Approximately 50 million people worldwide experience epileptic seizures, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). For many, finding specialized care is key to managing the condition. Epilepsy treatment abroad can save up to 65%, with costs as low as $28,000 - $35,000 in Mexico, Turkey, and Thailand. These centers still offer high-quality care, holding JCI accreditation and American Epilepsy Society certification. To assist patients in choosing the proper treatment, Bookimed provides this overview of top epilepsy centers worldwide.
Key Takeaways: Epilepsy Treatment
- Affordable high-quality care. Top-rated epilepsy centers hold international accreditations.
- Deep brain stimulation (DBS): savings of up to 70% when comparing costs of $28,000 - $35,000 abroad vs. $95,000 in the US.
- Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS): savings of up to 83% with $10,000 - $18,000 in Mexico and Lithuania compared to $60,000 in the US.
- Surgical treatment of epilepsy: up to 84% savings, with procedures costing $14,000 - $28,000 in Turkey and Mexico, compared to $90,000 in the US.
- Stereotaxic surgeries: savings of up to 89%, with $10,000 - $25,000 in the Czech Republic and Thailand, compared to $60,000 - $90,000 in the US.
- Comprehensive packages. They cover treatment, accommodation, and transport, making treatment more convenient and affordable.
- Global access. Patients from the US often choose Mexico for its proximity and affordability. Europeans frequently visit Turkey, while Asian patients often opt for Thailand.
Table of Contents
What You Need to Know About Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that affects the nervous system, causing recurrent, unprovoked seizures. These seizures happen when there is abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
Seizures can range from brief lapses in attention or staring spells to convulsions and loss of consciousness.
Seizures can be triggered by various factors, including:
head injuries;
Infections;
genetic conditions.
Up to 70% of epilepsy patients worldwide can achieve seizure freedom with proper antiseizure medications (ASMs).
Epilepsy can affect anyone, but it is more common in children and older adults.
💡Epilepsy is typically managed with medications, but some patients may require surgical treatment if medications are not effective.
With proper care and treatment, many people with epilepsy can live everyday, active lives.
Why Consider Epilepsy Treatment Abroad?
Looking for the best epilepsy treatment in world overseas is a good idea for several reasons:
Cost savings. Epilepsy treatment abroad can be significantly more affordable, with savings of up to 85% compared to Western countries.
High-quality care. International centers offer top-tier care, accredited by organizations like JCI and the American Epilepsy Society.
Advanced treatment options. Access to advanced treatments such as deep brain stimulation (DBS) and vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) at a fraction of the cost.
Package deals. Hospitals offer comprehensive treatment packages that include consultations, surgeries, accommodation, and transport, making the process more convenient and cost-effective.
Comprehensive epilepsy treatment packages simplify your journey by bundling essential services. Clinics offer special discounts through Bookimed, making it more affordable than booking services separately, especially with limited-time offers.
Cost of Epilepsy Treatment Around the World
Recent studies show that, even in high-income countries, around one-third of newly diagnosed epilepsy cases are not treated right away. In the US, the annual direct costs of epilepsy are estimated at $28 billion, with individual healthcare expenses ranging from $10,192 to $47,862 per year.
High prices can be a barrier for many, but fortunately, costs are significantly lower abroad due to economic differences and government support.
Choosing the right epilepsy center can offer significant savings without compromising the quality of care.
In the US and UK, deep brain stimulation can cost up to $95,000, while in Mexico, Turkey, and Thailand, it's available for $28,000 - $35,000, saving up to 65% or $60,000.
In the US, the cost can be as high as $60,000. In Mexico and Lithuania, you can have the Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) procedure done for $10,000 - $18,000, saving as much as 83% or $42,000.
Epilepsy surgery in the US can reach $90,000, but in Turkey and Mexico, it's priced at $14,000 - $28,000, saving up to 84% or $62,000.
In the US and UK, stereotaxic surgeries cost $60,000 - $90,000, while in Czech Republic and Thailand, the cost is $10,000 - $25,000, providing 72% - 89% savings or $50,000 - $80,000.
