Assuta Medical Center
Assuta Medical Center
Israel, Tel Aviv
Eli Ashkenazi
27 years of experience
accreditations :
Clinic is certified :
| Israel | Turkey | Austria | |
| Stem cell therapy for chronic pain | ≈ $4,500 | ≈ $6,500 | ≈ $3,200 |
| Spinal cord stimulator (SCS) | ≈ $32,000 | from $16,000 | ≈ $22,000 |
| Microcurrent Therapy | ≈ $450 | ≈ $450 | ≈ $450 |
Director of the Pediatric Neurology Unit at Sourasky Medical Center – Aviva Fattal-Valevski specializes in brain neurogenetic disorders in children.
Dr Michael Rotstein specializes in treating nervous system disorders in children, bringing expertise from Dana Children's Hospital and Columbia University Medical Center.
Dr. Amnon graduated from Tel Aviv University – one of Europe's top medical schools – and is board‑certified in Chinese medicine at Sri Lanka.
Dr. Chernuha specializes in pediatric neurology with advanced training in drug-resistant epilepsy – treating children at Sourasky Medical Center.
Chronic pain centers in Israel primarily treat lower back pain (36%), migraines (21%), and neck pain (14%). Therapeutic options include advanced neuromodulation, medical cannabis, and regenerative medicine. Facilities like Sourasky Medical Center and Assuta Medical Center provide multidisciplinary care via JCI-accredited protocols and specialized rehabilitation.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli pain management stands out because of the high concentration of neurological expertise in Tel Aviv. At Sourasky Medical Center alone, over 2,200 doctors operate across 240 departments. This density allows for immediate cross-consultation between pain specialists and neurosurgeons. Patients with complex conditions like Parkinson-related pain or treatment-resistant migraines benefit from this integrated approach, which often includes innovative protocols developed by the clinic's own researchers.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that private clinics offer much faster access to advanced treatments like ozone therapy or IV ketamine infusions for fibromyalgia. Many highlight that medical cannabis is frequently used as an effective first-line therapy for neuropathy without the risks associated with other medications.
Implantable devices are highly safe in Israel due to strict Ministry of Health oversight and adherence to United States FDA and European CE standards. Leading centers minimize complications through mandatory trial periods and rigorous patient selection. Specialized surgeons utilize minimally invasive percutaneous techniques to ensure long-term device stability.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli medical centers demonstrate a high level of surgical precision by performing massive patient volumes. For example, Assuta Medical Center conducts 92,000 operations annually, while Sourasky Medical Center serves 1,800,000 patients. This extreme procedural density allows specialized units to refine implantation techniques, which is key to keeping device-related complication rates low.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize that an extended trial period of at least 2 weeks is vital to avoid future regrets. They also note that choosing high-volume centers helps ensure surgeons are experienced in handling potential lead migration issues.
Qualified Israeli pain specialists must hold a primary certification in Anesthesiology, Neurosurgery, or Neurology. They must complete a 27 month Pain Medicine subspecialty recognized by the Israel Medical Association. Look for experts practicing at JCI-accredited facilities like Sourasky Medical Center or Assuta Medical Center.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data from major hubs like Sourasky Medical Center shows a trend toward multidisciplinary teams. While a surgeon performs the implant, clinics with over 2,000 doctors often include dedicated neurologists for post-operative programming. This collaborative approach significantly improves long-term pain management results compared to solo practices.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize choosing physicians who perform fluoroscopy-guided procedures daily to ensure precision. They also recommend verifying if a specialist has completed fellowships at recognized international institutions like the Mayo Clinic.
For a spinal cord stimulator in Israel, plan a stay of 10 to 14 days for a single-stage trial. If combining the trial and permanent implant, the trip extends to 3 to 4 weeks. This timeframe ensures proper lead placement, healing, and initial device programming.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli medical centers like Sourasky or Assuta often process the highest patient volumes in the region. Our data suggests choosing a center with specialized rehabilitation departments, like Loewenstein, if your chronic pain requires intensive post-op adjustment. This integrated approach can reduce the 30% revision rate sometimes seen when programming is rushed for travel.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize packing for potential stay extensions and securing travel insurance. They note that staying at least 3 weeks prevents issues with remote device programming once back home.
