Neurosurgery in Ireland
Neurosurgery treats the brain, spine and nerves, from brain tumour and shunt surgery to spinal decompression, disc surgery, carpal tunnel release and peripheral nerve repair. Complex brain surgery happens in national neurosurgical centres, while common nerve and spinal procedures are more widely available.
Neurosurgery procedures we cover
Every guide includes public waiting times, private costs in Ireland, and the EU Cross-Border option reimbursed by the HSE.
Brain Surgery (Craniotomy)
A craniotomy is an operation where part of the skull is temporarily removed to allow the surgeon to treat the brain. It's…
Carpal Tunnel Release
Carpal tunnel release relieves pressure on the median nerve in the wrist, which causes numbness, tingling and weakness in the hand. It's…
Peripheral Nerve Surgery
Peripheral nerve surgery treats nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, relieving compression, repairing injured nerves and removing nerve tumours. Common operations…
Spinal Decompression & Disc Surgery
Spinal decompression relieves pressure on nerves or the spinal cord caused by a slipped disc or narrowing of the spinal canal. Microdiscectomy…
Ventricular Shunt Procedures
A ventricular shunt drains excess fluid from the brain to relieve hydrocephalus. A thin tube carries fluid from the brain to the…
Have your surgery in weeks, not years
Under the EU Cross-Border Healthcare Directive, you can be treated in an accredited EU/EEA hospital and claim the cost back from the HSE — with a GP or consultant referral.
Check whether you qualify and what you'd get back.
*Reimbursement is capped at the cost of the same treatment in the Irish public health system. Travel, accommodation and any balance above the HSE rate are not covered. Pre-authorisation applies to treatment involving an overnight hospital stay.
How neurosurgery is organised in Ireland
Adult brain and complex spinal surgery in Ireland is concentrated in national neurosurgical centres in Dublin and Cork. Urgent conditions, such as brain bleeds, tumours causing pressure or spinal cord compression, are treated as emergencies or priorities.
Planned procedures for conditions such as sciatica, spinal stenosis and nerve compression may involve a wait. While some of these settle with time and physiotherapy, persistent nerve compression can lead to lasting weakness or numbness.
Your options
You can be treated publicly through referral to a neurosurgeon, orthopaedic spinal surgeon or hand surgeon, privately in Ireland, or in another EU country under the Cross-Border Healthcare Directive, claiming back up to the Irish public cost. Carpal tunnel release and some nerve procedures are day cases; spinal and brain surgery involve an overnight stay and need prior authorisation.
Red flag symptoms need emergency care: new weakness in the legs, numbness around the saddle area, or loss of bladder or bowel control with back pain may indicate cauda equina syndrome.
Questions about neurosurgery
Who performs spinal surgery in Ireland?
Both neurosurgeons and orthopaedic spinal surgeons perform spinal surgery, depending on the hospital and the condition.
What are red flag symptoms with back pain?
Numbness around the genitals or back passage, new difficulty passing urine or controlling your bowels, or worsening leg weakness. These need emergency assessment.
Can I have neurosurgery abroad?
Yes, provided it is a treatment the HSE would provide in Ireland, you have a referral, and it is carried out in a public or private healthcare provider in another EU/EEA country. You pay upfront and claim back up to the Irish public cost. Travel and accommodation are not covered. Inpatient procedures need prior authorisation.
Is carpal tunnel release a neurosurgical operation?
It's a nerve decompression and may be done by plastic, orthopaedic, hand or neurosurgeons. It's usually a quick day case under local anaesthetic.
Do I need a referral?
Yes. You need a GP referral, and a referral is required for cross-border reimbursement.