Procedure | Austria | Czech Republic | Israel | Lithuania | Mexico | Republic of Korea | Spain | Thailand | Turkey | United Kingdom | United States of America |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) | $48,000 - $55,000 | $20,000 - $25,000 | $60,000 - $70,000 | $32,000 - $35,000 | $30,000 - $35,000 | $55,000 - $65,000 | $55,000 - $60,000 | $25,000 - $30,000 | $28,000 - $35,000 | $65,000 - $85,000 | $75,000 - $95,000 |
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) | $20,000 - $28,000 | $14,000 - $18,000 | $38,000 - $48,000 | $14,000 - $18,000 | $10,000 - $14,000 | $28,000 - $38,000 | $27,000 - $33,000 | $12,000 - $16,500 | $14,000 - $22,000 | $28,000 - $45,000 | $35,000 - $60,000 |
Surgical treatment of epilepsy | $30,000 - $42,000 | $14,000 - $19,000 | $48,000 - $60,000 | $20,000 - $28,000 | $14,000 - $20,000 | $32,000 - $45,000 | $38,000 - $48,000 | $22,000 - $30,000 | $20,000 - $28,000 | $50,000 - $70,000 | $60,000 - $90,000 |
Stereotaxic surgeries | $25,000 - $33,000 | $10,000 - $14,000 | $40,000 - $55,000 | $18,000 - $25,000 | $14,000 - $20,000 | $30,000 - $42,000 | $32,000 - $45,000 | $12,000 - $18,000 | $15,000 - $22,000 | $50,000 - $70,000 | $60,000 - $90,000 |
*based on Bookimed's internal research and global trends, the costs are approximate and may vary significantly depending on specific medical facilities and individual patient needs.
How to Find the Best Epilepsy Clinic?
When choosing the best hospital for epilepsy, it's crucial to consider several key factors to ensure you receive the best care possible:
Reputation and expertise. Look for epilepsy clinics with a proven track record in treating seizures and epilepsy-related disorders.
Treatment options. The clinic should offer various epilepsy treatment options tailored to individual needs.
This includes both medical treatments (medications, anticonvulsants) and advanced procedures such as vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), deep brain stimulation (DBS), or epilepsy surgery.
✅ Epilepsy centers of excellence often provide personalized care, using the latest techniques like stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) for precise localization of seizures.
Accreditation and standards. Ensure that the epilepsy treatment centers you are considering have international accreditations, such as JCI or ISO 9001, which ensure that the clinic meets high standards of care.
Additionally, comprehensive epilepsy centers often hold specialized certifications that recognize their expertise in treating complex epilepsy cases, such as:
- European Board of Neurosurgery (EBNS);
- World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS);
- The American Epilepsy Society (AES);
- The Turkish Society of Neurosurgery (TSNS).
Technology and facilities. The best epilepsy hospital will be equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic tools such as MRI, CT scans, and EEG to ensure accurate diagnosis and monitoring of the condition.
Location and accessibility. Consider the clinic's location and how easily you can access it, especially if you require international care.
- Patients from the US often choose Mexico due to its proximity, affordable healthcare, and high-quality medical services.
- Patients from Europe frequently visit Turkey for its well-established medical tourism infrastructure and cost-effective treatments.
- Thailand is a popular choice for those in Asia because its renowned hospitals offer top-notch care at competitive prices.
💚 Many epilepsy hospitals offer specialized support for international patients, including language assistance, travel arrangements, and accommodation. WithBookimed, patients can easily access a network of world-class epilepsy treatment options around the globe.
💡Reading reviews can also help provide a sense of the clinic's care quality, treatment outcomes, and overall patient experience. Check patient feedback on platforms like Bookimed to better understand the experience and satisfaction levels at the best epilepsy centers worldwide.
Top Epilepsy Centers Worldwide
From Europe to Southeast Asia, leading epilepsy centers around the world provide top-quality care tailored to both adults and children with epilepsy.
