
See how these top medical tourism destinations compare for Deep Brain Stimulation.
| Comparison Factor | Italy | Spain | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Cost (in USD) | 28000 - 45000 | 65000 - 80000 | Italy |
| Success Rate (Min and Max) | 72% – 90% symptom improvement (Parkinson’s Disease benchmark) | 70% – 90% symptom improvement (Parkinson’s Disease benchmark) | Italy |
| Advanced Technology | Robotic-assisted electrode placement, advanced stereotactic navigation, and rechargeable DBS systems are available in major European neuroscience centres | Advanced stereotactic neurosurgery, robotic-assisted electrode placement, and rechargeable DBS systems in leading neuroscience centres | Both Equal |
| JCI Accredited Hospitals | 25+ | 15+ | Italy |
| Visa Process | Schengen Medical Visa / Short-Stay Visa (7–15 working days) | Schengen Medical Visa (7–15 working days) | Both Equal |
*Costs are estimates and may vary based on hospital, complexity, and package inclusions. See detailed cost breakdown below
Understand exactly where your money goes. Both countries offer all-inclusive packages, but here's how the costs typically break down.
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Get Your Free QuoteBoth Italy and Spain maintain world-class healthcare standards with internationally accredited hospitals and highly trained medical professionals.
Hospitals accredited by Joint Commission International (JCI) and national Italian healthcare authorities with specialised neuroscience institutes and multidisciplinary neurology teams.
Symptom improvement of approximately 72–90% in carefully selected Parkinson’s disease patients undergoing DBS surgery in high-volume European centres.
Healthcare services are regulated by the Italian Ministry of Health and follow strict European Union medical device and neurosurgical safety standards.
Spain has internationally accredited hospitals with advanced neuroscience institutes and multidisciplinary neurology and neurosurgery teams.
Symptom improvement of approximately 70–90% in carefully selected Parkinson’s disease patients undergoing DBS in high-volume centres.
Healthcare and neuromodulation therapies in Spain are regulated by the Ministry of Health and the European Medicines Agency (EMA), ensuring strict compliance with device safety and clinical standards.
| Quality Metric | Italy | Spain |
|---|---|---|
Accredited Hospitals | 25+ | 15+ |
Average Success Rate | 72%–90% | 70%–90% |
Both countries have highly qualified and experienced medical specialists trained at premier institutions worldwide. Here's what sets them apart.
Functional Neurosurgery / Neurology
High procedure volumes in specialised neurology and neurosurgery centres.
Functional Neurosurgery / Neurology
Experienced neurosurgical teams with strong DBS program volumes across leading European centres
All surgeons listed on Medigence are verified for their medical license, board certifications, hospital affiliations, and patient outcomes. We conduct background checks and regularly update our database to ensure you're connected with the best medical professionals.
Beyond medical excellence, your comfort during treatment matters. Compare the patient experience at top hospitals in both destinations.

World-class hospitals, exceptional value
Leading hospitals in Italy provide advanced neurosurgical operating theatres equipped with stereotactic navigation systems, intraoperative MRI or CT imaging, high-precision electrode placement technology, neurological intensive care units, and multidisciplinary teams including neurologists, neurosurgeons, and rehabilitation specialists for DBS treatment and long-term device programming.

Luxury healthcare experience
Spain’s leading hospitals offer advanced neurosurgical operating theatres with stereotactic navigation systems, intraoperative MRI/CT imaging, high-precision brain mapping tools, neurological ICUs, and multidisciplinary teams including neurologists, neurosurgeons, and rehabilitation specialists for DBS therapy and long-term programming.
Plan your medical journey with confidence. Here's everything you need to know about travel, visas, and accommodation in both countries.
We provide end-to-end travel assistance including visa facilitation, airport pickups, hotel bookings near your hospital, and local support throughout your stay. Our patient coordinators handle all logistics so you can focus on recovery.
Understanding the recovery process helps you plan better. Here's what to expect after Deep Brain Stimulation in both countries.
Patients are initially monitored in the ICU after DBS surgery, followed by recovery in specialised neurology wards.
A short local stay is recommended for wound care and device programming adjustments.
Patients may travel after medical clearance from the neurosurgery team.
Symptom improvement occurs gradually as the DBS system is programmed and optimized during follow-up visits.
In-person follow-ups recommended at 3, 6, 12 months. Telemedicine available.
Patients are initially monitored in ICU followed by recovery in the neurology wards.
A local stay is recommended for wound care and DBS device programming.
Travel is permitted after medical clearance.
Symptom improvement progresses gradually as device programming is optimised over follow-ups.
Comprehensive telemedicine follow-up program. Return visits at 6, 12 months if possible.
Deep Brain Stimulation recipients require lifelong immunosuppressant medications. Ensure you have a plan for obtaining these medications and regular blood monitoring in your home country before traveling abroad for surgery.
Every medical procedure carries risks. We believe in complete transparency so you can make a fully informed decision about your Deep Brain Stimulation journey.
Risk of bleeding or infection at the surgical site or around the implanted DBS device.
Patients may experience mild pain, swelling, or discomfort near the scalp or chest implant location.
Healing may take longer in elderly patients or those with underlying health conditions.
Rare complications include device malfunction, lead displacement, or neurological complications.
Patients may still require medications, although doses are often reduced after successful DBS therapy.
The right choice depends on your specific situation. Here's a clear guide to help you decide which destination aligns with your needs.
Patients diagnosed with neurological movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, or dystonia who have not responded adequately to medication therapy and may benefit from advanced neuromodulation treatment using DBS.
Patients with movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, or dystonia who have not responded well to medication and are candidates for advanced neuromodulation therapy with DBS.
Our medical tourism experts can analyze your case and recommend the best destination based on your medical history and budget.
Follow this step-by-step framework to make the right choice for your Deep Brain Stimulation journey.
Consult a neurologist and functional neurosurgeon to determine eligibility for DBS and establish the appropriate treatment plan.
Treatment costs vary depending on the DBS device type, hospital category, and surgical complexity.
Patients should plan for hospital stay, recovery period, and device programming sessions after surgery.
Provide neurological assessments, MRI scans, medication history, and previous treatment records for accurate evaluation.
Regular follow-ups and DBS programming sessions are required to maintain optimal symptom control and device performance.
Let our medical tourism experts guide you through the process. We'll help you:
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Spine & Neurosurgeon
25 Years of Experience
Dr. Rakesh Dua has more than 25+ years of clinical experience in spine surgeries. He is currently providing his services as Director, Neuro & Spine Surgery at Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh. Before joining Fortis Hospital, he was associated with Max super-specialist Hospital, Shalimar Bagh as Director Neurosurgery & Head Neuro Spine, and with UCMS & GTB hospital as head of the neurosurgery department. View More