Dr. Mazda Turel

Presently Working As:

Dr. Mazda Turel is a distinguished neurosurgeon practicing at the prestigious Wockhardt Hospitals in South Mumbai, India. As a leading figure in the field, Dr. Turel's work at Wockhardt Hospitals places him at the forefront of neurosurgical advancements in India.

Dr. Turel's Fellowships -

• Departments of Neurosurgery at the Hiroshima Medical University, Osaka Medical University, and the Shinshu Medical University (Matsumoto) in Japan
• Observership at various Departments of Neurosurgery in the USA -University of St. Louis, University of Miami, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona
• Fellowship in Cerebrovascular surgery at Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
• Fellowship in Complex & Minimally invasive Spine Surgery, Rush University Medical Centre, Chicago, USA
• Fellowship in Neuro-oncology and Skull base Surgery, Toronto Western Hospital, ON, Canada

Areas of Expertise (Brain and Spine) -

• Brain Tumors
• Cerebrovascular Surgery
• Epilepsy Surgery
• Head Injury
• Stroke Surgery
• Craniofacial Pain Surgery
• Endoscopic Surgery
• Craniovertebral Junction Surgery
• Lumbar and Cervical Spine Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
• Neck and Back Pain Treatment
• Spinal Tumors
• Spinal Trauma
• Spinal Infections

Frequently Asked Questions

Dr. Mazda Turel answers frequently asked questions from patients, providing expert insights to increase awareness about brain and spine surgery, as well as the latest advancements in neurosurgical care in India.

1. What are the most common brain and spine conditions that require neurosurgery?

   Neurosurgery is often required for conditions affecting the brain and spine that do not respond to conservative treatments. Some of the most common conditions include:

   • Brain Tumors - Both benign and malignant tumors -.
   • Aneurysms and Vascular Abnormalities - Conditions like arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and aneurysms that can lead to strokes or bleeding.
   • Spinal Disorders - Herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and degenerative spine diseases that cause chronic pain or neurological deficits.
   • Traumatic Brain and Spinal Injuries - Cases involving fractures, hematomas, or nerve compression.
   • Epilepsy and Movement Disorders - Surgery can be an option for drug-resistant epilepsy and Parkinson's disease.
2. How do I know if I need brain or spine surgery, and what are the non-surgical alternatives?

   Surgery is typically considered when:

   • Symptoms significantly affect daily life.
   • Conservative treatments (medications, physical therapy, lifestyle changes) fail.
   • There is a risk of disease progression or neurological damage.

   Non-surgical alternatives may include:

   • Medication for pain management, Epilepsy, or Parkinson's disease.
   • Physical therapy to improve mobility and reduce pain.
   • Minimally invasive procedures such as nerve blocks or injections.
   • Radiotherapy for some brain tumors instead of surgery.

   A thorough evaluation with MRI, CT scans, or other diagnostic tests helps determine the best treatment approach.

3. What advancements in neurosurgery have improved patient outcomes in recent years?

   Neurosurgery has seen significant advancements, improving safety and recovery, including:

   • Minimally Invasive Surgery - Reduces trauma, speeds up recovery, and lowers complications.
   • Neuro-navigation & Robotics - Enhances precision in brain and spine surgeries.
   • Awake Brain Surgery - Allows surgeons to monitor brain functions in real time during tumor removal.
   • Endoscopic & Keyhole Surgery - Provides access to deep-seated tumors with minimal disruption.
   • Artificial Disc Replacements & Spine Implants - Improves outcomes for spinal surgery.
   • 3D Printing & Personalized Implants - Customized implants for better post-surgical recovery.
4. What are the risks and recovery expectations for brain tumor surgery?

   The risks associated with brain tumor surgery depend on the tumor's location, size, and type, but they may include bleeding, infection, swelling, or temporary to permanent neurological changes affecting speech, movement, or memory.

   In some cases, patients may experience seizures or cognitive difficulties. Recovery varies, with a typical hospital stay of 3 to 7 days, initial recovery taking around 4 to 6 weeks, and complete rehabilitation lasting between 3 to 6 months.

   Depending on the impact of the surgery, physiotherapy and speech therapy may be necessary to aid in regaining motor and cognitive functions, ensuring a smoother recovery process.

5. Is awake brain surgery safe, and when is it recommended?

   Awake brain surgery is a well-established and safe procedure, commonly recommended for cases where precision is crucial, such as brain tumors located near areas that control speech, movement, or vision. It is also used for epilepsy surgery to remove seizure-causing brain tissue and for deep brain stimulation in Parkinson's disease.

   By keeping the patient awake and responsive during the procedure, surgeons can carefully monitor brain functions in real time, ensuring minimal risk to essential cognitive and motor abilities while effectively treating the affected area.

6. How can brain surgery affect memory, speech, or motor skills, and can these functions be restored?

   The impact of brain surgery on speech, memory, and motor skills depends on the location of the procedure. If the left temporal or frontal lobe is affected, patients may experience temporary or permanent difficulties with speech and memory.

   Similarly, surgeries involving the motor cortex can lead to weakness or coordination issues. However, recovery is often possible through neurorehabilitation, including speech therapy and physiotherapy, along with cognitive exercises to restore memory and problem-solving abilities.

   While the extent of recovery varies for each individual, gradual improvement is typically seen over weeks to months with proper rehabilitation and care.

7. When should someone consider spine surgery for back pain or disc problems?

   Spine surgery is recommended when:

   • Chronic pain persists despite conservative treatments for 6+ weeks.
   • There is nerve compression, causing weakness, numbness, or loss of bowel/bladder control.
   • The patient has a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or degenerative disc disease affecting mobility.

   Surgery may include discectomy, laminectomy, spinal fusion, or artificial disc replacement, depending on the condition.

8. What are the benefits of minimally invasive spine surgery compared to traditional open surgery?

   Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) offers:

   • Smaller incisions - Less tissue damage.
   • Reduced blood loss & infection risk - Faster healing.
   • Shorter hospital stay - Discharge in 1-3 days.
   • Quicker recovery - Return to normal activities in 4-6 weeks (vs. months in traditional surgery).

   It is effective for conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and fractures while minimizing surgical trauma.

9. How long does it take to recover from neurosurgery, and what lifestyle changes are necessary?

   Recovery from neurosurgery varies depending on the procedure and its complexity. For brain surgery, patients typically stay in the hospital for 3 to 7 days, with full recovery taking anywhere from 3 to 6 months.

   In the case of spine surgery, the hospital stay is usually shorter, ranging from 1 to 5 days, with a return to daily activities within 4 to 6 weeks and complete healing in 3 to 6 months. To support recovery, patients are advised to undergo physical therapy to restore strength and mobility, engage in cognitive exercises to improve memory and concentration after brain surgery, and avoid heavy lifting for at least three months following spine procedures.

   Maintaining a balanced diet, attending regular follow-up appointments, and adhering to post-operative care instructions are essential for a smooth recovery and long-term well-being.

10. What steps can patients take to improve their recovery and long-term neurological health after surgery?

    To ensure a smooth recovery and prevent future complications, patients should:

    • Follow post-op care instructions - Take prescribed medications and attend follow-ups.
    • Engage in physiotherapy - Strengthen muscles and improve mobility.
    • Maintain a healthy weight - Reduces strain on the spine.
    • Stay mentally active - Brain exercises improve cognitive function.
    • Avoid smoking & excessive alcohol - These slow down healing.
    • Manage stress & get adequate sleep - Essential for neurological recovery.

    A well-planned rehabilitation program helps patients regain independence and quality of life post-surgery.