Prof. Dr. Ido Strauss has pioneered ROSA robotic VNS in Israel since 1999 with sub-millimeter precision. The procedure at Sourasky (JCI-ranked Top 10 globally) costs around $36,943 – covering surgery, 1-day hospitalization, and robotic system use. Prof. Strauss trained at Toronto Western Hospital and directs the Functional Neurosurgery Division. The clinic handles over 400,000 patients annually with a multidisciplinary team approach.
Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) is the largest multidisciplinary hospital in Israel and a JCI-accredited facility. It has been named a top medical tourism destination by Newsweek. Its core strengths are oncology, onco-hematology, neurosurgery, and rehabilitation.
Dr. Achinoam Sohar is a Neurologist And Movement Disorder Specialist at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, providing key insights in Neurology.
The doctor is a Neurologist and Movement Disorder Specialist at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center. Specializing in neurology, the doctor provides key insights and expertise in the field, contributing significantly to the Medical & Health Department. The doctor is part of a dedicated neurology team at a well-established institution, which has been serving the community since 1985.
","specialities":[{"id":"nrl.001","name":"Neurologist","illness_kind_id":7}],"statistics":{"review_count":0,"review_score":0,"operations_performed_count":0,"awards_count":0}},"clinic":{"id":1,"alias":"sourasky-medical-center","name":"Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov)","logo":"https://s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/bookimed/clinic_logo/1-6ac3c0e614474.png","short_description":"Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) is the largest multidisciplinary hospital in Israel and a JCI-accredited facility. It has been named a top medical tourism destination by Newsweek. Its core strengths are oncology, onco-hematology, neurosurgery, and rehabilitation.
Dr. Amnon specializes in advanced treatments like vagus nerve stimulation, offering relief for severe headaches and facial pain at Sourasky Medical Center.
The doctor specializes in advanced treatments for complex conditions, focusing on procedures like vagus nerve stimulation and plasmapheresis. These innovative techniques aim to provide relief for patients experiencing severe headaches and facial pain. The doctor graduated from Tel Aviv University in 1988 and also holds qualifications in Chinese medicine obtained in Sri Lanka.
","specialities":[{"id":"nrl.001","name":"Neurologist","illness_kind_id":7}],"statistics":{"review_count":0,"review_score":0,"operations_performed_count":0,"awards_count":0}},"clinic":{"id":1,"alias":"sourasky-medical-center","name":"Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov)","logo":"https://s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/bookimed/clinic_logo/1-6ac3c0e614474.png","short_description":"Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) is the largest multidisciplinary hospital in Israel and a JCI-accredited facility. It has been named a top medical tourism destination by Newsweek. Its core strengths are oncology, onco-hematology, neurosurgery, and rehabilitation.
Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) is the largest multidisciplinary hospital in Israel and a JCI-accredited facility. It has been named a top medical tourism destination by Newsweek. Its core strengths are oncology, onco-hematology, neurosurgery, and rehabilitation.
Dr. Strauss Ido is a neurosurgeon at Sourasky Medical Center in Tel Aviv. He serves as a Board Director for the World Society for Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery. Dr. Ido specializes in treating Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, and Alzheimer's disease.
Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) is the largest multidisciplinary hospital in Israel and a JCI-accredited facility. It has been named a top medical tourism destination by Newsweek. Its core strengths are oncology, onco-hematology, neurosurgery, and rehabilitation.
This surgery cuts brain nerve fibers to stop severe epilepsy without removing brain tissue.
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"},"408":{"operation":{"name":"Surgical treatment of epilepsy","alias":"surgical-treatment-of-epilepsy","use_for_listing":true},"country_price":{"US":{"amount":85000,"max_amount":140000,"currency":"USD","clinic_count":0,"price_kind":"estimate","price_source":"parsed","scope":"country"},"IL":{"amount":38000,"max_amount":60000,"currency":"USD","clinic_count":0,"price_kind":"estimate","price_source":"parsed","scope":"country"},"TR":{"amount":9600,"max_amount":14500,"currency":"USD","clinic_count":4,"price_kind":"from_range","price_source":"tariff","scope":"country"},"TH":{"amount":14000,"max_amount":23000,"currency":"USD","clinic_count":0,"price_kind":"estimate","price_source":"parsed","scope":"country"},"AT":{"amount":24000,"max_amount":39000,"currency":"USD","clinic_count":0,"price_kind":"estimate","price_source":"parsed","scope":"country"}},"available_clinics":{"US":false,"IL":false,"TR":true,"TH":false,"AT":false},"description":"Brain tissue removal causing seizures, improving patients\" quality of life and reducing medicines.
