Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov)
Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov)
Israel, Tel Aviv
Firas Fahum
31 years of experience
Clinic is certified :
Epilepsy treatment cost in Israel typically involves diagnostic tests like a sleep EEG, which runs $400 to $600, and surgical interventions such as deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery costing from $55,000 to $58,300. Total expenses depend on the seizure frequency, medication resistance, and the required surgical complexity. Patients can achieve 30-50% savings compared to the US. Top cities for specialized care include Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa.
Typical Epilepsy Treatment Costs in Israel
Bookimed Expert Insight: Patients with drug-resistant epilepsy benefit most from functional neurosurgery expertise at centers like Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov). Professor Itzhak Fried at Ichilov offers advanced brain mapping and modern management programs. For pediatric cases, Schneider Center for Children Medicine provides specialized neurology care for approximately 275,000 patients annually. Hadassah Medical Center is a premier choice for DBS, featuring Forbes-listed specialists like Dr. Zvi Israel. These JCI-accredited institutions provide high-value specialized care for complex neurological conditions.
| Israel | Turkey | Austria | |
| Vagus nerve stimulation | from $22,500 | from $12,000 | from $30,000 |
| Surgical treatment of epilepsy | from $34,050 | from $15,000 | from $30,000 |
| Deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery | from $55,000 | from $23,000 | from $45,000 |
| Stereotaxic surgeries | - | from $2,907 | from $25,000 |
| Stem cell therapy for epilepsy | - | from $10,000 | from $25,000 |
Specialized in pediatric epilepsy with advanced training in drug-resistant cases – Dr. Chernuha leads treatment at Dana-Dwek Children’s Hospital.
Prof. Zvi Cohen is Director of the Neurosurgery Department and the Neuro-Oncology Unit at Sheba Medical Center. He is a neurosurgeon and neuro-oncology expert. He was included in Forbes Israel’s Best Doctors 2025. He leads clinical research on drug therapies for malignant brain tumors. He also founded Sheba’s brain tumor tissue bank.
He is board-certified in neurosurgery. He trained at Tel Aviv University. He completed fellowships in neuroradiology at Beth Israel and in neurosurgical oncology at MD Anderson. His practice covers complex brain, pituitary, spine, and spinal cord tumors. He has expertise in stereotactic biopsies, image-guided resections, intraoperative MRI, navigation systems, and radiosurgery. He is a member of the Society for Neuro-Oncology and the Israeli Association of Neurological Surgeons.
Directs the Pediatric Neurology Unit at Sourasky Medical Center – one of Israel's top hospitals – with over 47 years of experience of clinical experience.
900+ epilepsy treatments performed – Dr. Firas Fahum evaluates cases and prepares customized treatment plans at Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov).
Written by Anna Leonova
Written by Ana Hurevska
Written by Anna Leonova
Israel offers advanced surgical options including MR-guided laser ablation, deep brain stimulation (DBS), and robotic-assisted resections. Major JCI-accredited centres like Sourasky Medical Center and Sheba Medical Center use ROSA robotic systems and MRgLITT. These procedures target the seizure focus with sub-millimetre precision to improve survival and quality of life.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While many centres offer basic resections, Israel's top facilities like Sourasky provide multi-tier robotic options. Their ROSA robotic system packages, starting around A$49,000, allow for safer access to deep brain structures. This high-tech approach is why Israel maintains a global rank of 7 for medical outcomes in complex neurosurgery.
Patient Consensus: Patients in Israel note that diagnosis involves a slow, staged process of sleep EEG and specialized MRI. They emphasise that while neuromodulation reduces seizure frequency, medication is often still required for most cases.
Israeli clinics verify an epilepsy diagnosis through a multi-modal evaluation designed to eliminate misdiagnosis. Specialists at JCI-accredited centres like Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) use high-resolution 3-Tesla MRI protocols and long-term video-EEG monitoring. These protocols confirm the seizure type and pinpoint the exact electrical focus in the brain.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli specialists often identify misdiagnosis in 30% of referred international cases. This accuracy stems from neuroradiologists re-examining raw DICOM files rather than relying on text reports. At centres like Sourasky, diagnostics often include pharmacogenetic studies to predict which medications will actually work.
Patient Consensus: Patients find that providing a one-page summary and raw video footage of seizures helps doctors in Israel quickly confirm their diagnosis. Those visiting Tel Aviv appreciate that surgeons like Dr Uri Kramer have treated over 7,000 children, making the process feel very personal.
International patients seek epilepsy second opinions in Israel to refine diagnoses and explore surgical alternatives for drug-resistant cases. Leading centres like Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) use robotic ROSA systems and MR-guided laser therapy. Specialist expertise helps correct seizure classifications and optimise medication mapping for complex adult and paediatric cases.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli neurosurgery stands out because top specialists often hold dual appointments at elite US institutions like Yale or Stanford. For example, Dr Itzhak Fried at Sourasky teaches at UCLA while performing surgeries in Tel Aviv. This link ensures Australian patients receive American-level surgical protocols at local Israeli prices, which can be around A$47,000 to A$80,500.
Patient Consensus: Patients travel to Israel when local diagnoses remain unclear or medication fails to stop seizures. They value how quickly coordinators organise everything in Tel Aviv, often within days, and appreciate the expertise of specialists like Dr Veronika Chernuha.
Israel manages paediatric epilepsy through specialised neuropediatric units separate from adult neurology departments. Treatment focuses on preserving cognitive growth and development. Doctors use age-specific diagnostic pathways, distinct medication protocols, and surgical techniques tailored specifically to the developing brain of younger patients.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli specialists prioritise early surgical intervention for drug-resistant cases in children to prevent developmental delays. Data shows top experts like Dr Uri Kramer at Sourasky Medical Center lead clinical trials in medical cannabis for paediatric syndromes. This level of research is rarely applied to adult cases, where the focus stays on focal resections.
Patient Consensus: Parents in Israel note that treatment involves much more than just stopping seizures. It focuses heavily on schooling, behaviour, and development. They find the staff at Sourasky Medical Center friendly and responsive, which helps when managing the complex emotional reality of a child's diagnosis.
Leading Israeli medical centres for epilepsy include Sourasky Medical Center, Sheba Medical Center, and Hadassah Medical Center. These JCI-accredited facilities specialise in drug-resistant cases. They use ROSA robotic systems and MR-guided laser therapy to treat seizures with sub-millimetre precision and high success rates.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows Sourasky Medical Center is a primary choice for complex cases due to Dr Strauss Ido. He is a world-renowned expert in functional neurosurgery and ROSA robotic systems. While Sheba offers competitive DBS pricing around A$69,000, Sourasky provides more varied surgical approaches like MRgLITT.
Patient Consensus: Patients in Israel value the speed of document preparation and the availability of English-speaking coordinators. Many emphasize the professional nature of medical consultations and the responsiveness of hospital staff during their stay.
Epilepsy surgery recovery in Israel typically involves 1 to 5 days in hospital. Patients generally return to light activities within 2 to 6 weeks. Full tissue healing and cognitive recovery often take several months. Specific timelines depend on the neurosurgical approach used.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While hospital stays are brief, Israeli epilepsy packages often include 5 to 14 nights in a nearby hotel for mandatory monitoring. This is crucial because medication adjustments and seizure-detecting assessments happen during this window. At centres like Sourasky, Dr Strauss Ido uses robotic systems to reduce surgical trauma, but the extended hotel stay ensures safety before the flight home.
Patient Consensus: Patients in Israel find physical healing quick, but suggest having help at home for the first few weeks due to deep exhaustion. Many note that managing medication changes and brain fog is more challenging than the actual surgical pain.
You can find specialists for adult epilepsy at leading Israeli centers like Sourasky Medical Center, Hadassah Medical Center, and Rambam Medical Center. These hospitals feature board-certified neurologists and neurosurgeons, such as Dr. Firas Fahum and Prof. Itzhak Fried, who specialize in medication-resistant cases and advanced surgical interventions.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli epilepsy centers provide a unique bridge between pediatrics and adult care. For example, several top specialists, including Dr. Miri Neufeld and Prof. Itzhak Fried at Sourasky, manage complex transitions for patients with lifelong seizure disorders. This continuity is vital because they use combined data from childhood history to refine adult surgical or pharmaceutical strategies.
Patient Consensus: Patients value how quickly diagnostic steps like EEG are organized through Bookimed at centers like Sourasky. One brother of a patient noted that the narrow specialization of Israeli doctors makes them some of the best globally for managing various seizure types. Many patients feel relieved that the hospitals provide comprehensive support, including help with housing and logistics.
Top-rated epilepsy specialists in Israel include Prof. Uri Kramer, Dr. Miri Neufeld, and Prof. Itzhak Fried. These leaders hold credentials from top institutions like the Mayo Clinic and Yale, specializing in advanced diagnostics and complex surgeries for both children and adults.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Patients seeking surgical solutions should note that specialists like Prof. Itzhak Fried and Dr. Zvi Israel bridge the gap between neurology and precision neurosurgery. While many neurologists focus on medication, these doctors specialize in functional brain mapping and restorative surgery. This is vital for cases where traditional drugs fail to control seizures.
Patient Consensus: Patients often mention feeling a sense of relief when doctors use the latest monitoring technology. They appreciate how specialists explain EEG results in simple terms so the family understands the next steps.
Israel offers specialized epilepsy treatment through private wings and dedicated clinics within JCI-accredited centers like Sourasky and Assuta. These facilities provide access to experts like Dr. Uri Kramer and Prof. Zvi Israel, specializing in drug-resistant cases and advanced functional neurosurgery.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli specialists often hold dual roles in research and clinical practice, which accelerates access to innovations. For example, Dr. Uri Kramer developed a seizure-detecting bracelet, while Prof. Itzhak Fried pioneers functional mapping techniques. These advancements are typically first available at large centers like Sourasky or Hadassah before spreading elsewhere.
Patient Consensus: Patients value the speed of private care, especially when coordinating EEG and MRI tests quickly. Many noted that specialists at centers like Sourasky provide detailed evaluations that help clarify complex diagnosis questions.
Sourasky Medical Center, Hadassah Medical Center, Rambam Health Care Campus, and Sheba Medical Center operate dedicated Comprehensive Epilepsy Centers. These JCI-accredited facilities provide specialized epileptologists, neurosurgeons, and advanced technology. They offer services like 24-hour video-EEG monitoring and surgical programs for medication-resistant seizure disorders.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli centers often split pediatric and adult care into distinct units with specific leaders. For example, Dr. Uri Kramer at Sourasky focuses exclusively on childhood epilepsy. Dr. Itzhak Fried, who teaches at UCLA, provides surgical treatment for complex adult cases. Patients can access specialized care tailored precisely to their age and condition type.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize the importance of narrow specialization and say the detailed examinations provided true clarity. Many noted that the quick organization of tests felt reassuring during a stressful time.
Choose a neurologist for initial diagnosis and medication management or a neurosurgeon for drug-resistant cases requiring surgery. Neurologists like Dr. Firas Fahum handle comprehensive evaluations. Neurosurgeons such as Dr. Itzhak Fried specialize in advanced surgery when medications fail to control seizures.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli specialists often hold unique leadership roles that merge diagnostics with clinical care. For example, Dr. Miri Neufeld leads the EEG Institute while also specializing in neurosurgery. This dual expertise means patients receiving diagnostics at Sourasky Medical Center benefit from a physician who understands both the electrical patterns of the brain and the surgical physicalities required to treat them.
Patient Consensus: Patients value the narrow specialization of doctors at centers like Ichilov. They often feel more confident after seeing specialists who focus exclusively on their specific type of seizure disorder.
Israel offers specialized pediatric epilepsy care through board-certified pediatric neurologists like Dr. Uri Kramer and Dr. Veronika Chernuha at Sourasky Medical Center. These experts focus on complex cases, including drug-resistant seizures, and utilize advanced diagnostics available in dedicated children's hospital units.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Pediatric epilepsy care in Israel often combines clinical practice with innovative technology. For example, Dr. Uri Kramer at Sourasky Medical Center developed a seizure-detecting bracelet specifically for children. This focus on pediatric-specific tools suggests that Israeli centers prioritize real-world safety and monitoring for families, not just hospital-based treatment.
Patient Consensus: Families often seek out pediatric-specific clinics rather than adult neurologists to ensure specialized care for childhood seizures. One patient noted that the narrow specialization of doctors at centers like Ichilov makes them a global leader for complex examinations.
Epilepsy doctors in Israel perform advanced diagnostic imaging including high-resolution MRI, CT scans, and EEG monitoring to locate seizure origins. Specialists like Dr. Miri Neufeld at Sourasky Medical Center lead dedicated institutes for neurophysiological diagnostics, while neurosurgeons use functional brain mapping for complex cases.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli specialists often combine imaging with pharmacogenetic studies, which start from around $700 to $1,400. This helps doctors like Dr. Firas Fahum at Sourasky – who has performed 900+ treatments – predict which medications will work best based on a patient's DNA.
Patient Consensus: Patients often find that routine scans are not enough, so they value doctors who order a full workup. They feel more confident when specialists explain how repeat imaging might finally clarify the exact cause of their resistant seizures.