Radiofrequency ablation of medial branches or the dorsal root ganglion is generally safe. Common side effects include temporary localized soreness or a sunburn sensation lasting up to 2 weeks. Rare risks include neuritis or nerve injury. Specialists mitigate these using live fluoroscopy and sensory testing.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli centers like Sourasky Medical Center and Assuta handle massive patient volumes, performing between 34,000 and 92,000 operations annually. This high procedural frequency often correlates with refined safety protocols. For complex dorsal root ganglion procedures, choosing these high-volume, JCI-accredited facilities ensures access to multidisciplinary teams. These teams include senior neurologists and professors who specialize in identifying rare contraindications before the procedure begins.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize the importance of having at least 2 successful diagnostic blocks before proceeding with the full ablation. Many note that preparing for 2 weeks of downtime with ice packs helps manage the initial increase in discomfort.
Hebrew-only documentation remains a manageable hurdle for foreigners seeking chronic pain treatment in Israel. While primary medical records are in Hebrew, JCI-accredited centers like Sourasky and Assuta provide English summaries upon request. Patients have a legal right to receive translated clinical abstracts for international insurance or continued care.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While public hospitals handle massive volumes, with Sourasky seeing over 400,000 patients annually, private facilities provide a smoother experience for non-Hebrew speakers. Data shows that larger centers like Rambam or Sourasky have the infrastructure for international patients. However, choosing a private clinic often ensures faster access to bilingual staff and pre-translated discharge paperwork.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that while intake forms are often Hebrew-primary, doctors and nurses easily switch to English. They recommend using translation apps for digital portals but emphasize that medical staff verbally explain procedures clearly.
Chronic pain aftercare involves transitioning from Israeli clinical supervision to a home-based multidisciplinary plan. This process includes local medical checkups, physical therapy, and remote consultations with Israeli specialists. Patients receive detailed discharge summaries and imaging results to ensure a smooth handover to their local healthcare providers.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli centers like Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) and Rambam Medical Center serve over 1,000,000 patients combined annually. This high volume means their documentation follows strict international standards. A key advantage of large JCI-accredited facilities is the integration of electronic health records (EHRs). This technology simplifies the transfer of complex pain management protocols to your local physician.
Patient Consensus: Patients note it is important to pre-arrange a local GP before traveling. They recommend getting all imaging in universal formats to avoid reading issues with local radiology centers.
Israel is a premier neurosurgery hub due to its fusion of high-density medical innovation and elite surgical expertise. Top facilities like Sheba Medical Center integrate AI-guided navigation and real-time intraoperative MRI. Specialized centers report 98% success rates for complex procedures including awake craniotomy and movement disorder treatments.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows a clear divide between public and private options in Israel. Private centers like Assuta Medical Center perform over 92,000 operations annually and allow patients to select their specific lead surgeon. This is a vital advantage for complex cases where a specific expert like Dr. Eli Ashkenazi is preferred for his 1,000+ spine surgery record.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize bringing original imaging on a USB for local review to streamline the surgical plan. They also note that private packages often include hotel coordination and airport transfers, making the logistics much smoother.
Israeli neurosurgeons treat a full spectrum of conditions ranging from brain and spinal tumors to complex functional disorders. Specialized centers utilize advanced technologies like Gamma Knife, deep brain stimulation, and intraoperative MRI to manage epilepsy, Parkinson disease, and cerebrovascular pathologies with high precision.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli hospitals often combine specialties to handle complex cases. At Sourasky Medical Center, neurosurgeons like Dr. Zvi Lidar bridge neurosurgery and orthopedics for spinal care. This multidisciplinary approach allows clinics to perform 34,000+ operations annually. Choosing a facility with this crossover expertise often leads to more comprehensive treatment plans for degenerative diseases.
