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The 5 best neurosurgeons in Canberra for brain and spine care

Experience and qualifications: I only considered neurosurgeons with recognised training and fellowships under the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS).

Range of services: I looked at how broad their expertise is, some specialise in spinal procedures, while others cover brain, nerve, and pain management conditions.

Patient feedback: I paid attention to whether patients praised their communication skills, surgical results, or bedside manner.

Accessibility and support: I noted whether clinics were well-located, had clear contact channels, and whether they offered support services like rehabilitation or collaborative care with allied health providers.

Transparency and information: I chose clinics with clear, accessible information on their websites about treatments, expectations, and care.

When it comes to brain and spine health, I’ve realised that choosing the right neurosurgeon isn’t just another appointment, it’s often a decision that can completely change someone’s life.

In Canberra, I came across a number of highly respected specialists who offer a mix of experience, compassion, and cutting-edge techniques.

So if you’ve been wondering where to turn for expert care, here are the best neurosurgeons in Canberra based on thorough research and patient experiences.

How much does a neurosurgeon consult cost in Canberra?

Seeing a neurosurgeon in Canberra generally costs between $250 and $400 for an initial consultation, while follow-up appointments usually range from $150 to $250. Surgical procedures can cost several thousand dollars depending on complexity, but Medicare and private health insurance often cover a significant portion of the fees.

1. Capital Neurosurgery

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Address: Suite 15 Level 5 National Capital Private Hospital Cnr Gilmore Crescent and Hospital Road GARRAN ACT 2605

Phone: 02 6260 4680     

Business hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Website 

When I looked into Capital Neurosurgery, what impressed me most was the combined expertise of Dr Justin Pik and Dr Michael Ow-Yang, both of whom trained extensively in Australia and overseas.

They manage a wide range of conditions, from complex spinal surgeries to brain tumour procedures. I also noticed their emphasis on using minimally invasive techniques, which can provide patients with shorter recovery times and less post-surgical discomfort.

The fact that they’re based within the National Capital Private Hospital also adds an extra level of reassurance because patients have access to top-tier hospital facilities.

On the downside, several reviews online mention that wait times can be quite long, especially for new patients, and appointments are only available during standard weekday hours.

Pros

  • Highly experienced surgeons
  • Modern facilities
  • Comprehensive range of services

Cons

  • Limited to weekday hours
  • Long wait times

Extremely professional

“Dr Ow Yang was extremely professional and advised me every step of the way. He is conservative in his approach and discussed the different options for my situation, which is more complex than I anticipated. The operation was succesful and I can now walk more than 10 minutes. Recovery was hard but I was able to contact his staff if I needed anything. His staff were friendly and helpful and nothing was every a problem. I believe his skills and experience contributed to the success of my surgery. I am really happy I chose him as my surgeon.” 

– Liz Beasley, Google Review 

Highly recommended

“Dr Pik accurately and quickly diagnosed my issue and I was able to have surgery within 2 weeks of seeing him. The surgery was very successful, all nerve pain ceased immediately, and the aftercare was excellent. I was given clear instructions on post-surgery recovery and had the support of Dr Pik’s wonderful team all throughout the journey. I highly recommend Dr Pik and his team.” 

– Tina Hunt, Google Review

2. Dr John Fuller

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Address: Suite 16, Level 5 National Capital Private Hospital Corner Gilmore Crescent and Hospital Road Garran

Phone: 02 6222 6666

Business hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Website 

Researching Dr John Fuller, I was struck by how consistently patients describe him as approachable and thorough. With decades of experience in Canberra, his practice has earned a strong reputation, especially for spinal surgeries such as lumbar procedures.

I noticed that a lot of feedback highlights the time he takes to explain conditions and surgical options clearly, which can make a big difference when someone is already feeling anxious about their health.

This kind of communication is often overlooked in highly technical fields, but it seems to be one of his greatest strengths. At the same time, being a solo practitioner does mean there are some drawbacks.

Appointments can be limited, and you won’t have the option for extended hours if something urgent comes up. 

Pros

  • Long-standing reputation
  • Clear patient communication
  • Trusted for spine surgery

Cons

  • Limited appointment availability
  • No extended hours

Trusted doctor

“This guy saved me from a life of paralysis in 2003; I am forever grateful. It looks like I will have to go and see him again all these years later for another spinal issue, and there’s no one else I will trust to review my spine and make an educated decision on the way forward. I never got to say it, but thank you so much.” 

– Tracey Anderson, Google Review 

3. Canberra Neurology

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Address: National Capital Private Hospital Level 5, Suite 11B Corner Gilmore Crescent & Hospital Road Garran

Phone: (02) 5104 4606

Business hours: Monday, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Website 

Even though Canberra Neurology is not purely a neurosurgery practice, I still think it’s worth highlighting because of the way they collaborate with surgeons for more complex conditions.

Their team primarily manages neurological disorders like epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and migraine, but they have strong referral pathways to neurosurgeons when needed. 

