Brain and nerve surgery (neurosurgery) is a specialty that deals with the central nervous system—the most complex structure in the body—namely the brain, the spinal cord, and the surrounding nerve structures. It covers a wide range of conditions, from brain tumors to lumbar and cervical disc herniation, from spinal canal narrowing to vascular problems. Although seeking a specialist’s opinion in this field may often seem anxiety-provoking for patients and their families, a well-planned examination process is the most solid foundation for an accurate diagnosis and individualized treatment.
This article is intended in particular for patients and their families who are considering traveling to Turkey for treatment from abroad. In plain language, we address the importance of an accurate diagnosis, what you will encounter at your first consultation, what to consider when choosing a surgeon and a center, how the process unfolds, and how you should prepare before traveling.
Prof. Dr. Mehmet Şenoğlu carries out diagnostic and treatment services in the field of brain and nerve surgery at his practice in İzmir and at contracted hospitals, drawing on the advanced operating room and intensive care infrastructure of these institutions. At the heart of his approach lies a patient-centered, evidence-based, and multidisciplinary evaluation.
What Conditions Does Brain and Nerve Surgery Address?
Neurosurgery does not simply mean “brain surgery”; it is a broad field that encompasses the entire nervous system. The main conditions frequently encountered include:
Brain and spinal cord tumors: These masses, which can be benign or malignant, may cause symptoms such as headaches, vision changes, seizures, and loss of balance and strength, depending on their location. The treatment plan is determined according to the type, size, and location of the tumor.
Lumbar and cervical disc herniation: This occurs when a disc between the vertebrae presses on a nerve. Most patients recover with non-surgical methods; surgery comes into consideration only in selected cases.
Spinal canal narrowing (spinal stenosis): Seen especially in older age, this condition shortens walking distance and causes pain and numbness in the legs.
Spondylolisthesis (slipped vertebra) and spinal instability: Nerve compression and instability can develop as a result of vertebrae slipping.
Vascular conditions: Conditions such as brain aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) fall within the scope of neurosurgery.
Hydrocephalus and spinal–spinal cord trauma are also covered by this specialty.
The Examination Process in İzmir: What Awaits You at Your First Consultation
In conditions involving the nervous system, every patient and every pathology is unique. For this reason, the first consultation is a far more comprehensive evaluation process than merely looking at an image. It generally consists of the following stages:
1. Detailed medical history (anamnesis). This is perhaps the most critical step of the process. When your complaints began, how they have progressed, the location and spread of the pain (for example, lower back pain radiating into the leg), previously tried treatments, the medications you use, and any accompanying conditions are all evaluated one by one. This information serves as a road map for determining the right direction.
2. Neurological examination. This is indispensable for understanding whether the imaging findings match the actual clinical picture. At this stage, muscle strength, reflexes, the distribution of sensation (areas of numbness and tingling), as well as balance and gait are assessed.
3. Review of imaging and tests. In brain and nerve surgery, imaging is an important diagnostic tool, but it is not sufficient on its own. The MRI, CT, or X-ray images you bring are examined in detail not only through the report but slice by slice. Having these images ready together with the CD or digital access details makes the evaluation both faster and more accurate.
4. Sharing the diagnosis and the individualized treatment plan. After the examination and imaging results are combined, your condition is explained to you in detail. The treatment plan may include various options, ranging from a conservative approach involving medication, rest, and lifestyle changes, to referral for physical therapy, to modern methods such as microsurgery when necessary, or to a monitoring (follow-up) process carried out at certain intervals for some small tumors or cystic structures.
5. Information and questions and answers. A good examination is a process in which all the questions on your mind are answered. The natural course of the condition, any surgical options, their possible risks, and expectations are shared transparently and clearly, within the framework of ethical rules.
What You Should Have With You When You Come to the Consultation
To get the most out of your first consultation, it is recommended that you prepare the following:
- If available, the CDs or digital access details of both your current and older MRI/CT images
- A list of the medications you take regularly
- Discharge (epicrisis) reports relating to any operations you have had previously
- A short list noting your complaints
If you are coming from abroad, having these documents ready in English or in an international format will further ease the process.
The Importance of an Accurate Diagnosis and a Second Opinion
The same symptom (for example, numbness in the leg or a headache) can be a sign of very different conditions. For this reason, establishing an accurate diagnosis before a decision on surgery is of great importance. When an important decision such as surgery is involved, obtaining a second specialist opinion is the patient’s most natural right; a sound medical approach includes clearly informing the patient about non-surgical options as well.