Europe. Spain is one of the key providers of epilepsy care, with top specialists recognized by Focus and Forbes.
Near East (Western Asia). Turkey offers affordable treatments, 2-3 times cheaper than in Spain, Germany, or Israel, while Israel leads in innovative techniques for seizure detection.
Southeast Asia. South Korea and Thailand provide high-quality care at 2-3 times lower prices than Western countries, with the added benefit of combining treatment with luxury recreation.
💚 Bookimed evaluates the best epilepsy centers based on clear criteria, including patient reviews, treatment success rates, neurologist expertise, and advanced technologies, helping patients make confident, informed decisions. The Clinic Ranking Policy is transparent.
Top 10 seizure hospital treatment locations according to Bookimed:
Clinic | Location | Rating ⭐ |
---|---|---|
Centro Médico Teknon | Barcelona, Spain | 4.7/5 |
Hospital Sant Joan de Déu | Barcelona, Spain | 4.8/5 |
Medipol Mega University Hospital | Istanbul, Turkey | 4.5/5 |
Liv Epilepsy Center | Istanbul, Turkey | 4.5/5 |
Sourasky Hospital | Tel Aviv, Israel | 4.4/5 |
Bumrungrad International Hospital | Bangkok, Thailand | 4.5/5 |
Severance Hospital | Seoul, Republic of Korea | 4.5/5 |
Valued Med Hub Hospitals | Istanbul, Turkey | 4.7/5 |
Centro Medico Teknon — leading epilepsy center in Spain
Centro Medico Teknon is one of the best epilepsy centers in the world, offering advanced treatment for adults and children. Known for its high success rates, 75% of patients choose Teknon for its experienced team, led by Prof. Antonio Russi, a recognized epileptologist. The hospital collaborates with the Neurosurgery Department for complex epilepsy surgeries, achieving a 90% success rate. Teknon also offers online consultations for remote diagnosis and treatment planning.
- Recognized as the 3rd best neurological facility in Spain by the Institute for Environmental Health, the clinic excels in treating epilepsy.
- Employs surgical techniques like stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) with a 90% success rate in identifying epilepsy seizure origins.
- Dr. Antonio Russi is recognized by Forbes as one of the top 100 Spanish doctors, with over 2,000 patients free from epileptic attacks under his care.
- Dr. Russi's expertise includes developing individualized non-surgical medication therapies, benefiting 70% of patients with epilepsy.
- The clinic offers comprehensive epilepsy treatment programs, aiming for complete seizure freedom for both children and adults.
Hospital certificates and accreditation of quality
Latest review
Vagus nerve stimulation | $46938.42 - $49024.57 |
Stereotaxic surgeries | $26076.9 - $67799.93 |
Sant Joan de Déu in Spain — best children's hospital for epilepsy in Europe
Sant Joan de Déu is a comprehensive epilepsy center specializing in pediatric care, recognized for its innovative approaches to epilepsy treatment. It provides over 1,000 consultations annually, with 30 surgeries each year. The hospital's excellence in epilepsy care is supported by its CSUR accreditation and its partnership with Dr. Alexis Arzimanoglou, a renowned pediatric epileptologist.
- Sant Joan de Déu is a leading Spanish center for epilepsy therapy in children according to the local Ministry of Health report.
- Doctors provide 1,000 consultations and help 100 children with seizures annually.
- Sant Joan doctors carry out a comprehensive diagnosis to detect epilepsy foci location and choose the most proper therapeutic technique. In most of the cases, specialists prescribe drug therapy.
- 30 of the little patients undergo surgery. The epilepsy surgery cost at Sant Joan de Déu stands upon the epileptic foci location and surgery type.
Hospital certificates and accreditation of quality
Latest review
Medipol — leading comprehensive epilepsy care center in Turkey
Medipol Epilepsy Center offers affordable epilepsy treatment in Turkey, with 2-3 times lower diagnostic costs than in Spain, Germany, or Israel. The center utilizes advanced technology, including StealthStation and O-arm perop CT systems, ensuring high surgery success rates. Medipol is known for its comprehensive epilepsy centers of excellence, providing cutting-edge diagnostic services for seizure disorders.
