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Best Neurosurgeons for Epilepsy Surgery in Chennai, India

This page lists 5 epilepsy surgery doctors in Chennai, India. Review each doctor's experience, specialty and hospital, then contact our care team for help with the next step.

Quick answer

This page lists 5 epilepsy surgery doctors in Chennai, India. Review each doctor's experience, specialty and hospital, then contact our care team for help with the next step.

About Epilepsy Surgery doctors in Chennai, India

This directory is based on doctors currently listed in GAF Healthcare's registry. Clinical suitability varies by patient; a doctor should review your history and investigations before any treatment decision.

Epilepsy Surgery doctors

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Dr. Ari G Chacko

MBBS, MCh (Neurosurgery)
Senior Consultant, Neurosurgery · Specialty: Neurosurgeon
Apollo Proton Cancer Centre Chennai, India32+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
  • 32+ years of experience in Neurosurgeon
  • Currently serving as Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon at Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, Chennai, with a focus on complex brain and spine tumor surgery.
  • Previously served as Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon at Square Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh, delivering advanced neurosurgical care to patients across South Asia.
Expertise & Procedures
  • Brain Tumor Resection (Craniotomy)
  • Awake Craniotomy for Glioma Surgery
  • Skull Base Tumor Surgery
  • Pituitary Tumor Surgery (Endoscopic)
  • Endoscopic Brain Surgery
View all procedures →
Neurosurgeon Experience: 32+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Apollo Proton Cancer CentreHospital accreditation: NABH
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Dr. Arul K

MBBS, MS, FRCS (Ed) — Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, Neurosurgery Board Certification
Associate Consultant, Neurosurgery · Specialty: Neurosurgeon
Gleneagles HealthCity Chennai Chennai, India27+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
  • 27+ years of experience in Neurosurgeon
  • Currently serving as Associate Consultant in Neurosurgery at Gleneagles HealthCity Chennai, one of South India's leading multi-specialty hospitals.
  • Has practised neurosurgery across India and Sri Lanka, gaining wide clinical exposure to diverse patient populations and case complexities.
Expertise & Procedures
  • Brain Tumour Surgery
  • Skull Base Tumour Surgery
  • CP Angle Tumour Surgery
  • Acoustic Neuroma / Vestibular Schwannoma Surgery
  • Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) Surgery
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Neurosurgeon Experience: 27+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Gleneagles HealthCity ChennaiHospital accreditation: NABH, JCI
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Dr. M. Anbuselvam

MBBS, MCh (Neurosurgery)
Senior Consultant, Neurosurgery · Specialty: Neurosurgeon
Rela Hospital Chennai, India42+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
  • 42+ years of experience in Neurosurgeon
  • Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon, Rela Hospital, Chennai — Current
  • Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon, Apollo Speciality Hospitals, Chennai — November 2014 to January 2021
Expertise & Procedures
  • Brain Tumour Surgery
  • Meningioma Surgery
  • Craniotomy
  • Cavernoma Surgery
  • Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) Surgery
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Neurosurgeon Experience: 42+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Rela HospitalHospital accreditation: NABH, NABL
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Dr. Natesan Damodaran

Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Epilepsy & Functional Neurosurgery, Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Neurosurgical Skills Training (Simulation & Cadaver Dissection), MCh in Neurosurgery, MSc in Psychology, MBBS
Clinical Lead, Epilepsy and Functional Neurosurgery · Specialty: Neurosurgeon
Rela Hospital Chennai, India15+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
  • 15+ years of experience in Neurosurgeon
  • Currently serving as Clinical Lead for Epilepsy and Functional Neurosurgery at Dr. Rela Institute & Medical Centre, Chennai.
  • Leading the development of a Level-4 Comprehensive Epilepsy Program integrating pediatric and adult care, advanced presurgical evaluation, and neurorehabilitation.
Expertise & Procedures
  • Epilepsy Surgery
  • Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
  • Vagus Nerve Stimulator (VNS) Implant
  • Craniotomy
  • Brain Tumor Surgery
View all procedures →
Neurosurgeon Experience: 15+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Rela HospitalHospital accreditation: NABH, NABL
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Dr. Nigel Symss

MBBS, DNB (Neurosurgery), Fellowship in Pediatric Neurosurgery and Neuro Endoscopy, Fellowship in Spinal and Microneurosurgery, Fellowship in Functional/Micro Neurosurgery & Spine Surgery
Senior Consultant, Neurosurgery · Specialty: Neurosurgeon
Gleneagles HealthCity Chennai Chennai, India16+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
  • 16+ years of experience in Neurosurgeon
  • Senior Consultant, Neurosurgery — Gleneagles Global Health City, Chennai (current)
  • Neurosurgery Consultant — Fortis Malar Hospital, Chennai
Expertise & Procedures
  • Brain Tumor Surgery
  • Skull Base Tumor Surgery
  • Endoscopic Brain Surgery
  • Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
  • Epilepsy Surgery
View all procedures →
Neurosurgeon Experience: 16+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Gleneagles HealthCity ChennaiHospital accreditation: NABH, JCI
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Hospitals where these doctors practise

