Need Recommendation For A Good Neurosurgeon In Chiang Mai

[urbestbud]

Recently I had a CT scan done for something and the doctors found a large arachnoid cyst on my brain. I need help finding a good neurosurgeon to consult with and do whatever operation that needs to be done. Also, if anyone has experience in this area do you know around how much a brain cyst removal surgery would cost in Chaing Mai? Any help would be appreciated. I already have an appointment with a recommended neurologist at Sriphat Hospital (Dr. Surat Tanprawate) but people are telling me that I need to speak to a neurosurgeon and not a neurologist. But I figure he might be able to recommend a neurosurgeon. But I want to get more than one opinion. this is my brain we're talking about.

[cloudhopper]

The neurologist will make the best referrals, if one is needed, and I would recommend keeping the concept of a second opinion to yourself because doctors here treat it like a slap in the face. If a surgical approach was recommended for my brain I'd be taking it to Singapore. Cost? How much is your life worth? Best wishes for a good outcome...

[chiang mai]

Dr Surat is a professor at CMU and is very highly regarded, he's in his thrities, speaks excellent English and is easy to consult with. Dr Surat has a clinic on the 9th floor of the Sriphat Medical centre starting at 5pm. You may wish to check his clinic location/hours with the reception folks on the 13th floor.

NEUROLOGY (Brain & C-spine)

Dr Surat Tanprawate, Sriphat

Sriphat Hospital

053 5394 6909/10

[chiang mai]

The neurologist will make the best referrals, if one is needed, and I would recommend keeping the concept of a second opinion to yourself because doctors here treat it like a slap in the face. If a surgical approach was recommended for my brain I'd be taking it to Singapore. Cost? How much is your life worth? Best wishes for a good outcome...

I disagree, I've asked for and recieved second opinions on two medical issues at Sriphat, not only was the request well recieved both times it was even suggested by one of the specialists - the oprthopedics surgeon suggested it as being something that would give me better confidence as to the way forward..

[Loaded]

... and I would recommend keeping the concept of a second opinion to yourself because doctors here treat it like a slap in the face.

I had that experience with the orthopedic guy from Sripat who has a clinic along Tha Pae Road. After an initial consultation where he told me authoritatively what I needed, I got a second opinion and did my own research. Next time I went back, I mentioned this as I wanted his opinion and feedback on these other inputs but he went cold on me. It was so sudden and unexpected I thought maybe I was misreading him but no, he was behaving like a spoiled little brat. I guess it was loss of face not to have his diagnosis and opinions accepted 100%.

[jko]

I agree you should now urgently see Dr Surat, get his opinion, and compare it with what you already have been advised (you do not mention who/where the first diagnosis was made)

Ask his frank opinion on how simple or complicated the surgery is likely to be. If it is a routine procedure, surgery in Chiang Mai done by someone Dr Surat recommends will represent a balanced and sensible decision, and I think you will be in good hands at Sriphat.

If - hopefully not - he tells you that it is a difficult procedure, you may then want to research neurosurgeons in Bangkok or overseas. It will inevitably be more expensive, but obviously price should not be the deciding factor.

Whatever, I wish you well, and I share your anxiety. This is a tough time for you, and I hope it works out fine.

[chiang mai]

In case you haven't already been made aware, the existence of cyst on the brain does not automatically mean that it must be removed. Cysts occur on various parts of the body including major organs and as you now know, on the brain. Most often such cysts will disappear of their own accord although it will depend on the type of cyst and its location. If it helps at all, I had a cyst on my liver for around two years, when the "lump" was first discovered it scared the bejasus out of me. The treatment as such was to monitor it, it needed to be measured every six months via MRI and eventually when I showed up for one of these measuring sessions, low and behold it had gone and it hasn't been seen since.

You might find it helpful to read the following:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arachnoid_cyst

Of particular interest is the following:

Most arachnoid cysts are asymptomatic and do not require treatment. Treatment may be necessary when symptomatic.^[2] A variety of procedures may be used to decompress (remove pressure from) the cyst. Most of the proceudres involved in dealing with the cyst involve just that, procedures and not operations as such.

[junglechef]

I saw a youngish female neurosurgeon at Sripat. She gave me what I felt was a good check up and listening to everything I had to say. Nothing was seriously wrong with me so I can't give an opinion in your respect but she did correctly diagnosis me. If you interested in her name PM me and I'll chk my records.

[personchester]

To take an MRI scan is not easy because the tube / tunnel is very narrow and it causes claustrophobia to many people and they can therefore not enter into the MRI scan.

The hospital then recommends and suggest taking the CT scan, this is no problem, but unfortunately in terms of results it is not as effective as the MRI.

Nevertheless new MRI scans with larger tube / tunnels have been produced in order to prevent patients claustrophobia reaction, but those new MRI scans are very expensive and hospitals who purchased the previous small tube type MRI are not yet ready to buy a new updated MRI, but lets hope it will take place in due course.