- Acknowledged for its comprehensive Epilepsy treatment, the hospital offers operations like Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), Vagus Nerve Stimulation, and surgical epilepsy management.
- The hospital is a renowned center for neurological care, with a high patient influx, indicating extensive experience in handling complex cases including Epilepsy.
- Neurological treatments are supported by state-of-the-art technology like the Cyber and Gamma Knives, enhancing precision in Epilepsy interventions.
- Epilepsy management is led by esteemed specialists like Dr. Kursad Aydin, with years of experience from notable institutions like Gazi and Selcuk University.
- With Joint Commission International accreditation, the hospital exemplifies global standards in patient care and treatment efficacy for Epilepsy.
Hospital certificates and accreditation of quality
Latest review
Surgical treatment of epilepsy | $15000 - $25000 |
Liv Epilepsy Center in Turkey
Liv Epilepsy Center boasts one of Turkey's highest surgery success rates, with 91% of brain surgeries successfully performed. The center uses the latest MRI technology to provide precise diagnostics and determine the most effective treatment plan. Liv is recognized as a top epilepsy center for its quality of care and expert neurosurgeons.
- Comprehensive diagnostics is the first step for an effective epilepsy treatment in Liv Hospital. The cost for the procedures here is higher than in other Turkish medical centers because of VIP services provided by Liv medical staff.
- 70 out of 100 people can treat epilepsy with medications. Liv offers 2 times lower epilepsy treatment cost than European clinics.
- However, Liv Hospital is a well-known facility due to the highest level of neurosurgeries in Turkey. 91% is a success rate of the operations while other Turkish clinics show only 81% success index.
- 250 neurosurgeries are performed in Liv Hospital each year.
- The epilepsy surgery cost at Liv is calculated for each patient according to the epileptic foci position and operation method.
Hospital certificates and accreditation of quality
Sourasky Hospital in Israel — leading epilepsy center for children and adults in the Near East
Sourasky Medical Center in Tel Aviv is known for its pioneering work in laser ablation surgery for epilepsy, with a 75% success rate. It is the first epilepsy hospital outside the US to offer this advanced treatment, which uses MRI-guided precision to remove seizure-causing tissue. Dr. Uri Kramer and his team specialize in treating children and adults, offering cutting-edge epilepsy surgery and treatments.
- Sourasky specialists carry out a complete diagnostics for patients with epilepsy to help them avoid surgery. Full diagnostics and the proper drugs selection is a primary option to fight against epilepsy. 70% of patients receive medication treatments.
- Before prescribing the drug for epilepsy, the doctors perform positron emission computed tomography using the FLAIR technology. It creates an image of pathological areas. Such a survey allows specifying the form of epilepsy and choosing the most effective medication.
- Sourasky neurosurgeons perform MRI-guided laser ablations when drugs do not help. 75% of ablations are successful according to the Epilepsy News Today online edition.
- Sourasky Medical Center offers a reasonable epilepsy surgery cost among the Near Eastern clinics. The price depends on the average price policy in Israel and local citizens' income.
Hospital certificates and accreditation of quality
Latest review
Bumrungrad International — best hospital for epilepsy in Thailand and Southeast Asia
Bumrungrad International is a leading epilepsy hospital in Asia, providing a complete range of diagnostic services and treatment options. The hospital offers comprehensive screening packages at half the cost of individual procedures. Known for its innovative use of stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG), it helps identify the origins of seizures in the brain, especially in children.
- Bumrungrad Hospital is popular among international patients for the excellent level of neurosurgery. 25 neurologists and neurosurgeons help patients with epilepsy to get rid of the disease.
- Bumrungrad specialists are the first in Thailand to perform SEEG (stereoelectroencephalography) for children. It is a surgical intervention that helps to determine the exact epileptic foci in the brain.
- SEEG helps to make the diagnosis of epilepsy more accurate and choose the most appropriate treatment method.