"},"410":{"operation":{"name":"Medication treatment for epilepsy","alias":"medication-for-epilepsy","use_for_listing":true},"country_price":{"US":{"amount":2500,"max_amount":5200,"currency":"USD","clinic_count":0,"price_kind":"estimate","price_source":"parsed","scope":"country"},"IL":{"amount":1800,"max_amount":3400,"currency":"USD","clinic_count":0,"price_kind":"estimate","price_source":"parsed","scope":"country"},"TR":{"amount":1300,"max_amount":1800,"currency":"USD","clinic_count":4,"price_kind":"from_range","price_source":"tariff","scope":"country"},"TH":{"amount":900,"max_amount":1600,"currency":"USD","clinic_count":0,"price_kind":"estimate","price_source":"parsed","scope":"country"},"AT":{"amount":1200,"max_amount":3500,"currency":"USD","clinic_count":0,"price_kind":"estimate","price_source":"parsed","scope":"country"}},"available_clinics":{"US":false,"IL":false,"TR":true,"TH":false,"AT":false},"description":"This therapy uses drugs to control seizures, helping patients lead normal, active lives.
"}}},"operationIndicators":{"details":{"anesthesia":"local","days_in_clinic":1,"days_in_country":2,"rehabilitation_days":1,"satisfied_percent":78,"treatment_duration_hours":1},"illness_kind_details":{"requests_processed":25926}},"responsibleDoctor":{"id":270,"alias":"antonio-russi","name":"Antonio Russi","photo":"doctor/5acf6037229bd","advisory_text":"Prof. Antonio Russi is recognized as the best epileptologist in Spain. The Doctor specializes in non-surgical therapy of severe and rare epilepsy stages. He helps children and adults to get rid of seizures for good.\nProf. Antonio Russi is an apparent expert in epilepsy diagnosing and choosing the most appropriate drugs in each particular case. Medication therapy helps patients in 70% of cases.\n\nProf. Russi is included in the ranking of Top 100 Spanish doctors by the Forbes magazine, the world's authoritative edition.","linkedin":"","specialities":[{"id":"nrl.001","name":"Neurologist","illness_kind_id":7},{"id":"nrl.003","name":"Epileptologist","illness_kind_id":7}]},"direction":{"id":7,"name":"Neurology","alias":"neurology"},"illness_kind":{"id":7,"name":{"en":"Neurology"}},"parsed_details":{"procedure_type":"surgery","fields":{"anesthesia":["general"],"back_to_work_days":{"min":7,"max":14,"unit":"days","qualifier":"Typical for office-type work after implantation of the pulse generator and lead; depends on wound comfort and neck/chest incision healing."},"complication_rate_pct":{"min":5,"max":15,"unit":"percent","qualifier":"Surgical or perioperative complications such as infection, vocal cord paresis, hematoma; serious ones under 3%. 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Response varies; some do not respond."},"fly_home_after_days":{"min":3,"max":5,"unit":"days","qualifier":"After surgeon clearance; depends on neck swelling, voice or swallowing symptoms, and flight length. Wound check can be done locally."},"follow_up_visits":[{"purpose":"wound_check","requirement":"routine","after":{"min":7,"max":14,"unit":"days","qualifier":"Incision check, often with suture removal if non-absorbable sutures used."}},{"purpose":"assessment","requirement":"routine","after":{"min":14,"max":28,"unit":"days","qualifier":"Device activation and start of stimulation titration, commonly 2-4 weeks after implantation; subsequent adjustment visits follow."}}],"indications":["Drug-resistant epilepsy, adjunctive, when resective surgery unsuitable or ineffective","Treatment-resistant depression after multiple failed antidepressant trials"],"main_risks":["Surgical site infection, hematoma or pain at incision","Vocal cord paresis; vagus or cervical nerve injury, facial weakness","Bradycardia or asystole during intraoperative lead testing (rare)","Swallowing difficulty, aspiration, worsening sleep apnea","Lead fracture or device malfunction requiring reoperation","Anesthesia-related risks"],"pain":"Moderate incisional discomfort in the neck and chest/axilla for several days, usually managed with oral analgesics. Stimulation-related throat tingling or voice changes may occur after activation.","preparation":["Specialist evaluation confirming drug-resistant epilepsy or treatment-resistant depression and suitability","Preoperative assessment for general anesthesia, including medical history review","Fasting before general anesthesia as instructed","Review other implants and planned imaging; device affects MRI","Counseling on expected benefits, delayed onset, and battery replacement"],"recovery_timeline":[{"phase":"Day of surgery to first week","description":"Overnight admission; incisional soreness, neck swelling and transient hoarseness or swallowing discomfort are common.","restrictions":["Keep incisions dry and follow wound care instructions","Avoid heavy lifting and vigorous neck movement"]},{"phase":"Weeks 2-4","description":"Incisions heal; stimulation is typically switched on and gradually increased at clinic visits.","restrictions":["Avoid strenuous upper-body exercise until cleared"]},{"phase":"Months 1-12","description":"Stimulation settings are optimized stepwise and response is monitored.","restrictions":[]}],"rehabilitation_days":{"min":7,"max":14,"unit":"days","qualifier":"Ordinary functional recovery from implantation surgery; no formal rehabilitation program is usually required."