Neurology & Neurosurgery in Korea

Korea has major neuroscience centers providing diagnosis and treatment for disorders affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and nervous system.

Neurology and neurosurgery are different specialties, and international patients should identify the appropriate department for their condition.

NEUROLOGY

Neurologists diagnose and manage conditions that generally do not initially require surgery.

Areas may include:

• Stroke
• Epilepsy
• Parkinson's Disease
• Dementia
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Headache & Migraine
• Neuromuscular Disorders
• Peripheral Nerve Disorders
• Movement Disorders
• Other neurological diseases

NEUROSURGERY

Neurosurgeons specialize in conditions that may require surgical or procedural treatment involving the brain, spine, or nervous system.

Areas may include:

• Brain Tumors
• Cerebral Aneurysms
• Cerebrovascular Disease
• Complex Spine Disorders
• Hydrocephalus
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Functional Neurosurgery
• Other surgical neurological conditions

ADVANCED DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING

Depending on the condition, neurological evaluation may involve:

• Brain MRI
• Spine MRI
• CT
• Angiography
• EEG
• Nerve conduction studies
• Other neurological examinations

The appropriate tests depend on the patient's symptoms and medical condition.

STROKE CARE

Stroke requires urgent medical evaluation.

Possible warning signs can include sudden weakness or numbness, facial drooping, difficulty speaking, severe balance problems, or other sudden neurological symptoms.

If stroke is suspected in Korea:

Call 119 immediately.

Do not delay emergency care while searching for a particular specialist or hospital.

BRAIN & SPINE SURGERY

Complex neurosurgical treatment may involve teams across:

Neurosurgery → Neurology → Radiology → Rehabilitation → Intensive Care

Major neuroscience centers may use advanced surgical imaging, navigation, and other specialized technologies depending on the procedure.

INTERNATIONAL PATIENTS

For planned neurological or neurosurgical treatment, hospitals may request:

• Diagnosis
• MRI / CT images
• Imaging reports
• Previous surgery records
• Neurological test results
• Pathology information when relevant
• Current medication list

Ask the hospital's international patient center what should be submitted before traveling.

SECOND OPINIONS

Patients diagnosed with brain tumors, complex cerebrovascular disease, spine conditions, or other serious neurological disorders may request specialist review.

The hospital may require imaging and medical records before determining whether an appointment can be arranged.