- The epilepsy treatment cost at Bumrungrad is 2-3 times lower than in European facilities. However, it is 2-3 times higher than in Indian and Turkish ones. The price mainly depends on the treatment method and epileptic foci location.
Hospital certificates and accreditation of quality
Latest review
Severance Clinic in South Korea — best children's hospital for epilepsy in Asia
Severance Clinic offers exceptional epilepsy care for both children and adults, with a focus on ketogenic diets and surgical treatment for complex cases. The hospital's epileptologists use surgical options to treat seizures and have achieved a 70% success rate in reducing seizure activity in patients. Severance also provides personalized treatment plans, ensuring the best outcomes for patients with difficult-to-control epilepsy.
- Severance doctors are considered outstanding specialists in epilepsy therapy for children and adults within South Korea. Medication and surgical treatment methods are available at Severance.
- Severance Hospital provides medication and surgical methods to treat epilepsy. 60% of patients undergo surgery.
- In 70% of cases, the surgery is successful. According to the Severance data, 60% of patients have no seizures after the surgery at all, and 15% of people have their reduction.
- The exact cost of brain surgery for epilepsy treatment depends on the surgical type and seizures foci location.
Hospital certificates and accreditation of quality
Latest review
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery | $50000 - $70000 |
Valued Med Hub Hospitals — Leading Multidisciplinary Care in Turkey
Valued Med Hub Hospitals in Istanbul, Turkey is a private medical center specializing in neurosurgery, oncology, ophthalmology, organ transplants, and plastic surgery. The hospital provides expert care to adults and children, focusing on advanced treatment and patient well-being. It is certified by the Turkish Medical Association and holds the International Health Tourism Authorization.
- Accredited by the Turkish Medical Association, the clinic demonstrates proficiency in Epilepsy treatment with specialized operations.
- Offers Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery, a modern therapeutic option for drug-resistant Epilepsy.
- Utilizes Stereotaxic surgeries, enhancing precision in addressing epileptic foci within the brain.
- Employs Vagus Nerve Stimulation, an additional treatment for Epilepsy not controlled by medication.
- Serves a global patient base, indicating extensive experience in managing diverse cases of Epilepsy.
Hospital certificates and accreditation of quality
Latest review
Vagus nerve stimulation | $27500 - $35000 |
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery | $20000 - $25000 |
How to Find a Good Epilepsy Surgeon?
When searching for a good epilepsy surgeon, it's essential to consider several factors that reflect the surgeon's qualifications and the quality of care they can provide.
👉The best epilepsy centers worldwide will have specialists with years of experience. Ensure the doctors are trained in epilepsy treatment and are members of respected organizations like the American Epilepsy Society (AES) or the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE).
Here's how to find the right professional:
Certifications and qualifications. The best epilepsy surgeons should be certified by reputable organizations and associations to ensure they meet high medical standards. Look for surgeons who are certified by internationally recognized bodies, such as:
- American Board of Neurological Surgery (ABNS);
- The Royal College of Surgeons (RCS);
- ISO 13485.
Training and education. A good epilepsy surgeon should have completed advanced training in neurosurgery with a focus on epilepsy treatment.
Surgeons who pursue additional fellowships or training in specialized fields like epilepsy surgery, functional neurosurgery, or neurostimulation techniques are better equipped to handle complex cases. Notable institutions providing specialized training include:
- Mayo Clinic.
- Reputation and peer recognition. Research whether the surgeon is recognized by their peers in the medical community. Many top surgeons are members of prestigious associations like the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) or American Epilepsy Society (AES). These memberships often indicate the surgeon's active involvement in research and continuous professional development.
- Experience with specialized epilepsy procedures. Surgeons with expertise in epilepsy surgery should have a long history of performing specialized procedures, such as lobectomy, hemispherectomy, or deep brain stimulation (DBS).
💚 Bookimed works with verified professionals, ensuring that all surgeons within our network meet high standards of care and expertise.