},"result_longevity":"Therapy is ongoing while the device is active. 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Activation 2-4 weeks later; a local neurologist avoids a second trip."},"clinic_checks":{"status":"ok","items":[{"id":"C1","text":"Check the surgeon’s credentials and experience, including how many of these surgeries they have performed","scope":"procedure","source":{"url":"https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/living-well/facing-a-diagnosis-and-navigating-the-journey-ahead/","host":"mcpress.mayoclinic.org","quote":"Who is performing the surgery? What are their credentials and experience? How many of these surgeries have they done?","tier":"tier1_medical","fetched_at":"2026-11-13","http_status":403}},{"id":"C2","text":"Check that the clinic provides follow-up visits to ensure the pulse generator works and has not moved","scope":"procedure","source":{"url":"https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/vagus-nerve-stimulation/about/pac-20384565","host":"mayoclinic.org","quote":"You need to make follow-up visits to your healthcare professional to make sure that the pulse generator is working and hasn't moved out of place.","tier":"tier1_medical","fetched_at":"2026-11-13","http_status":403}},{"id":"C3","text":"Check when the clinic will turn on and program the pulse generator after implantation","scope":"procedure","source":{"url":"https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/vagus-nerve-stimulation/about/pac-20384565","host":"mayoclinic.org","quote":"If you had the device implanted to treat epilepsy or depression, your healthcare team turns on the pulse generator during a medical visit a few weeks after surgery.","tier":"tier1_medical","fetched_at":"2026-11-13","http_status":403}},{"id":"C4","text":"Confirm the surgeon is trained and experienced in the exact procedure you are considering, not just in surgery generally","scope":"treatment_abroad","source":{"url":"https://www.isaps.org/discover/patients-home/considering-your-procedure-abroad/finding-a-surgeon-abroad/","host":"isaps.org","quote":"Verify that the surgeon is trained and experienced in performing the procedure you are considering.","tier":"tier1_medical","fetched_at":"2026-11-11","http_status":200}},{"id":"C5","text":"Ask for certification information and the name of the body that certified the surgical setting","scope":"treatment_abroad","source":{"url":"https://www.isaps.org/discover/patients-home/considering-your-procedure-abroad/finding-a-surgeon-abroad/","host":"isaps.org","quote":"Ask for certification information and the name of the certifying body when assessing a surgical setting.","tier":"tier1_medical","fetched_at":"2026-11-11","http_status":200}}],"checked_at":"2026-11-13","next_check_at":"2027-11-13","version":1},"red_flags":{"status":"ok","items":[{"id":"F1","text":"An advert or information that guarantees complete success should raise concerns","scope":"treatment_abroad","source":{"url":"https://travelaware.campaign.gov.uk/surgery-abroad-cut-out-the-risk/","host":"travelaware.campaign.gov.uk","quote":"Any advert or information that guarantees complete success should raise concerns.","tier":"tier1_medical","fetched_at":"2026-11-11","http_status":200}},{"id":"F2","text":"Forceful persuasion or cheap, time-limited offers pushing you into a quick decision","scope":"treatment_abroad","source":{"url":"https://travelaware.campaign.gov.uk/surgery-abroad-cut-out-the-risk/","host":"travelaware.campaign.gov.uk","quote":"Don’t be pressured into quick decisions either through forceful persuasion or cheap, time limited offers.","tier":"tier1_medical","fetched_at":"2026-11-11","http_status":200}},{"id":"F3","text":"A price that sounds too good to be true probably is","scope":"treatment_abroad","source":{"url":"https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/articles/will-economic-uncertainty-drive-more-patients-overseas-for-plastic-surgery-what-to-consider-and-how-to-stretch-your-dollar-back-home","host":"plasticsurgery.org","quote":"If the price sounds too good to be true, it probably is.","tier":"tier1_medical","fetched_at":"2026-11-11","http_status":200}}],"checked_at":"2026-11-13","next_check_at":"2027-11-13","version":1},"warning_signs":{"status":"ok","items":[{"id":"W1","text":"Vocal cord paralysis","urgency":"contact_clinic","general":false,"source":{"url":"https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17598-vagus-nerve-stimulation","host":"my.clevelandclinic.org","quote":"Vocal cord paralysis .","tier":"tier1_medical","fetched_at":"2026-11-13","http_status":200}},{"id":"W2","text":"Heart stops beating (cardiac