Gleneagles Global Hospital🇮🇳 Chennai, India
Starting from$9,000

Gleneagles Global Hospital

Est. 1999
NABH — National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers accreditationJCI — Joint Commission International accreditation
Epilepsy SurgeryNeurosurgeryCardiac SurgeryCardiology
2+
Doctors for Epilepsy Surgery
4.7
112 reviews
1000+
Beds
27+
Years Since Founded
Dr. Arul KDr. Nigel Symss
View Hospital Profile Enquire / Get Free Opinion
Dr. Rela Institute and Medical Centre🇮🇳 Chennai, India
Starting from$9,000

Dr. Rela Institute and Medical Centre

Est. 2018
NABH — National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers accreditationNABL — National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories accreditation
Epilepsy SurgeryNeurosurgeryCardiac SurgeryCardiology
2+
Doctors for Epilepsy Surgery
4.7
108 reviews
450+
Beds
8+
Years Since Founded
Dr. M. AnbuselvamDr. Natesan Damodaran
View Hospital Profile Enquire / Get Free Opinion

Why consider treatment in India?

Many international patients consider India for epilepsy treatment for several reasons, including:

More affordable estimates

Competitive indicative costs compared with many other countries, for similar clinical standards.

Internationally accredited hospitals

Hospitals experienced in treating international patients.

Experienced specialists

Doctors who regularly manage similar cases.

Care coordination support

A team to help with planning, medical translation and follow-up.

About the Procedure

What is Epilepsy Surgery?

Epilepsy surgery is a neurosurgical treatment for patients with drug-resistant (refractory) epilepsy, where seizures continue despite adequate trials of anti-epileptic medications. The goal is to identify and remove, disconnect, or modulate the seizure-generating area of the brain to reduce or eliminate seizures. Candidacy is determined through detailed pre-surgical evaluation including video EEG monitoring and advanced imaging.

Who may be considered?

Epilepsy Surgery may be considered after a qualified specialist reviews your reports and medical history. Suitability varies from person to person and must be assessed by your treating doctor.

How does it work?

Involves open craniotomy to remove the specific brain region identified as the seizure focus, most commonly a portion of the temporal lobe or a discrete lesion such as a tumor or scar tissue.

3 approaches available for this procedure:

Resective Surgery (Temporal Lobectomy / Lesionectomy)

Most Common

Involves open craniotomy to remove the specific brain region identified as the seizure focus, most commonly a portion of the temporal lobe or a discrete lesion such as a tumor or scar tissue.

Comprehensive Investigations

Estimated cost: $1,500 - $4,000

Video EEG monitoring, MRI brain (epilepsy protocol), PET scan, SPECT scan, neuropsychological assessment, Wada test, CBC, coagulation profile, ECG

Treatment / Procedure Estimate

Estimated cost in India: $9,000 - $16,000

Stay in India

Pre-procedure stay (outside hospital): ~3 days
Hospitalisation: ~7-10 days
Recovery period (outside hospital): ~4-6 weeks recommended
Total stay: approx 14-16 days

Usually Included in Hospital Package

  • Pre-surgical evaluation and neurosurgeon consultation
  • Intraoperative neuromonitoring
  • ICU stay and standard hospital room
  • Surgeon, anesthetist and OT charges
  • Post-op MRI/CT and initial follow-up

Usually Not Included

  • Wada test and advanced PET/SPECT if done separately
  • Long-term anti-epileptic medications
  • Airfare and accommodation for attendants
  • Extended rehabilitation beyond hospital stay
  • Visa and travel insurance

Recovery and follow-up

Most patients require 2 to 6 weeks of recovery depending on the technique used, with gradual tapering of anti-epileptic medication under close neurology follow-up over 12-24 months.

Risks

Potential risks include infection, bleeding, temporary or permanent neurological deficits, memory or language changes, and the possibility that seizures may persist or recur despite surgery.

Alternatives

Alternatives include continued optimization of anti-epileptic drug therapy, ketogenic diet, or newer non-invasive neuromodulation trials for patients who are not surgical candidates.

What we need to prepare a formal estimate

Share whatever you have — the care team will confirm the final checklist after reviewing your case.

Reports required

  • Video EEG monitoring report
  • MRI brain with epilepsy protocol
  • PET or SPECT scan reports (if done)
  • Neuropsychological evaluation report
  • Detailed seizure history and medication list
  • Previous neurology/neurosurgery consultation notes
  • CBC and coagulation profile
  • ECG report

Patient information needed

  • Age and duration of epilepsy diagnosis
  • Type and frequency of seizures
  • List of current and previously tried anti-epileptic drugs
  • Any known structural brain abnormality or lesion
  • Family history of epilepsy or neurological disorders
  • Cognitive or psychological comorbidities
  • General fitness for anesthesia and surgery
  • Availability of an accompanying attendant for the trip

Costs shown are indicative planning estimates based on typical pricing across leading Indian hospitals. They are not a quote — actual pricing depends on your case complexity, hospital choice, and length of stay. Share your reports for a personalized estimate.

