Neurosurgery in United States

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 United States?

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

About the United States

With a population of over 327 million people, the United States of America (USA) is the third most populous country in the world. It has endless options for visitors with beaches, snow-covered mountains, forests, big cities; travelers will have many different experiences. The country is also a top global destination for medical travel. Although procedures can cost a lot more when compared to Asian countries, people from all over the world come to the United States to get treated with advanced technology and competent medical professionals. The skilled and experienced doctors are mostly trained in world-renowned universities including Stanford and Harvard. Medical tourists come from the Caribbean, Europe, and Central America and almost any procedure can be done in the country, whether it is complex procedures or a difficult diagnosis.  

Popular Parts of the United States

• New York City is home to various iconic landmarks. Tourists will find world-famous sites around every corner and there are just so many things that tourists should not miss, such as the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, the Staten Island Ferry, Empire State Building, the Brooklyn Bridge, and MoMA. Art is an essential part of the city and museums devoted to every type of art is available from Japanese sculpture, medieval European treasures, to Himalayan textiles. The city is also known to have an incredible food scene. Tourists are welcome to dine at one of the city’s 74 Michelin-starred restaurants or try the food trucks. At night, the city comes alive with the legendary theater of Broadway, burlesque performance, ballet, music, and so many more.
• Los Angeles is home to Hollywood, natural beauty, and architecture. It is filled with movie stars, musicians, and surfers. Tourist who loves film will be delighted to tour TCL Chinese Theatre, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Paramount Picture Studios. Most tourists will enjoy relaxing in Venice Beach, Zuma Beach, and the Santa Monica Pier and Beach. Tourists can also take a day trip to the “Happiest Place on Earth,” Disneyland-Anaheim, wander around Griffith Park, or see the beautiful Getty Museum.
• Dallas is a cosmopolitan city that is overflowing with culture and pride. The city is famous for Cowboys, cheerleaders, and unique attractions. Museums are probably the best points of interest in the city, including the Sixth Floor Museum and Perot Museum of Nature & Science. Tourists also have many options to hang out in since the city is filled with trendy restaurants, boutiques, and cafes. If you want to see some beautiful flowers, visit the Dallas Arboretum. It is a beautiful botanical garden that showcases plants and flowers in themed gardens.
• Chicago is a city of many things. Whether you want to visit jazz clubs, fine dining, admire its skyscrapers, or go shopping, you will find something to do in this city. Some of the top attractions are Hancock Observatory, Shedd Aquarium, Millennium Park, and Lincoln Park Conservatory and Zoo. Everywhere you walk, you will find astonishing art and architecture, such as an abstract Picasso statue and the Museum of Mexican Art.

Weather and Climate in the United States

The United States has a wide variety of climates, which makes it a year-round destination. In general, the country experiences four distinct seasons. Summer starts in June and ends in August. During the summer, the northern states enjoy warm days and cool nights, and the southern states and tropical areas experience very hot temperatures. Autumn is from September to November and the season brings cooler temperatures to the country. December to February is the winter months and the northern areas will encounter snow and colder temperatures, but the southern areas experience mild temperatures. The temperatures all around the country will begin to warm up during the spring months from March to May and expect to find many thunderstorms and rainstorms during this season.

Getting Around in the United States 

The United States is well connected by plane since it has more than 375 domestic airports and numerous international airports. Most tourists will arrive in Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, John F. Kennedy International Airport, or O’Hare International Airport. These airports serve domestic and international flights to many parts of the world. The airports also operate many carriers such as Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, United, and American Airlines. 

The most affordable way to get around the USA is by bus. Many bus companies go across the country such as Greyhound, Mega Bus, Peter Pan, and Bolt Bus. However, it is important to note that long-distance travel can take a long time. The nicer option to travel around the country is by Amtrak trains. It is by no means fast, but tourists can relax and enjoy the landscape. If you wish to travel by train, tourists can purchase money-saving passes. The most popular way to travel around the USA is by car. Petrol is generally cheaper compared to the United Kingdom and it gives tourists the freedom to go wherever they want. Taxis are plentiful in most cities and can be very inexpensive. Many taxis are painted in bright yellow, making them easy to distinguish. Taxi can be hailed directly from the streets and the fare is run on a meter.

Tourist Visas in the United States

All visitors must obtain a visa to visit the United States of America unless they come from one of the visa-exempt or Visa Waiver Program countries. There are four countries and Bermuda that have visa exemption access to the US. Currently, citizens of 38 countries are selected for the Visa Waiver Program, including Australia, Japan, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. Other nationals not listed in the visa-exempt or Visa Waiver Program should apply and obtain a visa before entering the country. It is advisable to always check with your nearest US Embassy for the visa policy.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: The official currency is the US dollar ($). It is known as a ‘global currency.’ Check XE.com for the current exchange rate to your local currency.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are available almost everywhere around the country. Major credit and debit cards are universally accepted in restaurants, hotels, shops. Credit cards are required to book domestic flights. Tipping is not optional, so make sure to always leave some tips. 
3. Local Language: The main language in the country is American English. Many people will be able to speak Spanish.
4. Local Culture and Religion: The USA is home to many religions and most of the population follows Christianity, but there are small groups of Jews and Muslims. 
5. Public Holidays: Some of the most celebrated holidays in the USA are New Year’s Day, Independence Day, US Indigenous People’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.