arrest)","urgency":"emergency","general":false,"source":{"url":"https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17598-vagus-nerve-stimulation","host":"my.clevelandclinic.org","quote":"Your heart may stop beating ( cardiac arrest ).","tier":"tier1_medical","fetched_at":"2026-11-13","http_status":200}},{"id":"W3","text":"Muscle weakness in the lower face","urgency":"contact_clinic","general":false,"source":{"url":"https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17598-vagus-nerve-stimulation","host":"my.clevelandclinic.org","quote":"Muscle weakness in your lower face (facial muscle paresis).","tier":"tier1_medical","fetched_at":"2026-11-13","http_status":200}},{"id":"W4","text":"Shortness of breath or trouble breathing","urgency":"contact_clinic","general":false,"source":{"url":"https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17598-vagus-nerve-stimulation","host":"my.clevelandclinic.org","quote":"Coughing. Hoarseness. Change in voice. Neck pain or throat pain or tickling. Shortness of breath/trouble breathing ( dyspnea ).","tier":"tier1_medical","fetched_at":"2026-11-13","http_status":200}}],"checked_at":"2026-11-13","next_check_at":"2027-11-13","version":1},"take_home":{"status":"ok","items":[{"id":"T1","text":"Ask for written details of the procedure before you leave the hospital","document":"written procedure details","source":{"url":"https://rcseng.ac.uk/patient-care/cosmetic-surgery/after-surgery/","host":"rcseng.ac.uk","quote":"After your surgery, before you leave the hospital, ask for written information about the procedure you've had.","tier":"tier1_medical","fetched_at":"2026-11-11","http_status":200}},{"id":"T2","text":"Home doctor needs the clinic's follow-up recommendations in a written discharge summary","document":"discharge summary","source":{"url":"https://sbuhb.nhs.wales/about-us/individual-patient-commissioning/ipc-folder/advice-on-accessing-treatment-abroad","host":"sbuhb.nhs.wales","quote":"When you have treatment abroad, you must ask the treatment provider for their follow-up recommendations documented within a written discharge summary in English.","tier":"tier1_medical","fetched_at":"2026-11-11","http_status":200}},{"id":"T3","text":"Ask for copies of all prescriptions before you leave","document":"prescription copies","source":{"url":"https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/news/699/travelling-abroad-for-treatment","host":"travelhealthpro.org.uk","quote":"Remember to ask for copies of all your treatment records, including prescriptions, scans and x-rays before you leave.","tier":"tier1_medical","fetched_at":"2026-11-11","http_status":200}},{"id":"T4","text":"Home doctor needs the dates for required blood tests and follow-up appointments","document":"written aftercare plan","source":{"url":"https://sbuhb.nhs.wales/about-us/individual-patient-commissioning/ipc-folder/advice-on-accessing-treatment-abroad","host":"sbuhb.nhs.wales","quote":"This should include any medication and doses, as well as any dates that blood tests and follow-up appointments must be carried out.","tier":"tier1_medical","fetched_at":"2026-11-11","http_status":200}}],"checked_at":"2026-11-13","next_check_at":"2027-11-13","version":1},"alternatives":{"status":"missing","reason":"no_official_source","checked_at":"2026-11-13","next_check_at":"2027-02-11"},"technique_details":{"status":"ok","items":[{"id":"implantable-cervical-vagus","name":"Implantable cervical vagus nerve stimulator (lead on left cervical vagus nerve with chest-wall pulse generator)","how_it_works":{"text":"An implanted device sends electrical pulses to the neck nerve","source":{"url":"https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17598-vagus-nerve-stimulation","host":"my.clevelandclinic.org","quote":"Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) uses an implantable device to stimulate the vagus nerve in your neck.","tier":"tier1_medical","fetched_at":"2026-11-13","http_status":200}},"recovery_daily":{"event":"back_to_daily_activities","min":2,"max":2,"unit":"days","label":"2 days","source":{"url":"https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17598-vagus-nerve-stimulation","host":"my.clevelandclinic.org","quote":"You can return to your everyday activities 48 hours after your device is implanted.","tier":"tier1_medical","fetched_at":"2026-11-13","http_status":200}}}],"checked_at":"2026-11-13","next_check_at":"2027-11-13","version":1}}},"hrefLanguages":[{"rel":"alternate","hreflang":"ru","language":"ru","href":"https://ru.bookimed.com/clinics/country=israel/city=tel-aviv/procedure=stimulyaciya-bluzhdauschego-nerva/"}],"questionsAndAnswers":[],"seoTests":{"thin_content":false,"no_txt_after_3_clinics":false},"offerFilters":{"offer_count":0,"price_filter":{"from":0,"to":0,"avg":0}},"leadsCount":{"leads_count":1},"manualSeo":[],"updatedAt":"2026-11-11T14:12:17.000Z","activeCountries":["IL","TR","AT","TH"],"hasVideoReviewsByContext":true,"hasCriticalApiFallback":false}