Tunis. Credit Cards, particularly MasterCard and Visa, are accepted in most top-end restaurants, hotels, and shops. Tipping is by no means mandatory but will be greatly appreciated.
3. Local Language: Arabic is the official language and French is very common. English is not widely spoken except in tourist areas and hospitals.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Most of the population follows Islam, but there are small groups of Christian and Jews.
5. Public Holidays: The city celebrates major nationals and Islamic holidays such as Independence Day, Eid Al-Fitr, and Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday.