Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov)
Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov)
Israel, Tel Aviv
Veronika Chernuha
31 years of experience
Clinic is certified :
| Israel | Turkey | Austria | |
| Vagus nerve stimulation | from $41,400 | from $20,000 | ≈ $24,000 |
| Stereotaxic surgeries | ≈ $16,000 | from $6,100 | ≈ $25,000 |
| Multiple subpial transections | ≈ $28,000 | ≈ $12,500 | ≈ $19,500 |
As a leading pediatric neurologist, Dr. Fatal-valevsky has led the Pediatric Neurology Unit at Sourasky Medical Center for over 47 years, specializing in complex childhood brain conditions.
Dr. Chernuha specializes in pediatric neurology with advanced training in drug-resistant epilepsy – treating children at Sourasky Medical Center.
Dr. Kramer is a pediatric epileptologist specializing exclusively in childhood seizures, with over 57 years of experience. He directs the Pediatric Epilepsy Service at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov).
Israeli pediatric epileptologists prioritize hormonal therapy including high-dose oral prednisolone and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) as standard first-line treatments. They also utilize Vigabatrin specifically for Tuberous Sclerosis Complex cases. Early intervention is emphasized with diagnostic brain MRI and overnight video-EEG conducted within days of presentation.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli specialists like Dr. Uri Kramer at Sourasky Medical Center provide unique access to clinical trials for medicinal cannabis. Large centers handle over 11,000 pediatric cases annually. This high volume allows specialists to implement aggressive combination therapies earlier than many regional guidelines. This approach targets rapid clinical clearance of hypsarrhythmia and helps protect long-term cognitive development.
Patient Consensus: Parents note that spasms often stop within 14 days of starting ACTH. They suggest regular blood pressure monitoring during the high-dose course to manage common side effects like irritability.
Israel offers advanced interventions for drug-resistant West syndrome through neuromodulation, surgery, and compassionate access pathways. Patients can access vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), deep brain stimulation (DBS), and specialized ketogenic diet protocols. Specialized pediatric neurologists also provide investigational treatments like ganaxolone and pharmaceutical-grade cannabidiol (CBD) oils.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While most clinics focus on standard protocols, Sourasky Medical Center stands out for its technological innovation in pediatric epilepsy. Dr. Uri Kramer at Sourasky developed a specialized seizure-detecting bracelet for children. This highlights a shift toward using wearable tech alongside traditional treatments to improve safety and monitoring for West syndrome patients.
Patient Consensus: Parents recommend recording video of spasms to show neurologists and suggest pushing for a ketogenic diet trial early. Many families note the effectiveness of VNS after multiple medication failures but advise preparing for potential waitlists for non-urgent procedures.
Epilepsy surgery is a viable option for drug-resistant West syndrome in Israel. Leading neurosurgery units utilize stereotaxic surgeries and vagus nerve stimulation to treat infantile spasms. JCI-accredited centers such as Sourasky and Rambam employ advanced mapping to identify seizure foci for resective procedures.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli pediatric neurology stands out due to the high concentration of senior expertise at centers like Sourasky (Ichilov). Professor Uri Kramer has treated over 7,000 children and developed proprietary seizure-detection technology. Professor Itzhak Fried holds dual roles at UCLA and Ichilov. This level of academic integration ensures patients access surgical protocols typically only found in major US research hospitals.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that early surgical evaluation is critical because delaying treatment can lead to developmental regression. Many emphasize the value of remote consultations with professors to confirm surgical candidacy before traveling.
Israeli hospitals like Sourasky Medical Center and Rambam Health Care Campus provide multidisciplinary care for West syndrome. These programs integrate pediatric epilepsy specialists, neurologists, and geneticists. Key diagnostic tools include video-EEG monitoring and genetic screening to stop infantile spasms and ensure neurodevelopmental support.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows that Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) has an exceptionally high concentration of veteran experts. Dr. Uri Kramer and Dr. Miri Neufeld each bring over 45 years of clinical experience. This longevity is vital because West syndrome often transitions into other complex seizure types. Hospitals with such long-standing specialized departments often provide better continuity of care as the child matures.
Patient Consensus: Parents emphasize that finding a clinic that coordinates neurology, neurosurgery, and genetics into a single team is more important than hospital prestige. They note that private consultations are often necessary to secure the fast video-EEG monitoring required for this time-sensitive condition.
Integrated rehabilitation in Israel combines pediatric neurorehabilitation with early-intervention programs to manage developmental delays and motor skills. Centers like Loewenstein Hospital and Sourasky Medical Center provide multidisciplinary protocols. These include physical, occupational, and speech therapies alongside advanced multi-sensory technologies.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli rehabilitation centers stand out by merging advanced diagnostics with therapy. Dr. Uri Kramer at Sourasky Medical Center developed a seizure-detecting bracelet for children. This technology allows therapists to adjust physical intensity in real-time. This protects the child from overexertion while maximizing motor recovery during critical windows.
Patient Consensus: Parents emphasize starting hydrotherapy quickly to manage muscle tone. Many note that pairing intensive therapy with ketogenic diet monitoring significantly improves seizure control.
Patients typically stay in Israel for 1 to 2 weeks for diagnostic evaluations. Complex surgical or neurodevelopmental treatments often require 4 to 8 weeks. International medical tourists remain longer than local residents to ensure stability before long-distance travel. Specialist boards often review medical histories 7 days before arrival.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli centers like Sourasky manage massive volumes with over 1,800,000 patients annually. While general admissions are brief, epilepsy specialists like Dr. Uri Kramer focus on high-efficiency video-EEG monitoring. Clinics with 1,000+ beds often resolve complex diagnostic phases faster than smaller facilities. This capacity allows international families to condense testing into a 7-day window.
Patient Consensus: Families recommend packing for a full month because infantile spasms can be unpredictable. Patients note that 1-week evaluations in Tel Aviv are efficient for getting clear answers quickly.
Parents must prepare translated medical histories, including recent EEG results and brain MRI scans. Essential documents include notarized travel consent forms if traveling with one parent and proof of relationship. Secure medical visa invitation letters and detailed physician letters for all seizure-related medications.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli specialists like Dr. Uri Kramer or Dr. Miri Neufeld base treatment on historical diagnostic patterns. Having 3–6 months of seizure logs and drug dosage history allows these experts to refine protocols immediately. This prevents the need to repeat basic diagnostics at clinics like Sourasky Medical Center.
Patient Consensus: Parents emphasize translating all files before arrival to avoid waiting days for local hospital translators to clear paperwork. Having both digital and physical copies of the invitation letter helps speed up the medical visa process at the border.
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.