Want a formal estimate?

Share your reports and patient information so our care coordination team can review your case.

How this directory is built

Doctors are matched using the specialty, location, condition (Epilepsy Surgery) and procedure (Epilepsy Surgery) recorded in their profiles. Inclusion is not an endorsement and does not guarantee a treatment outcome.

Need help with the next step?

Share your needs with our care coordination team for information about doctors and hospitals.

Common questions

FAQs about Epilepsy Surgery in Chennai, India

What is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder defined by two or more unprovoked seizures occurring more than 24 hours apart, or one unprovoked seizure with a high likelihood of recurrence based on clinical findings. It reflects an underlying tendency of the brain to generate abnormal, synchronised electrical discharges that temporarily disrupt normal brain function.
What are the symptoms and health risks of Epilepsy?
Seizures can take many forms — from brief staring episodes or subtle muscle jerks (absence or myoclonic seizures) to full convulsions with loss of consciousness (tonic-clonic seizures) — and may be accompanied by confusion, sensory disturbances, or automatic movements. Beyond the seizures themselves, people with epilepsy may experience post-ictal fatigue, memory difficulties, mood changes, and the psychosocial effects of living with an unpredictable condition. Experiencing any of these symptoms does not by itself establish a diagnosis of epilepsy, as similar presentations can arise from other neurological, cardiac, or metabolic conditions.
How is Epilepsy diagnosed?
Diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on a careful account of events from the patient and any witnesses, alongside a full neurological and medical history. An EEG (electroencephalogram) is the key functional investigation, detecting abnormal electrical patterns in the brain; an MRI of the brain is typically performed to identify any structural cause such as a lesion, scar tissue, or cortical abnormality. In some cases, prolonged video-EEG monitoring, blood tests, neuropsychological assessment, and advanced imaging such as PET or SPECT may be needed — particularly when surgery is being considered — to map the seizure-onset zone and assess its relationship to critical brain areas.
How is Epilepsy treated?
Treatment approach depends on seizure type, epilepsy syndrome, identified cause, seizure frequency, and the impact on daily life, and should be determined in consultation with a qualified specialist. For many people, the first-line approach is anti-seizure medication (ASM), with the choice and dose of medication tailored to the individual; approximately 60–70% of people achieve good seizure control with medication alone. When seizures remain refractory — typically defined as failure of two or more appropriately chosen and tolerated medications — procedural options such as epilepsy resection surgery or vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) implantation may be evaluated as part of a structured pre-surgical workup.
Can Epilepsy be treated without a procedure?
Anti-seizure medications remain the cornerstone of epilepsy management and are the appropriate starting point for almost all newly diagnosed individuals. Alongside medication, lifestyle modifications — including consistent sleep schedules, alcohol and drug avoidance, and stress management — play a meaningful supporting role. Dietary therapies such as the ketogenic diet or its variants are an established non-surgical option, particularly for children or adults in whom medications have not provided adequate control; psychological support and seizure-monitoring programmes are also important components of comprehensive, non-procedural care.
When is Epilepsy Surgery considered for Epilepsy?
Epilepsy Surgery may be considered only when it is appropriate for the confirmed diagnosis and the expected benefit outweighs the individual risks. The decision may depend on symptom severity, investigation results, previous treatment, overall health and the patient's goals. A specialist should discuss alternatives and recovery before any procedure is planned.
Which doctor treats Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is primarily managed by a neurologist with a specialist interest in epilepsy, often referred to as an epileptologist. When surgical options are being explored, a neurosurgeon experienced in epilepsy surgery works alongside the neurologist, with input from neuropsychologists, neuroradiologists, and other members of a dedicated epilepsy multidisciplinary team.
How do I choose a doctor for Epilepsy?
When selecting a specialist or centre for epilepsy care, it is worth looking for a neurologist or epileptologist with documented experience in your specific seizure type or epilepsy syndrome, and — if surgery may be relevant — a hospital that offers a formally structured epilepsy surgery programme with access to advanced pre-surgical evaluation including video-EEG monitoring and functional neuroimaging. Clear arrangements for ongoing follow-up, medication review, and access to psychological or social support are also important factors to discuss before committing to a care pathway.
What documents do international patients need to share for a medical evaluation?
Share a concise medical summary, symptom timeline, previous diagnoses, investigation and imaging reports, procedure or biopsy reports where relevant, current medicines, allergies and related treatment records. Provide clear copies with translations when needed. The reviewing doctor may request additional information before giving an opinion.
How does GAF Healthcare help international patients plan treatment in India?
Our care coordination team can review the initial information, help identify suitable doctors and hospitals, request a medical opinion where available, explain next steps and indicative cost information, and support practical planning before travel. A remote opinion does not replace an in-person examination or emergency care.
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