Private neurosurgeon Sydney
Choosing a private neurosurgeon in Sydney
“Seeing a neurosurgeon can feel like a big moment. You may have been referred after a scan, told you have a brain or spine condition, or you may simply be trying to understand whether private neurosurgical care is the right next step.”
Dr Shanu Gambhir
Neurosurgeon Sydney
As a private neurosurgeon in Sydney, I see patients with brain, spine and nerve conditions, including people who are worried about possible surgery, looking for a second opinion, or wanting to understand their options properly.
Private neurosurgeon Sydney
Choosing a neurosurgeon in Sydney
When you are choosing a neurosurgeon, it is worth looking beyond the title alone. Different surgeons may have different areas of focus, so it helps to find someone whose experience matches your condition.
For some patients, that may mean seeing a brain surgeon for a tumour, pituitary problem, trigeminal neuralgia or bleeding around the brain. For others, it may mean seeing a spine surgeon for sciatica, neck pain, back pain, nerve compression, disc herniation or spinal stenosis.
It is also important to feel comfortable with how things are explained. You should leave your appointment with a clearer understanding of your diagnosis, your options, the risks, and whether surgery is actually needed.
Private vs public neurosurgery in Sydney
Patients often ask me whether they should choose the public or private system for neurosurgery in Sydney. The right pathway depends on a few things, including your condition, how urgent it is, your personal preferences and your individual circumstances.
Public vs private brain and spine surgery in Sydney
Public neurosurgery plays a vital role, especially for urgent and emergency care. Private neurosurgery may offer more choice around your specialist, hospital, appointment timing and treatment pathway. Waiting times can differ, but this depends on the condition and the type of care required.
Private neurosurgery costs in Sydney
Costs can also vary. They may depend on your diagnosis, the hospital, your private health insurance and whether neurosurgery is needed. These details are usually discussed after your assessment, once there is a clearer idea of what treatment may involve.
When neurosurgery symptoms need urgent care
If you have sudden weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, a severe sudden headache, seizures, or sudden changes in speech or vision, you should seek urgent medical care rather than waiting for a routine appointment.
Brain and spine conditions treated
As a private neurosurgeon and spine surgeon, I assess and treat a range of brain, spine and nerve conditions. These may include sciatica, neck and back pain, nerve pain, brain tumours, spinal tumours, degenerative spinal conditions, spinal trauma, brain trauma and other complex neurosurgical problems.
Sometimes patients come to me after months or years of pain. Others come soon after a scan has shown something concerning. Either way, my approach is to take the time to understand the full picture before recommending any treatment.
Minimally invasive and endoscopic spine surgery in Sydney
A major part of my Sydney neurosurgery practice is minimally invasive and endoscopic spine surgery. These techniques aim to treat the problem with smaller incisions and less disruption to surrounding tissue where appropriate.
Endoscopic spine surgery can be used for selected cases of disc herniation, sciatica, spinal stenosis and nerve compression. It is not suitable for every patient or every condition, which is why careful assessment matters.
My goal is always to choose the least invasive option that can safely and effectively treat the problem. Sometimes that means surgery. Sometimes it means trying or continuing non-surgical treatment first.
What to expect at your first neurosurgery appointment?
Your first appointment is about understanding what is happening and what your options are.
I will usually review your symptoms, scans and reports, and perform a neurological examination if needed. We will talk through what your imaging shows, how it relates to your symptoms, and whether non-surgical or surgical options are most appropriate.
If surgery is being considered, I will explain the reason for it, the risks, the expected recovery and what the next steps would look like. My aim is for you to feel informed and supported, not rushed.
Neurosurgery consulting locations in Sydney
I consult from Wahroonga and Bella Vista, making private neurosurgery appointments accessible for patients across different parts of Sydney.
My Wahroonga clinic is located at Parkway San Clinic, near Sydney Adventist Hospital. My Bella Vista clinic is located at The Bond, close to Norwest Private Hospital and the Norwest medical precinct.
Do I need a referral to see a private neurosurgeon?
In most cases, a referral from your GP is recommended. It helps provide important background and may also be needed for Medicare purposes.
Does seeing a neurosurgeon mean I need surgery?
No. Many patients who see a neurosurgeon do not need surgery. The first step is understanding the diagnosis and discussing all suitable options.
Can a neurosurgeon help with sciatica?
Yes. Sciatica is often caused by nerve compression in the lower spine. A neurosurgeon can assess the cause and discuss whether non-surgical care, injections or surgery may be suitable.
Private Neurosurgery Sydney
Why I became a spine neurosurgeon
I became a neurosurgeon because of experiences that stayed with me from a young age. When my mum dislocated her shoulder, I saw how much pain could take over someone’s life, and I remember feeling helpless. That moment pushed me towards medicine. Later, as I trained, I was drawn to neurosurgery because of the chance to help people facing serious brain, spine and nerve conditions, where the right care can make a meaningful difference.
Meet Dr Shanu Gambhir
I am an Australian-trained neurosurgeon and spine surgeon, and a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. My training has taken me through major hospitals in Australia and New Zealand, including Royal North Shore Hospital, St George Hospital, St Vincent’s Hospital, Westmead Public Hospital and Christchurch Hospital.
My focus today is on helping patients with complex brain, spine and nerve conditions, with a particular interest in minimally invasive and endoscopic spine surgery.
