Assessment & continuing care

If you already have MRI, CT or other imaging, you can bring your scans and reports for specialist review. Second opinions may be given on a diagnosis, on whether surgery is needed, or on a treatment that has already been proposed.

Where further imaging is needed, it can be arranged as part of the assessment. Scans are done at the appropriate hospital or imaging centre, not in the consultation room. Dr Chou explains what the scans show, what the options are, including observation where appropriate, and the likely benefits and risks of each.

Neurosurgery specialist consultations with Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon Dr Chou Ning are available at Continuum 24/7 Clinic Sengkang every Saturday from 2pm to 6pm, by appointment. Dr Chou has over 25 years' experience in adult and paediatric brain and spine care. Common conditions seen include:

Some brain and spine conditions are treated by a team of specialists working together. Tumours, vascular malformations and some cranial nerve conditions may be discussed by a multidisciplinary group, sometimes called a tumour board, which can include neurosurgeons, oncologists, radiation specialists, neuroradiologists, neurologists and pathologists.

Stereotactic radiosurgery delivers precisely focused radiation to a small target in the brain or spine, without an incision. It may be considered for selected tumours, metastases, vascular malformations and trigeminal neuralgia. Radiosurgery is arranged with partner specialists and centres; Dr Chou coordinates the referral and your overall plan.

Recovery after brain or spine surgery, or after a serious neurological illness, continues long after leaving hospital. Follow-up visits check wound healing, symptoms and neurological function, and review any scans needed after treatment.

Some conditions, such as certain tumours, aneurysms, hydrocephalus and degenerative spine disease, also need longer-term monitoring with periodic imaging. Where rehabilitation is needed, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy are arranged with partner therapists and centres.

Virtual specialist consultations may be arranged where clinically appropriate. They can be useful for an initial discussion of an existing diagnosis, review of imaging or medical records, second-opinion enquiries, and follow-up where a physical examination is not essential.

For patients travelling from overseas, the clinic can help coordinate appointments, scans and, where needed, hospital admission in Singapore. An in-person examination or further investigations may still be needed before a definitive diagnosis or treatment.