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This page lists 8 vagus nerve stimulation (vns) implant doctors in India. Review each doctor's experience, specialty and hospital, then contact our care team for help with the next step.
About Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) Implant doctors in 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.
Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) Implant doctors
FeaturedDr. Chander M Malhothra
MBBS, MS, MCh (Neurosurgery)
Senior Consultant, Neurosurgery · Specialty: Neurosurgeon
Indraprastha Apollo Hospital New Delhi, India25+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
- 25+ years of experience in Neurosurgeon
- Currently serving as Senior Consultant in Neurosurgery at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi.
- Has been part of the Apollo Hospitals network, one of India's premier multispecialty healthcare groups, contributing to its neurosciences program.
Expertise & Procedures
- Brain Tumor Surgery
- Meningioma Surgery
- Skull Base Tumor Surgery
- Pituitary Tumor Surgery
- Craniotomy
Neurosurgeon Experience: 25+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Indraprastha Apollo HospitalHospital accreditation: JCI, NABH
Dr. Kishor Rao
MBBS, MS (General Surgery), MCh (Neurosurgery)
Senior Consultant, Neurosurgery · Specialty: Neurosurgeon
Apollo Hospitals, Bannerghatta Road Bengaluru, India17+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
- 17+ years of experience in Neurosurgeon
- Currently practicing as Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon at Apollo Hospitals, Bannerghatta Road and Seshadripuram, Bengaluru.
- Has held senior neurosurgery positions across multiple leading hospitals in Bengaluru over a career spanning 17+ years.
Expertise & Procedures
- Brain Tumor Resection (Craniotomy)
- Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Implantation
- Epilepsy Surgery
- Endoscopic Skull Base Tumor Surgery
- Pituitary Tumor Surgery (Neuroendoscopic)
Neurosurgeon Experience: 17+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Apollo Hospitals, Bannerghatta RoadHospital accreditation: JCI, NABH
Dr. Manish Baldia
MBBS, MCh (Neurosurgery) — Master of Chirurgiae in Neurosurgery
Consultant Functional Neurosurgeon, Neurosurgery · Specialty: Neurosurgeon
Wockhardt Hospital Mumbai, India10+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
- 10+ years of experience in Neurosurgeon
- Currently serving as Consultant Functional Neurosurgeon in the Department of Neurosurgery at Wockhardt Hospitals, South Mumbai – Mumbai Central.
- Has treated over 3,500 patients across a range of complex neurological and neurosurgical conditions over a 10+ year career.
Expertise & Procedures
- Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
- Epilepsy Surgery
- Craniotomy
- Microvascular Decompression (for Trigeminal Neuralgia)
- Peripheral Nerve Surgery
Neurosurgeon Experience: 10+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Wockhardt HospitalHospital accreditation: NABH, JCI
Dr. Pranav Kumar
MBBS, MS (Master of Surgery), MCh (Neurosurgery)
Senior Consultant, Neurosurgery · Specialty: Neurosurgeon
Indraprastha Apollo Hospital New Delhi, India27+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
- 27+ years of experience in Neurosurgeon
- Currently serving as Senior Consultant, Neurosurgery at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi.
- Has practiced advanced neurosurgery within the Apollo Hospitals network, Delhi, for a significant part of his career.
Expertise & Procedures
- Brain Tumor Surgery
- Skull Base Tumor Surgery
- Pituitary Tumor Surgery
- Acoustic Neuroma / Vestibular Schwannoma Surgery
- Meningioma Surgery
Neurosurgeon Experience: 27+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Indraprastha Apollo HospitalHospital accreditation: JCI, NABH
Dr. Rajendra Prasad
MBBS, MS (General Surgery), M.Ch (Neurosurgery), Fellowship – Neurosurgery
Senior Consultant, Neurosurgery · Specialty: Neurosurgeon
Indraprastha Apollo Hospital New Delhi, India35+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
- 35+ years of experience in Neurosurgeon
- Currently serving as Senior Consultant, Neurosurgery at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi — one of India's foremost tertiary care centres.
