Quick answer. Neurosurgeons perform surgery on the brain, spine and nervous system — treating brain tumours, aneurysms and stroke-related bleeding, spinal disc and nerve problems, head injuries and conditions such as trigeminal neuralgia. Many sub-specialise. The Singapore neurosurgeons below are grouped by focus; most patients are referred by a neurologist, GP or emergency team.
Neurosurgery treats surgical conditions of the brain, spine and peripheral nerves. It includes brain and pituitary tumours, cerebrovascular problems (aneurysms, haemorrhage), spine surgery for disc prolapse and nerve compression, functional neurosurgery for movement disorders and pain, paediatric neurosurgery, and trauma. The directory below groups Singapore neurosurgeons by their main area of focus.
How we compiled this directory
This is an editorial directory, not a ranking or endorsement. We list Neurosurgeons practising in Singapore, grouped by area of focus, compiled from public hospital and clinic listings. Always verify a doctor’s current registration on the Singapore Medical Council (SMC) register, and choose based on your needs, your GP’s referral and your insurance.
Brain tumour & skull-base surgery
- Adj Asst Prof Swati Jain — Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery (Brain tumours (awake craniotomy) / pituitary / skull base / )
- Assoc Prof Ang Beng Ti Christopher — Department of Neurosurgery (skull base and pituitary surgery)
- Asst Prof Sharon Low Yin Yee — Department of Neurosurgery (Paediatric neurosurgery / neuro-oncology)
- Clin Assoc Prof David Low Chyi Yeu — Department of Neurosurgery (Paediatric neurosurgery / neuro-oncology / epilepsy surgery )
- Clin Assoc Prof Kirollos Ramez Wadie — Department of Neurosurgery (cerebrovascular and skull base surgery)
- Clin Asst Prof Jai Prashanth Rao — Department of Neurosurgery (endoscopic pituitary and skull base surgery)
- Clin Asst Prof Peter Hwang Ying Khai — Department of Neurosurgery (skull base surgery)
- Dr Adriel Leong Zhijie — Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery (Spine / neurovascular / skull base & pituitary / neuro-oncol)
- Dr Arjun Bolem — Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery (Skull base / neurovascular / spine surgery)
- Dr Foo Song Chuan Aaron — Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery (Gamma Knife radiosurgery / paediatric neurosurgery / skull b)
- Dr Justin Ker Rui Xin — Department of Neurosurgery (General neurosurgery / neuro-oncology / spine surgery)
- Dr Tan Chin Lik — Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery (Skull base & pituitary / neurovascular / spine surgery)
- Dr Thomas Tan Choo Heng — Department of Neurosurgery (General neurosurgery / skull base surgery / spine surgery)
Cerebrovascular & endovascular (aneurysm, stroke)
- Asst Prof Nicole Keong Chwee Har — Department of Neurosurgery (cerebrovascular surgery / hydrocephalus)
- Clin Asst Prof Julian Han Xinguang — Department of Neurosurgery (cerebrovascular surgery)
Spine & spinal neurosurgery
- Clin Asst Prof Lester Lee Chee Hoe — Department of Neurosurgery (spine surgery)
- Clin Asst Prof Ling Ji Min — Department of Neurosurgery (spine surgery)
- Dr David Mak Siu Kei — Department of Neurosurgery (Spine surgery)
- Dr Nishal Primalani — Department of Neurosurgery (General neurosurgery / spine surgery)
Functional & pain neurosurgery
- Prof Ng Wai Hoe — Department of Neurosurgery (functional neurosurgery / epilepsy surgery)
General & trauma neurosurgery
- Clin Assoc Prof Seow Wan Tew — Department of Neurosurgery (paediatric neurosurgery)
What a neurosurgeon treats, and when to see one
A neurosurgeon treats brain and spinal tumours, aneurysms and bleeding in the brain, severe or persistent spinal disc and nerve problems (such as sciatica or cord compression not settling with conservative care), head and spinal injuries, hydrocephalus, and conditions like trigeminal neuralgia. You are usually referred after imaging by a neurologist, GP, orthopaedic or emergency team when surgery is being considered.
What to look for when choosing a neurosurgeon in Singapore
Match the neurosurgeon’s sub-specialty to your problem — a brain-tumour or vascular specialist for those conditions, or a spine-focused surgeon for disc and nerve compression. Ask about experience with your specific operation, minimally-invasive options, the hospital’s neuro-team and intensive-care support, and get a second opinion for major elective surgery. Consider cost and insurance.
Public versus private care
Public (restructured) hospitals and private clinics both have experienced Neurosurgeons. Public care is more subsidised and often the route for complex, multidisciplinary cases; private care offers more choice of doctor and shorter waits, at higher cost. Many specialists listed here work in, or trained at, the public institutions. Your GP can refer you either way.
Costs and financing
Neurosurgery is major surgery; public-hospital care is subsidised and means-tested, with MediSave and MediShield Life/Integrated Shield plans applying to eligible surgery and inpatient stays. Private surgery costs considerably more with more choice and shorter waits. Get an itemised estimate and insurance pre-authorisation for planned surgery, and confirm current fees with the clinic.
Common questions
What's the difference between a neurologist and a neurosurgeon?
Neurologists diagnose and medically treat conditions of the brain and nervous system (such as stroke, epilepsy and headaches) without surgery; neurosurgeons operate on the brain, spine and nerves. They often work together, and you may see a neurologist first.
When is neurosurgery needed for back or neck problems?
Most spine problems settle with conservative care. Surgery is considered for severe or progressive nerve compression — for example significant weakness, cord compression, or sciatica not improving with time, physiotherapy and other measures. A neurosurgeon or spine surgeon assesses this after imaging.
Do I need a referral to see a neurosurgeon?
Usually yes — you are typically referred after imaging by a neurologist, GP, orthopaedic surgeon or emergency team once surgery is being considered. For major elective surgery, a second opinion is reasonable.
Are brain and spine operations done minimally invasively?
Many are. Techniques such as keyhole, endoscopic and image-guided surgery are used in suitable cases for both brain and spine, which can reduce tissue disruption and recovery time. Your surgeon will advise what is appropriate.
How much does neurosurgery cost in Singapore?
It varies widely with the procedure and setting. Public-hospital care is subsidised and means-tested, with MediSave and Shield plans applying to eligible surgery; private surgery costs more. Get an itemised estimate and check insurance pre-authorisation before planned surgery.
Related
This directory is general information, not medical advice or a recommendation of any individual. Details can change — verify registration on the SMC register and confirm specifics with the clinic. See our editorial policy.
Related sub-specialty directory
Looking for a more specific focus? See our Best spine surgeons in Singapore — spinal surgery, from both neurosurgical and orthopaedic spine specialists.
Listed here, or want to be? If you are a doctor or clinic featured on this page and would like your entry corrected, updated or removed — or you would like to be added or featured — please reach out to us or use our contact form.