What to Consider When Choosing a Surgeon and a Center
- Specialization and experience: That the physician is a specialist in brain and nerve surgery and their experience in cases similar to yours.
- The center’s facilities: The adequacy of the intensive care, imaging, and surgical infrastructure.
- Transparent information: That the purpose of the procedure, its alternatives, and possible risks and complications are clearly explained.
- Realistic expectations: No operation is “certain” or “risk-free”; an approach that speaks realistically rather than offering guarantees is more trustworthy.
- Postoperative follow-up: It is important to see that treatment does not end with the operation and that a follow-up and rehabilitation process is also planned.
How Does the Treatment Process Unfold?
The process begins with the detailed evaluation and imaging described above. Once a decision on surgery is made, an anesthesia assessment is carried out, the procedure is planned, and the patient is informed in detail. The first period after surgery is generally spent in intensive care or a special ward for close monitoring. The recovery time varies according to the procedure performed and the patient’s age and general health condition. Follow-up examinations and, when necessary, physical therapy are an integral part of the process. For patients returning abroad, this follow-up can also be continued via video calls.
Risks and Realistic Expectations
Like any surgical intervention, brain and spine surgeries also carry certain risks. Among these are bleeding, infection, and temporary or permanent symptoms due to nerve damage. The frequency of these risks varies according to the type and location of the condition and the patient’s situation. What matters is that your physician discusses these possibilities with you openly and includes you in the decision-making process.
Information About Treatment Fees
In Turkey, the promotion of health services is regulated under Law No. 1219, the Turkish Medical Association’s Rules of Medical Professional Ethics, and the relevant regulations of the Ministry of Health. Pursuant to this legislation and medical ethics, it is not possible to share treatment or surgery fees in the online environment.
There is another, medical reason for this: each patient’s diagnosis, the type and extent of the condition, the method to be applied, and their general health condition differ from one another. For this reason, a realistic assessment can only be made after a patient-specific examination. Providing a standard “price list” is both legally inappropriate and potentially misleading for the patient.
For Patients Planning to Come From Abroad
For patients considering coming for treatment from abroad, preparing their existing MRI and CT images, medical reports, and the list of medications they use in advance makes the process easier. Where possible, carrying out a remote preliminary assessment before traveling is helpful for clarifying expectations.
Patients planning to come from abroad may, if they wish, get in touch via WhatsApp to obtain information about the process and services. This conversation provides guidance in terms of sharing medical documents, the preliminary assessment, and planning the process before traveling.
📲 To get information via WhatsApp: +90 543 541 96 18
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every brain tumor require surgery? No. While some tumors are monitored, others can be managed with radiotherapy or medication. The decision on surgery is made according to the type and location of the tumor and the patient’s general condition.
Is surgery always necessary for lumbar and cervical disc herniation? Not for most patients. The majority of herniation complaints can be brought under control with rest, physical therapy, medication, and exercise. Surgery is considered in selected situations such as progressive loss of strength or persistent symptoms.
What should I bring with me when I come to the first consultation? Bringing the CDs or digital access details of your old and new MRI/CT images, if available, a list of the medications you use, reports relating to past operations, and a short list noting your complaints makes the evaluation easier.
Why are treatment fees not shared online? The legislation and medical ethics rules in force in Turkey do not permit fees for health services to be shared online. In addition, since each patient’s situation is different, a realistic assessment can only be made after a patient-specific examination.
I am coming from abroad; how can I start the process? By preparing your existing medical documents and getting in touch via WhatsApp (+90 543 541 96 18), you can obtain information and be guided regarding a preliminary assessment and planning before traveling.
Is it appropriate for me to get a second opinion before surgery? Yes. Especially when surgery is involved, obtaining a second specialist opinion is the patient’s right and makes it easier to decide.
With which symptoms should I consult a doctor without losing time? Symptoms such as progressive loss of strength, sudden and severe headache, vision or speech impairment, loss of balance, and impairment of bladder–bowel control require urgent evaluation.
Contact and Appointment Information
To have your tests evaluated or to obtain detailed information about the processes, you can get in touch through the following channels:
📍 Address: Mansuroğlu Mah. Lider Centrio A-Block Floor:10, Bayraklı / İzmir / Turkey
📞 Phone: +90 543 541 96 18
💬 WhatsApp: +90 543 541 96 18
This article is for general information purposes only; it does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and contains no guarantee of any outcome. You should make decisions regarding your health together with the physician who examines you.