Antonio Russi
📍 Centro Médico Teknon, Barcelona, Spain
Prof. Antonio Russi, a top epileptologist with 53 years of experience in Teknon, Spain, specializes in non-surgical epilepsy treatment. He leads the Epilepsy Russi Institute, has treated over 2,000 patients, and is recognized in Forbes' Top 100 Spanish doctors.
Baris Metin
📍 NP Istanbul Brain Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
Dr. Baris Metin is an epilepsy specialist with 25 years of experience at NP Istanbul Brain Hospital, Turkey. He focuses on medication management, VNS therapy, the ketogenic diet, and surgical treatments. Certified in EEG, he has practiced in Turkey and Belgium and has numerous scientific publications.
Veronika Chernuha
📍Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov), Tel Aviv, Israel
Dr. Veronika Chernuha is a neurologist and pediatrician with 30 years of experience at Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov), Israel. She specializes in pediatric neurology, epilepsy, and post-neurosurgical care, including deep brain stimulation (DBS) and epilepsy surgery.
FAQ
▶ What is a comprehensive epilepsy center?
Epilepsy center is a medical division, where doctors provide comprehensive care for patients with seizures of different types and severity. Such a division usually works on the premises of a particular hospital. Doctors working at such centers are called epileptologists. They carry out the most innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, develop the new ones.
▶ Why do patients choose epilepsy centers abroad?
There are 3 main reasons why international patients look for leading epilepsy centers abroad:
- medication therapy in their native country doesn't work
- severe and frequent seizures in children, which can lead to developmental delay and therefore it is necessary to carry out a comprehensive diagnosis in the shortest term to prescribe the correct treatment
- epileptic attacks do not stop, although all available therapies have been tried
Compare and get additional information on
The prices for diagnostic tests and therapy in the top epilepsy clinics worldwide
▶ Where are the best epilepsy centers in the world located?
According to the Bookimed data, the best epilepsy centers in the world providing excellent treatment are located in Spain, South Korea, Turkey, and Israel.
▶ What is a level 4 epilepsy center?
A level 4 epilepsy center is a facility that provides an advanced care level for people suffering epilepsy and seizure disorders. Such medical services take place on hospital premises as intensive neuro-evaluation of complex diseases forms + medical, neuropsychological, psychosocial therapies.
▶ What pay attention to choosing pediatric epilepsy centers?
Epilepsy in children needs a more comprehensive approach and advanced treatment. So, while searching a pediatric epilepsy center, pay attention to:
- Doctor’s experience. Check an epileptologist’s experience regarding epilepsy treatment in children. Find out how many years a specialist practices in this field, what therapies they apply, and what the result they have achieved. For clarifying the last issue, you can check patient reviews.
- New developments. Find out what options are used to treat epilepsy. Search for innovations in conservetive and surgical options to manage epilepsy cases.
- General conditions. Specialized pediatric epilepsy centers are adapted to children: there are a lot of entertainments, hospital wards are bright and colorful. Such an environment positively impacts little patient recovery.
▶ What is the main difference between neurologists and epileptologists?
Neurologists and epileptologists both treat epilepsy. However, epileptologists research all the features of the disease's development, incl.:
- types of epileptic seizures
- effect of antiepileptic drugs on the brain
- patient's genetic and physiological characteristics led to convulsions.
This approach allows to establish a more accurate diagnosis, choose proper treatment, and eliminate the disorder.
Related Articles:
- Epilepsy. World Health Organization (WHO). URL: https://www.who.int/health-topics/epilepsy#tab=tab_1 (date of access: 05.02.2025).
- AES | Home. Default. URL: https://www.aesnet.org/ (date of access: 05.02.2025).
- Epilepsy statistics 2025. The Checkup. URL: https://www.singlecare.com/blog/news/epilepsy-statistics/ (date of access: 05.02.2025).
- Editorial: Epidemiology of epilepsy and seizures / Z. Chen et al. Frontiers in Epidemiology. 2023. Vol. 3. URL: https://doi.org/10.3389/fepid.2023.1273163 (date of access: 05.02.2025).