Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov)
Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov)
Israel, Tel Aviv
Arnon Karni
41 years of experience
Clinic is certified :
Medication treatment for multiple sclerosis in Israel typically costs from $9,000 to $19,000. Total expenses depend on the drug protocol, specialized infusions, and the medical center tier. In the US, similar treatments cost around $19,500 on average. Patients can find significant value in Israel, with average savings of approximately 28%. Programs generally include specialist neurological consultations and advanced diagnostic monitoring.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israel offers access to groundbreaking protocols like bone marrow transplantation to reset the immune system. Hadassah Medical Center leads this research under experts like Dimitrios Karussis. Patients can find high-tier safety at Herzliya Medical Center, which recently scored 100 in patient safety. International patients often receive VIP coordinators and free airport transfers at centers like Sourasky. Sheba Medical Center, ranked 7th globally by Newsweek, provides unique in-house CAR-T therapy development for autoimmune conditions.
| Israel | Turkey | Austria | |
| Medication treatment for multiple sclerosis | ≈ $9,000 | from $2,500 | ≈ $10,500 |
| Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) | ≈ $16,500 | ≈ $4,500 | ≈ $8,800 |
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Note: Each patient"s journey with multiple sclerosis differs. This plan is a general guideline and may be adjusted based on individual needs.
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Dr. Arnon Karni specializes in multiple sclerosis treatment at Sourasky Medical Center, with immunological research from Harvard University.
Dr. Rosenberg specializes in neuroimmunology with a focus on multiple sclerosis treatment at Rambam Medical Center.
Dr. Dimitrios Karussis leads the multi-disciplinary Multiple Sclerosis Clinic at Hadassah Medical Center, specializing in neuroimmunology for 40 years.
Over 28 years of neurology experience – Dr. Linecki specializes in complex nervous system disorders at Hadassah Medical Center.
Multiple sclerosis treatment in Israel centers on high-efficacy disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) like Ocrevus, Copaxone, and Tysabri. Specialists at JCI-accredited centers like Sheba and Hadassah utilize oral, injectable, and infusion protocols to reduce relapse rates. Advanced neuro-regenerative options, including stem cell therapy, are also available.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli neurology centers prioritize early, high-efficacy intervention using B-cell depletion therapies like Ocrevus. Data shows centers like Hadassah and Sourasky lead in neuro-regenerative research. This allows patients to access experimental stem cell protocols when standard DMTs fail to halt progression.
Patient Consensus: Patients often highlight the local significance of Copaxone and the availability of Ocrevus for progressive forms. Many note that standard IV steroid sessions effectively manage acute relapses during their stay.
Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) effectively reduce MS relapses by 29% to over 60% and significantly slow disability accumulation by limiting new brain lesions. Patients can expect long-term disease stabilization, though these treatments primarily prevent new damage rather than repairing existing neurological deficits or scars.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli neuroimmunology protocols prioritize ultra-fast infusions like Briumvi, which takes only 1 hour twice yearly. While standard DMTs maintain health, Hadassah Medical Center and Sheba Medical Center lead in stem-cell research. This allows patients with aggressive MS to access treatments that are often unavailable or restricted in other regions.
Patient Consensus: Patients report high stability with no new lesions for 5 years or more using Ocrevus. Most highlight that monthly injections or twice-yearly infusions provide an excellent quality of life with minimal side effects.
Multiple sclerosis medications in Israel primarily use disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) like Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) to modulate immune responses. Common side effects include flu-like symptoms from injectables, gastrointestinal distress from oral agents, and infusion-related reactions. Serious safety concerns involve increased infection risk and potential liver enzyme elevation requiring regular monitoring.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While patients often fear long side effect lists, data from Sheba and Hadassah shows high-efficacy infusions like Ocrevus often have fewer daily disruptions than oral therapies. Hospitals in Israel emphasize immunological resetting, where specialists like Dr. Dimitrios Karussis prioritize long-term safety by monitoring specific white blood cell subsets rather than just general counts.
Patient Consensus: Most patients report that initial side effects are temporary and manageable through simple lifestyle adjustments. Many agree that the risk of irreversible disability from untreated MS far outweighs the practical challenges of medication management.
Ideal candidates for disease-modifying therapy include individuals with active relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis or clinically isolated syndrome showing inflammatory activity. Treatment should begin immediately after a confirmed diagnosis. Early intervention within the first year is vital to prevent permanent brain atrophy and long-term disability progression.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israel is a global leader in neuroimmunology. Specialists like Dr. Arnon Karni at Sourasky Medical Center and Dr. Dimitrios Karussis at Hadassah utilize advanced protocols beyond standard medication. While standard Ocrevus therapy ranges from $16,500 to $22,800, top Israeli centers often integrate regenerative medicine and clinical-trial-grade immunotherapies that are unavailable in many other regions.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize that waiting for symptoms to worsen is a mistake. Most recommend seeing a dedicated neuroimmunologist rather than a general neurologist to access high-potency treatments early.
Diagnostic and monitoring protocols for multiple sclerosis in Israel follow strict McDonald Criteria to ensure medication safety. Before treatment, patients undergo neurological exams, baseline MRI scans of the brain and spine, and blood screenings for infections like Hepatitis B and JC virus.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israel's neuroimmunology centers, such as Hadassah, often combine standard drug protocols with advanced stem cell research. Data shows that clinics like Sourasky use specialized Electromyography (EMG) and Electroneurography to assess nerve damage before starting medication. This helps precisely tailor the dosage of intensive therapies like Ocrevus from the first day.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize the necessity of bringing a full-spine MRI taken within the last 3 months. Many recommend advocating for both cervical and thoracic scans alongside brain imaging to prevent diagnostic delays.
Multiple sclerosis medication in Israel typically continues indefinitely as long-term maintenance to prevent new CNS damage. While maintenance therapies are lifelong, immune reconstitution therapies provide control after a 2-year course. Treatment changes depend on new MRI lesions, clinical relapses, intolerable side effects, or pregnancy planning.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli centers like Hadassah Medical Center lead in specialized B-cell depletion and stem cell protocols. Our data shows centers here favor early, aggressive intervention. Doctors like Dimitrios Karussis utilize triple-board expertise to transition patients from standard maintenance to advanced immune reconstitution when conventional drugs fail.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize that early therapy start is vital for long-term mobility. Many find that monitoring B-cell levels helps personalize their infusion schedules.
Multiple Sclerosis specialists in Israel are board-certified neurologists with sub-specialization in neuroimmunology. These experts typically hold dual MD-PhD degrees and complete international fellowships at institutions like Harvard. Most practice at JCI-accredited academic centers like Sheba or Sourasky, focusing on advanced disease-modifying therapies and stem cell research.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli MS specialists at Hadassah and Sheba stand out for their rare integration of bone marrow transplantation into MS protocols. While many global neurologists focus solely on medication, experts like Dr. Dimitrios Karussis hold specific European credentials for stem cell therapy. This dual expertise allows patients access to regenerative options not typically found in standard neurology departments.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize seeking specialists at university-affiliated hospitals like Sourasky or Hadassah for dedicated neuro-immunological monitoring. They often highlight the importance of regular 3–6 month MRI reviews to track treatment efficacy.
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.