I really appreciated their website’s FAQ section, which offers practical advice and helps patients feel prepared before coming in. This kind of accessibility shows that the clinic cares about making the experience less daunting.

Patients online often praise the professionalism of the doctors, describing them as attentive and detail-oriented. 

The main downside I found is this isn’t a surgical centre in itself, you’ll usually need a referral, and sometimes there’s a wait before you can see the right specialist.

Pros

  • Strong neurological expertise
  • Collaborative links to neurosurgeons

Cons

  • Not a purely surgical clinic
  • Referrals often required

Very responsive

“Dr Tina Ahluwalia knows her field extensively and is very compassionate and thorough. Dr Tina is also very responsive to questions that you may not have thought of at the time of the appointment. Her support staff are also friendly and professional. Another plus is that you don’t have to wait months to get in to see her.” 

– Susan Wiscombe, Google Review 

Kind, caring, and compassionate

“Dr Tina is kind, caring & compassionate as well as extremely thorough. I cannot recommend her highly enough. She really has changed my life. I am virtually headache free after suffering for years.” 

– Cathy Reid, Google Review

4. ACT Neurology Centre

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Address: Units 3 & 4/1 Grazier La, Belconnen

Phone: 02 6223 6787

Business hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm

Website 

What drew me to ACT Neurology Centre was their clear focus on compassionate, evidence-based medicine. 

Their team manages a wide spectrum of conditions, from strokes to epilepsy and movement disorders, and they work in collaboration with neurosurgeons when surgical intervention is needed.

I liked how transparent they are about their philosophy—they put patient-centered care at the core of what they do, which is something I noticed patients consistently echoed in reviews.

People often comment on how approachable the doctors are, and that they take the time to provide clear explanations about conditions and treatment options. However, because the clinic is quite popular, it does seem that waiting periods can be lengthy.

Pros

  • Wide range of neurological services
  • Collaborative approach
  • Positive patient feedback

Cons

  • Limited after-hours support
  • Waiting periods for new patients

Couldn’t recommend more

“I’ve been seeing Dr Ronak Patel since 2019, and after trying absolutely everything for my chronic migraines, botox injections gave me my life back! Before the treatment, I had put my work on hold and deferred my study because of how severe the constant migraines were. It’s now been over five years of injections, and I rarely get migraines anymore. Dr Patel has guided me through some incredibly challenging medical moments with expertise, compassion, and unwavering support. He’s someone I trust completely and a valued part of my medical team. I couldn’t recommend him more highly for anyone dealing with neurological issues, and I genuinely recommend botox injections for anyone who suffers from migraines.” 

– Gemma Michie, Google Review 

Highly recommend

“I highly recommend Dr Ronak Patel. I have been under his treatment since 2016, after attending A&E with severe eye pain and facial paralysis. He was the 4th Neurologist to see me in hospital and the only one able to diagnose me with Idiopathic Intercranial Hypertension. Dr Patel is a highly dedicated and professional Neurologist. Without his help I could of ended up blind, and also suffering from migraines. He is still dedicated to my treatment and well-being, 9 years later. Thank you Ronak 🙏” 

– Danielle Lavender, Google Review

5. Canberra Region Neurology and Pain Centre

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Address: Units 2,3,4 Corinna Chambers, Ground Floor, 36-38 Corinna Street, Phillip, 

Phone: (02) 6253 0066

Business hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm

Website 

The Canberra Region Neurology and Pain Centre stood out as one of the more unique facilities, mainly because of its multi-disciplinary setup. 

Unlike some clinics that focus only on neurology or neurosurgery, this centre combines both with dedicated pain management services. That integration means patients dealing with chronic pain or complex neurological issues don’t need to visit multiple locations.

Reviews I read suggest that patients really appreciate the holistic nature of the treatments, particularly for conditions like spinal problems that require ongoing support. 

The downside, though, is that such a wide range of services can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially if you’re seeing multiple specialists in the same centre. Some also mentioned longer waiting times due to high demand.

Pros

  • Combines neurology, neurosurgery, and pain management
  • Holistic treatment approach
  • Central Canberra location

Cons

  • Complex setup 
  • High demand for services

Careful and thorough

“I was referred to Dr Yash due to some very scary neurological and psychological symptoms and was very worried I wouldn’t be taken seriously, but I was mistaken. Dr Yash is an amazing professional and true gentleman, he took my concerns seriously and screened me very carefully and thoroughly for many neurological issues, and put my mind at ease. He gave me further instructions on how to achieve wellness. I highly recommend Dr Yash and his team if you have unexplained and scary symptoms that may baffle a GP.” 

– Matticus Silverman, Google Review 

Super helpful

“I was worried my issues werent going to be taken seriously but Dr Yash and his team have made me feel very welcome and they were super helpful. Dr Yash listened and made me feel human. He has now started me on a treatment plan and I am looking forward to the future.” 

– Sam Garner, Google Review

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