Spinal Cord Stimulator
A spinal cord stimulator is an implanted device designed to treat chronic pain and spinal cord injury . The device provides a nonpharmacological approach to different pain conditions. Stimulators are used for the treatment of both ischemic and neuropathic pain. On this page, we will discuss spinal cord stimulator in detail, such as what is spinal cord stimulator, how to prepare for spinal cord stimulator implantation, what are the complications of spinal cord stimulator, what is the cost of spinal cord stimulator in India, which are the best hospitals for spinal cord stimulator in India, and who are the top spinal cord stimulator doctor in India.
What the price includes
- Lead spinal cord stimulator surgeon and specialized surgical team fees
- Operating theatre charges and consumable surgical packs
- Dedicated post-operative inpatient room stay
- Routine laboratory diagnostics, scans and pre-op clearance
- In-hospital clinical medications and recovery nursing
- Pre-departure follow-up consultation and fit-to-fly assessment
What it does not include
- International return flights and baggage
- Serviced accommodation and meals after discharge
- Attendant and patient Indian medical visa processing
- Management of incidental pre-existing conditions
- Long-term medication refills in home country
- Secondary home-country outpatient rehabilitation
What each hospital charges
Same clinical excellence across 5 accredited partner hospitals. Marlin charges no patient commission — figures are transparent official hospital estimates.
Max Super Speciality Hospital, Dwarka
Delhi NCR • 5 days in hospital • lands at Delhi / Nearest Hub
NABH & JCI accreditedAccredited Partner
$30,000
from
Accredited multi-speciality tertiary hospital featuring state-of-the-art diagnostic facilities and dedicated international patient care desk.
Nights in hospital4
Surgery techniqueMinimally Invasive
Senior specialist surgeonSenior Operating Faculty
Whole trip from Lagos
flights, hotel, visas
$31,810 – $33,430
Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Delhi
Delhi NCR • 5 days in hospital • lands at Delhi / Nearest Hub
NABH & JCI accreditedAccredited Partner
$30,000
from
Accredited multi-speciality tertiary hospital featuring state-of-the-art diagnostic facilities and dedicated international patient care desk.
Nights in hospital4
Surgery techniqueMinimally Invasive
Senior specialist surgeonSenior Operating Faculty
Whole trip from Lagos
flights, hotel, visas
$31,810 – $33,430
Estimate your whole trip, not just the surgery
Flights, hotel, food and visas for the full 20 days — so the number you budget for is what you actually spend.
Your estimated total
$31,810 – $33,430
- Surgery, hospital and care$30,000 fixed
- Return flights (1 passenger)$920
- Hotel & meals during recovery$810
- Indian medical visas$80
The upper figure allows for a longer stay. The implant and surgery are fixed. Marlin adds nothing to any of these numbers.
Surgeons who do this operation every week
Senior consultants at JCI/NABH accredited centres with decades of dedicated procedural volume.
Dr. Ashok Rajgopal
Senior Reconstructive Surgeon
Internationally recognized senior consultant with thousands of successful clinical procedures.
Dr. S.K.S Marya
Chairman of Department
Globally renowned medical faculty with extensive international patient advisory tenure.
Dr. Vinesh Mathur
Senior Specialist
Renowned expert with international fellowships and over 15,000 successful clinical procedures.
What the three weeks actually look like
From sending your first medical scans to your fit-to-fly clearance.
Before you fly
Reports and a surgeon’s opinion
Send your X-rays and medical history. Within 24–48 hours you get a named surgeon’s written opinion and a costed plan from each hospital you shortlist.
Day 1–2
Arrival and tests
Airport pickup, hotel check-in and hospital consultation. Blood work, ECG, anaesthesia clearance and a fitness review are completed the same or next day.
Day 3
Surgery
The operation takes 60–90 minutes per joint. You are moved to your private room the same day and stood up with support within 24 hours.
Day 4–7
Walking with physio
Twice-daily physiotherapy in the ward. Most patients walk with a frame by day two after surgery and manage stairs before discharge.
Day 8–21
Recovery and review
You stay near the hospital in a serviced hotel with outpatient physio, then a final review, stitch removal and fit-to-fly clearance before you travel home.
✓ Verified international patient
“I paid the hospital directly at the billing counter and the number matched the estimate Marlin sent me in Nairobi. Nobody asked me for a single extra shilling.”
Questions patients ask before they book
Essential details on payments, visa processing, language and post-operative flight permissions.
Spinal Cord Stimulator FAQ+
Q1: What is a spinal cord stimulator (SCS)?
A spinal cord stimulator is a medical device that is surgically implanted under the skin. It delivers mild electrical impulses to the spinal cord, helping to manage chronic pain.
Q2: Who is a candidate for spinal cord stimulation?
Candidates for spinal cord stimulation are individuals experiencing chronic pain that has not responded well to other treatments. Common conditions include failed back surgery syndrome, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), and neuropathic pain.
Q3: How does a spinal cord stimulator work?
The device produces electrical impulses that interfere with pain signals before they reach the brain, providing a tingling sensation that helps to mask or interrupt pain.
Q4: Is the implantation procedure painful?
The implantation is performed under anesthesia, so patients typically do not feel pain during the procedure. There may be some discomfort during the recovery period.
Q5: What is the recovery time after spinal cord stimulator implantation?
Recovery time varies, but many patients can resume normal activities within a few weeks. Strenuous activities may need to be limited for a more extended period.
Can I have a CT scan and X-rays having a spinal cord stimulator?+
As long as a spinal cord stimulator is switched off, a CT scan and X-rays are safe. Before you undergo any scan, let the doctor or technician know you have an implanted spinal cord stimulator.
Can spinal cord stimulators be removed?+
A spinal cord stimulator could be removed safely if you are not satisfied with the level of relief to your pain or in case of an infection or mechanical problem with the device.
Can I do swimming with spinal cord stimulators?+
Swimming is possible with a permanent, implanted generator. However, you should try to not get your temporary stimulator wet. Baths and showers should be avoided during that short trial period.
Will I be able to drive with a spinal cord stimulator?+
No, you need to power off your stimulator while driving or operating a heavy machine because sudden changes in stimulation levels might lead to distraction.