- Has built a career spanning over 35 years managing complex neurosurgical cases across brain tumors, cerebrovascular disorders, and functional neurosurgery.
Expertise & Procedures
- Brain Tumor Surgery
- Glioma Surgery
- Meningioma Surgery
- Skull Base Tumor Surgery
- Pituitary Tumor Surgery
Neurosurgeon Experience: 35+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Indraprastha Apollo HospitalHospital accreditation: JCI, NABH
Dr. Rajesh Alugolu
MCh (Neurosurgery), MS (General Surgery), MBBS
Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon & Clinical Director, Neurosurgery · Specialty: Neurosurgeon
Yashoda Hospitals, Hi-Tech City Hyderabad, India26+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
- 26+ years of experience in Neurosurgeon
- Currently serving as Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon and Clinical Director at PDMDRC, Yashoda Hospitals, Hi-Tech City, Hyderabad.
- Associated with Citi Neuro Centre, Hyderabad, contributing to neurological care across the city.
Expertise & Procedures
- Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
- Epilepsy Surgery
- Skull Base Tumor Surgery
- Brain Tumor Surgery (including Glioma)
- Craniotomy
Neurosurgeon Experience: 26+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Yashoda Hospitals, Hi-Tech CityHospital accreditation: JCI, NABH
Dr. Sachin G R
MBBS, MS (General Surgery), MCh (Neurosurgery), PGDMLE (Post Graduate Diploma in Medico-Legal Examination)
Consultant, Neurosurgery · Specialty: Neurosurgeon
Apollo Hospitals, Bannerghatta Road Bengaluru, India12+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
- 12+ years of experience in Neurosurgeon
- Consultant, Neurosurgery — Apollo Hospitals, Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru (Current)
- Consultant, Neurosurgery — Fortis Hospital, Mohali (Previous)
Expertise & Procedures
- Brain Tumor Resection
- Skull Base Tumor Surgery
- Pituitary Tumor Surgery
- Endoscopic Brain Surgery
- Brain Aneurysm Clipping
Neurosurgeon Experience: 12+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Apollo Hospitals, Bannerghatta RoadHospital accreditation: JCI, NABH
Dr. Sanjeev Srivastava
MBBS, DNB (General Surgery), DNB (Neurosurgery), Advanced Fellowship in Functional Neurosurgery & Neuromodulation
Senior Consultant, Neurosurgery · Specialty: Neurosurgeon
Artemis Hospital Gurugram, India12+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
- 12+ years of experience in Neurosurgeon
- Senior Consultant, Neurosurgery — Artemis Agrim Institute of Neurosciences, Artemis Hospital, Gurugram (current role).
- Advanced Fellowship in Functional Neurosurgery and Neuromodulation completed at the University of Illinois at Chicago, USA, in October–November 2018 under the supervision of Prof. Konstantin Slavin.
Expertise & Procedures
- Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
- Epilepsy Surgery
- Brain Tumor Surgery
- Craniotomy
- Acoustic Neuroma / Vestibular Schwannoma Surgery
Neurosurgeon Experience: 12+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Artemis HospitalHospital accreditation: JCI, NABH
Hospitals where these doctors practise
🇮🇳 New Delhi, IndiaStarting from$11,000
Apollo Hospitals
Est. 1983
JCI — Joint Commission International accreditationNABH — National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers accreditation
Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) ImplantCardiac SurgeryCardiologyMedical Oncology
3+
Doctors for Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) Implant
4.9
1240 reviews
1000+
Beds
43+
Years Since Founded
🇮🇳 Bangalore, IndiaStarting from$11,000
Apollo Hospital, Bannerghatta Road
Est. 2007
JCI — Joint Commission International accreditationNABH — National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers accreditation
Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) ImplantCardiac SurgeryCardiologyMedical Oncology
2+
Doctors for Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) Implant
4.2
25 reviews
250+
Beds
19+
Years Since Founded
🇮🇳 Mumbai, IndiaStarting from$11,000
Wockhardt Hospital
Est. 2014
NABH — National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers accreditationJCI — Joint Commission International accreditation
Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) ImplantCardiac SurgeryCardiologyMedical Oncology
1+
Doctors for Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) Implant
4.4
30 reviews
350+
Beds
12+
Years Since Founded
🇮🇳 Gurgaon, IndiaStarting from$11,000
Artemis Hospital
Est. 2007
JCI — Joint Commission International accreditationNABH — National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers accreditation
Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) ImplantCardiac SurgeryCardiologyMedical Oncology
1+
Doctors for Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) Implant
4.9
64 reviews
750+
Beds
19+
Years Since Founded
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 Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) Implant?
Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) implant is a neurosurgical procedure in which a small pacemaker-like device is placed under the skin below the collarbone and connected to the vagus nerve in the neck to deliver regular electrical pulses to the brain. It is primarily used to reduce seizure frequency and severity in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy who are not candidates for or have not responded well to resective surgery, and occasionally for treatment-resistant depression. The goal is to improve seizure control and quality of life alongside continued antiepileptic medication.
Who may be considered?
Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) Implant 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?
A pulse generator is implanted in the left upper chest and a bipolar lead is wrapped around the left vagus nerve in the neck through two small incisions; this is the most established and widely performed VNS technique.
2 approaches available for this procedure:
Standard Bipolar VNS Implantation
Most CommonA pulse generator is implanted in the left upper chest and a bipolar lead is wrapped around the left vagus nerve in the neck through two small incisions; this is the most established and widely performed VNS technique.
Comprehensive Investigations
Estimated cost: $300 - $700
MRI brain, video EEG monitoring, ECG, chest X-ray, complete blood count (CBC), coagulation profile, neurology and anesthesia fitness clearance, voice/laryngeal assessment
Treatment / Procedure Estimate
Estimated cost in India: $11,000 - $16,000
Stay in India
Pre-procedure stay (outside hospital): ~2 days
Hospitalisation: ~2-3 days
Recovery period (outside hospital): ~7-10 days recommended
Total stay: approx 10-12 days
Usually Included in Hospital Package
- VNS device and lead cost
- Surgeon, neurosurgery team and anesthesia fees
- Operating room and implant procedure charges
- Standard ward/room stay with nursing care
- Initial device activation and programming session
Usually Not Included
- International/domestic airfare and visa costs
- Accommodation for patient and attendant before/after hospital stay
- Post-discharge follow-up programming visits
- Long-term antiepileptic medications
- Treatment of any post-surgical complications
Recovery and follow-up
Patients typically go home within a few days of surgery, with the device usually activated 2-4 weeks later and stimulation gradually increased over subsequent follow-up visits; mild neck discomfort or hoarseness during stimulation is common initially.
Risks
Potential risks include infection at the incision sites, hoarseness or voice change, coughing, throat discomfort, and rarely, lead malfunction, nerve injury, or need for device revision.
Alternatives
Alternatives include continued optimization of antiepileptic drug therapy, resective or laser ablation epilepsy surgery for suitable candidates, responsive neurostimulation (RNS), deep brain stimulation (DBS), or a ketogenic diet trial.
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
- Recent MRI brain with epilepsy protocol
- Video EEG monitoring report
- Detailed neurologist consultation and epilepsy history notes
- Seizure diary (type, frequency, duration)
- List of antiepileptic drugs tried with response/side effects
- ECG and chest X-ray
- Complete blood count (CBC) and coagulation profile
- Any prior brain surgery or neurostimulation device records
Patient information needed
- Age, weight, and general health status
- Type of epilepsy, seizure frequency and duration of condition
- Detailed list of current and past antiepileptic medications
- History of prior brain surgery or implanted devices (e.g., pacemaker)
- Known allergies (medication, anesthesia, metal/device materials)
- Any voice, swallowing, or vocal cord issues
- Cardiac or respiratory conditions
- Pregnancy status if applicable
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.
How this directory is built
Doctors are matched using the specialty, location, condition (Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) Implant) and procedure (Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) Implant) 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 Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) Implant in 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 Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) Implant considered for Epilepsy?
Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) Implant 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.