Patient Consensus: Patients value the ability to access specialized treatments like fluorescence-guided surgery for tumors which are often unavailable elsewhere. Many note that the staff is fluent in English and provides clear communication through teleconsultations before traveling.
Israel is home to world-renowned neurosurgery centers like Sourasky Medical Center, Sheba Medical Center, and Hadassah Medical Center. These facilities are globally ranked for treating complex brain tumors, spinal disorders, and movement diseases. They utilize advanced technologies like Gamma Knife, robotic systems, and intra-operative MRI.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Our data shows that while most patients focus on Tel Aviv, Rambam Medical Center in Haifa offers unique expertise in neuro-trauma. It operates a specialized neuro-ICU and serves nearly 1 million patients annually. This makes it an essential choice for complex post-trauma brain surgeries that requires intensive recovery support.
Patient Consensus: Patients note it is important to start consultations early. They often highlight that the precision and follow-up care for complex brain tumors exceeded their expectations. One patient emphasized how quickly they could connect with top professors for second opinions during critical neurosurgical cases.
Israel's leading neurosurgeons include Prof. Zvi Ram, Prof. Shlomi Constantini, and Prof. Itzhak Fried at Sourasky Medical Center. These specialists hold leadership roles in the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS) and the World Society for Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery (WSSFN). They utilize advanced intraoperative mapping and robotic systems.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data from Sourasky and Sheba indicates a strong correlation between high surgical volumes and patient safety. For example, Sourasky performs 34,000+ operations annually with a 90% oncology success rate. Patients seeking complex tumor removals should prioritize centers like these where surgeons perform hundreds of specific cases each year.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize the importance of finding a surgeon who specializes specifically in your condition rather than a generalist. Many note that high-volume centers provide better access to English-speaking staff and coordinated care for international visitors.
International neurosurgery patients in Israel must provide comprehensive medical records including recent MRI or CT scans translated into English. Admission requires a clinical review by specialists to confirm treatment feasibility. Hospitals often mandate full advance payment or a significant deposit before confirming surgery dates or issuing visa support letters.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows that top Israeli facilities like Sheba Medical Center and Hadassah Medical Center handle massive patient volumes, exceeding 1,000,000 people annually. This high demand means clinics prioritize complex or rare cases over routine procedures. Patients with unique or high-risk conditions often receive faster admission approval than those seeking standard treatments available elsewhere.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that having all imaging results ready in English is essential for quick scheduling. Many emphasize that while the medical care is excellent, coordinating around Shabbat closures is necessary to avoid unexpected diagnostic delays.
A standard stay for neurosurgery in Israel ranges from 10 to 14 days for uncomplicated cases. Patients undergoing complex procedures like brain tumor removal or deep brain stimulation often require 4 to 6 weeks. This timeline covers pre-operative diagnostics, the surgical procedure, and essential post-operative monitoring.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data from Sourasky Medical Center shows they treat over 400,000 patients annually with high success rates. Clinics with such high volumes, like Hadassah or Assuta, often have streamlined discharge protocols. This helps international patients transition to hotel-based recovery faster while maintaining access to top specialists.
Patient Consensus: Patients note it is vital not to rush home too early. Some travelers extended their stay to 3 weeks due to swelling or to ensure they received final surgeon clearance before flying.
Israeli neurosurgery uses robotic guidance, real-time 3D imaging, and incisionless technologies to minimize physical trauma. Systems like Mazor Robotics provide sub-millimeter precision for spine implants. MRI-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) treats tremors without incisions. These advanced tools ensure high accuracy and reduce recovery times.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli clinics like Sourasky or Hadassah integrate proprietary Israeli-born technologies like Surgical Theater before they hit global markets. Our data shows these centers often use VR flight-through models for pre-surgical planning. This allows surgeons to rehearse complex cases, which is a key factor in their 90% success rates.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that technologies like the Gamma Knife allowed them to return home in days rather than weeks. Many move from traditional 10cm incisions to cuts under 2cm when using robotic-assisted systems.
