Neurosurgery in Delhi

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 Delhi?

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

Introduction

Delhi is officially known as the National Capital Territory of Delhi (NCT). It is home to the capital of India, New Delhi. With a population of over 18 million, it is the second most populous city in the country. The city is brimming with vibrant modern life but also still steeped in history. People come to the city for its cultural richness and gastronomic scene.

Recently, Delhi has emerged as a medical tourists’ favorite destination. It’s the perfect place for those who seek low cost high-quality, world-class healthcare. India continues to expand its medical tourism sector with Delhi as one of the top hubs for medical facilities. Among the leading hospitals in Delhi are Max Super Specialty Hospital, Apollo Hospital Indraprastha, and BLK Super Specialty Hospital. Breast Augmentation and heart surgery procedures are two of the most popular procedures in the city. Patients come to Delhi for the following reason:

• State of the art medical facilities with international and local accreditation
• Skilled doctors, many of which trained in the UK
• English speaking doctors and staff
• Wide range, cost-effective procedures
• Traditional healthcare therapies and practices such as Ayurveda and yoga

Popular Areas in Delhi

Delhi is overflowing with enchanting history and colorful modern life. The city is made of layers of history, temples, monuments, markets, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Many tourists come to witness its charm and discover its hidden treasures. Go to Old Delhi and visit the Red Fort where a load of people fell in love with its beautiful structure influenced by Islamic, Persian, Hindu, and Timurid traditions. Learn Islamic history in one of the largest mosque in India, Jama Masjid. Shop in Chandni Chowk Market, the largest shopping hub in Delhi. Pay your respect in Raj Ghat, a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi.

There is also New Delhi, India’s capital, where you can stroll around India Gate, a war memorial that was inspired by the Arc de Triomphe. Humayun’s Tomb, the tomb of the Mughal Emperor Humayun, is also worth a visit for anyone who loves history. Don’t forget to go to the Gandhi Museum (Gandhi Smirti) to learn more about the leader of Indian independence’s life. Tourists can also visit an enthralling historical site known as Purana Qila. In your spare time, you can shop in Janpath Market and Sarojini Market.

South Delhi has many sites to enjoy such as the unique Lotus Temple, the soaring tower of victory Qutab Minar, and the thriving nightlife of Hauz Khas Village. This district also has a famous shopping paradise including Dilli Haat, Shahpur Jat, GK 1 N-block market, and Dastkar Nature Bazaar.

Weather and Climate in Delhi

Delhi has a high variation of temperature between summer and winter. Summer in Delhi can get really hot with an average temperature of around 32°C. The season starts in April to June and the temperature can reach as high as 46°C. It is advisable to avoid this season if you’re planning to do a lot of outdoor activities. The monsoon starts in late June to mid-September. The temperature usually falls to an average of 29°C, but it’s rainy and humid.

The temperature plummets during winter, ranging between 6°C to 7°C. This season starts in November and lasts until March. October to March is the best time to visit Delhi because the weather is neither too hot or too cold.

Getting Around in Delhi

Indira Gandhi International Airport, located 16 km from New Delhi city center, is the busiest airport in India. This airport serves domestic and international flights that connect the city with almost every country across the globe. Terminal 1 is used by budget airlines such as IndiGo and SpiceJet, while Terminal 3 is mainly used for international operations and several domestic flights.

The city center can be reached by bus, airport taxi, and metro. The bus is the most affordable option although it can be very crowded. Taxi is a good way to travel but always use licensed taxis such as WTi Cabs, Meru, and Mega Cabs. App-based taxis like Ola and Uber is another choice of travel. The fastest way to travel to Delhi’s city center is by The Delhi Metro. The travel time is less than 25 minutes and should cost around 10 INR to 60 INR.

There are several transportation modes to get around Delhi. The Delhi Metro is the best option to travel around because it offers comfort and fast travel. Taxis are widely available in the city. The easiest way to call a taxi is by the Ola app. It’s usually cheaper to use Ola than a local taxi stands.

For shortstops, opt for auto rickshaws. They’re affordable and easy to find. Make sure to negotiate the fare before getting in because most drivers will refuse using the meter. The drivers are also known to overcharge foreign visitors. Driving around Delhi is not recommended since the traffic can be time-consuming and there is a lot of bad driving. You can always hire a local driver if you want to get around by car.

Tourist Visas in Delhi

Citizens of Nepal and Bhutan can enter India without a visa. Citizens of Japan and South Korea can apply for a visa on arrival. Citizens of 150 countries can apply for e-Visa which is valid for 60 days. There are medical and medical attendant e-visas for tourists who come for healthcare. Other nationalities are required to apply and obtain a visa before entering the country.

All visitors must hold a passport valid for at least 180 days after their entry to India and should have at least two blank pages.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: the official currency is the Indian rupee (INR). 1 USD converts to 70 INR.
2. Money & Payments: Major currencies such as US dollars, euros, and pounds sterling are easy to change throughout the city. The easiest way to exchange money is by using ATMs. Some shops, restaurants, and hotels will accept credit cards. It is advisable to always carry cash since a lot of places still accept cash only. Restaurants sometimes add a 10% service fee to the bills.
3. Local Language: Hindi is the official language of Delhi. Urdu and Punjabi are widely spoken. Most people will be familiar with English. Many young people shop keepers, and tour guides can speak English very well.
4. Local Culture and Religion: The major religion is Hinduism, followed by Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Judaism.
5. Public Holidays: The city celebrates major religions (Hindus, Muslims, and Christians) holidays. The city hosts many festivals all year round such as The Grub Fest, The Palate Fest, and Holi Festival.