Neurological disorders are the top cause of disability globally, according to a recent report by the World Health Organisation (WHO). A research publication in The Lancet Neurology shows that, in 2021, over 3 billion people globally were living with a neurological condition.
The most common neurological disorders are strokes, migraines, dementia, meningitis and epilepsy. While the WHO is especially concerned about inadequate treatment in many underdeveloped countries, developed nations are fortunate to have access to top neurologists who specialize in treating these complex conditions.
Neurologists focus on disorders affecting the central nervous system, that is the brain and spinal cord, and by extension the peripheral nervous system composed of nerves and muscles. There are more than 5000 neurological diseases. Some of the more well-known are Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, motor neuron disease, myasthenia gravis and brain tumours.
A Neurosurgeon performs surgeries on areas such as the spinal cord and peripheral nerves, including removing tumours, fixing prolapsed discs, and dealing with aneurysms. They may also implant electrodes in the brain to provide deep brain stimulation (DBS), reducing tremors caused by Parkinson’s disease. Cerebro-spinal problems in babies such as hydrocephalus and spina bifida can also be treated.
The US current affairs publication Newsweek has published a list in 2024 of what it considers the best neurology hospitals worldwide with the finest doctors and facilities. We’ve highlighted the top 10 leading Neurological centers here:
1. NYU Langone Hospitals, New York, United States
NYU Langone Hospitals are world leaders in treating conditions affecting the brain and nervous system. With a team of over 260 faculty members, they care for more than 100,000 patients annually. The clinic specializes in complex and rare conditions, including migraines, autonomic disorders, trigeminal neuralgia, atypical facial pain, myasthenia gravis, and neurofibromatosis.
According to the latest U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Hospitals” rankings, NYU Langone is ranked as the No. 1 hospital in the country for neurology and neurosurgery.
2. University of Tokyo Hospital, Japan
The University of Tokyo Hospital is ranked as the number one hospital for neurology in the Asia Pacific region according to Newsweek’s 2024 rankings.
The University of Tokyo Hospital’s Neurology Department is a leading center for neurological care and research, specializing in cerebrovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and epilepsy. Established in 1964, the department excels in integrating genomic technologies and clinical practice, providing advanced treatments for conditions like Parkinson’s and multiple system atrophy.
3. National Hospital For Neurology and Neurosurgery (NHNN), London, UK
The NHNN is the UK’s largest dedicated neurological and neurosurgical hospital and is part of the University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH). The hospital and its neighbour, the Institute of Neurology, together form a major international centre for research and training in neurology.
4. Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
Charité incorporates CharitéCentre 15, the leading centre for Neurology, Neurosurgery, Psychiatry and Pediatric Neurosurgery in Germany. From 2004 to 2006, the centre attracted more than 23.5 million Euros of funding, paying for 130 staff members to undertake research projects.
The Hospital plays the lead role in forming the NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence in Berlin. This undertakes pioneering research in the field with doctors and scientists from other disciplines. The breadth of neurological research and care delivery at Charité is unparalleled throughout Germany.
5. UCSF Health-UCSF Medical Center, San Francisco, United States
UCSF is the best hospital in California and is ranked No. 2 in the United States for neurology and neurosurgery, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 annual ranking.
Neurologists and neurosurgeons at UCSF are equipped to treat all neurologic disorders, from routine concerns to the most complex conditions. They have the largest brain tumor program in the country and the largest stroke and cerebrovascular program in the state.
6. Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
A central part of the University of Milan since 2017, the Institute is a leading centre for rare neurological diseases. There are 180 neurology hospital beds, more than 5,500 annual admissions, and 100,000 outpatient appointments every year.
7. Cleveland Clinic, Ohio, United States
Cleveland Clinic is ranked as one of the nation’s best neurology hospitals by US News & World Report. The Clinic’s Neurological Institute has more than 300 medical, surgical and research specialists to deal with adults and children with neurological and psychiatric disorders. Neurological experts are accessible worldwide at the Clinic’s international campuses in Cleveland Clinic London and Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.
8. Asan Medical Centre, Seoul, South Korea
The Asan Centre has a dedicated Stroke Centre and specialist clinics covering abnormal movement disorders, Parkinson’s, sleep disorders and even Botox. It has been chosen as the most respected hospital in Korea for 14 consecutive years by the Korean Management Association Consulting (KMAC) (2007 to 2019). It is also ranked as the second best Neurological hospital in the Asia Pacific Region by Newsweek.
9. The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, United States
The Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery at John Hopkins are more than 130 years old, and were part of the original hospital. Neurology surgeons perform more than 40,000 operations annually and treat 30,000 outpatients.
The hospital pioneered the first dedicated neurological critical care unit (NCCU) in the country.
10. Juntendo University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
The hospital, split across several campuses, provides 3,200 neurology beds, while the main hospital deals with around 1000 inpatients a year. Another 600 patients are admitted directly via the emergency department.
JUH was the first Japanese medical facility to be awarded accreditation by the Joint Commission International, an American not-for-profit organisation that ranks safety and quality care standards.
Ongoing research in the field of neurology is becoming more crucial as the age profile of countries changes.
The prevalence of major disabling neurological disorders steeply increases with age, so as populations age, governments will face an increasing demand for treatment, rehabilitation, and support services for neurological disorders.
Five years ago, neurological diseases cost the US government around $800 billion annually. It is estimated that one in three people in the European Union will suffer from a neurological or psychiatric disorder at some point in their lives. These figures are set to increase as more of us live longer, potentially falling victim to age-related conditions such as Alzheimer’s and dementia.