Israel is a global leader in neurosurgery due to its integration of proprietary medical innovations and internationally trained specialists. High-capacity centers like Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) perform over 34,000 annual surgeries. Patients access advanced techniques like awake craniotomy and MR-guided focused ultrasound.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli neurosurgery stands out because of the high concentration of dually certified experts. Many top surgeons, such as Dr. Zvi Lidar, are certified to practice in both Israel and the USA. This ensures that patients receive American-standard surgical care while staying in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem. Our data shows that private centers like Assuta offer significantly faster access to these specific specialists compared to the public system.
Patient Consensus: Patients note it is important to confirm a surgeon's specific volume of cases for your exact condition. They also value the ability to get expert second opinions quickly through online consultations with world-renowned professors.
Sheba Medical Center and Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) are among the best neurosurgery hospitals in Israel. These JCI-accredited facilities perform thousands of operations annually. They utilize advanced technologies like CyberKnife and intraoperative MRI to treat complex brain tumors and cerebrovascular lesions.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Our data shows that top Israeli centers like Sourasky and Hadassah perform over 40,000 total operations yearly. This high volume allows surgeons to maintain a 90% success rate even in complex oncology cases. Patients seeking robotic spine surgery or deep brain stimulation should focus on these high-capacity municipal centers for the most experienced teams.
Patient Consensus: Patients appreciate that some hospitals quickly coordinate consultations even during regional strikes. Families of pediatric patients especially value surgeons trained at prestigious international institutions.
Israel's leading neurosurgeons include Professor Zvi Ram, Professor Shlomi Constantini, and Professor Itzhak Fried at Sourasky Medical Center. These experts specialize in awake craniotomy, pediatric brain tumors, and functional mapping. Most hold JCI accreditation and international fellowships from institutions like Johns Hopkins and Yale.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows that top-tier Israeli neurosurgeons, such as those at Sourasky Medical Center, often hold dual board certifications in Israel and the US. This unique crossover ensures patients receive American-standard protocols. These specialists typically manage over 34,000 annual operations, providing high-volume clinical experience that smaller private clinics cannot match.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that highly qualified doctors like Professor Shlomo Constantini provide satisfactory answers quickly. People emphasize that outcomes often depend on the hospital’s integrated resources rather than just a doctor's prestige.
Israel is a global leader in neurosurgery, treating complex brain and spinal conditions using robotic-assisted and minimally invasive techniques. Highly specialized units at JCI-accredited centers like Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) and Hadassah Medical Center focus on neuro-oncology, pediatric neurosurgery, and functional procedures.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli neurosurgical departments often function as rapid-response hubs for international patients. Data shows that large centers like Sourasky, which serves 1,800,000 patients annually, can organize expert video consultations in a very short time. This speed is critical for neuro-oncology cases where starting treatment a few days earlier significantly impacts outcomes.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that Israeli teams often accept high-risk cases that other hospitals decline. They emphasize the importance of using local coordinators to manage travel logistics or potential local disruptions during their two-week stay.
International patients traveling to Israel for neurosurgery require a valid passport, an entry permit or medical visa, and a formal hospital invitation. You must provide recent MRI or CT scans in DICOM format and detailed medical summaries. Proof of private health insurance and financial stability are also mandatory for border entry.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Our data shows that top neurosurgeons at Hadassah Medical Center and Sourasky often request records 4–6 weeks before arrival. Submitting these early prevents appointment shifts. High-volume centers with over 30,000 annual operations have dedicated portals for secure DICOM file uploads. Using these ensures your surgeon reviews high-quality images before you land in Tel Aviv.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize bringing physical copies and digital backups of all scans on a USB drive. They also note that private insurance needs pre-authorization specifically for neurosurgery to avoid payment delays at the clinic.