Patient FAQ: Honest Answers to Neurosurgery Questions

Hospital stay is typically 3 to 7 days for open brain surgery, and 1 to 2 days for keyhole or minimally invasive procedures. Most patients return to desk work within 4 to 6 weeks, and full recovery from open surgery generally takes 3 to 6 months. Fatigue is the most common lingering symptom and improves steadily. See our recovery guide.

For many conditions, minimally invasive approaches reduce tissue trauma, blood loss, postoperative pain and hospital stay, with outcomes at least comparable to open surgery. However, some complex cases are better treated openly. The right answer depends on your specific diagnosis — a surgeon who only ever offers one approach deserves a second opinion.

No. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) does not cure Parkinson's disease, but it can substantially improve tremor, stiffness and medication-related fluctuations for carefully selected patients. It works alongside medication, not instead of it. Read our DBS treatment guide for details.

Costs vary widely based on the procedure, facility and insurance. We provide a transparent, written estimate before any procedure covering surgeon fees, hospital fees and follow-up care. International patients receive a full package quote including travel coordination. Request an estimate.

Not every event that looks like a seizure is epilepsy. Common mimics include fainting (syncope), low blood sugar, electrolyte disturbances, migraine variants, alcohol or medication withdrawal, and some sleep disorders. A neurological evaluation with EEG and, when needed, imaging can distinguish these. Any first-time seizure-like event warrants urgent medical evaluation.

Risks include infection, bleeding, blood clots, nerve injury, incomplete fusion and implant complications. MIS techniques reduce some of these risks but do not eliminate them. Smoking significantly increases the risk of fusion failure, so smoking cessation is strongly recommended. See our spinal fusion guide.

You'll complete medical clearance, adjust or stop certain medications, arrange transport and home support, and follow fasting instructions before surgery. A full, step-by-step plan is in our pre-operative guide.

Many patients self-refer, especially for second opinions. Your insurance may require a referral from a primary care physician. Our team will help you obtain one and can review your imaging before the first appointment.

Yes. We regularly treat medical-tourism patients and provide virtual pre-screening of imaging and records, transparent package pricing, and assistance with travel, accommodation and post-discharge follow-up.