Second opinions for brain and spine conditions
If you have been advised to have brain or spine surgery, it is reasonable to want another view before deciding. A second opinion can confirm a plan, set out alternatives, or give you the confidence to go ahead.
When to consider one
Brain and spine conditions are often complex, and more than one reasonable approach can exist for the same scan. Asking for another specialist’s view is a normal part of making a significant decision.
- You have been advised to have brain or spine surgery
- You have been given more than one option and are unsure which to choose
- Your symptoms have not improved after treatment, or have come back
- You have been told there are no further options
- You would like another specialist to look at your scans before deciding
How it works
01
Send us a short summary
WhatsApp us with what you have been told and what has been recommended. We will tell you which specialist is best placed to review it.
02
Bring your scans
We need the images themselves, not only the written reports. Bring them on disc, or tell us if they were done at Pantai.
03
Consultation and review
The consultant examines you and reviews the images. Where the case calls for it, a colleague from another specialty looks at it too.
04
Your options, explained
We explain what we see and what the options are, including the non-surgical ones. Where you are treated is your decision.
What to bring
- Your MRI or CT imagesOn disc, or tell us if they are in the Pantai system
- The scan reports
- Letters or notes from the doctors you have seen
- Details of any surgery already plannedIncluding the date, if one has been set
- A list of your current medications
It is your decision
A second opinion does not commit you to anything. Some patients go back to their original surgeon with more confidence; others choose a different approach.
If you would like us to, and with your consent, we can write to your current doctor with our findings.
Questions
Practical answers about asking for a second opinion.
Do I need to tell my current doctor?
No, you do not need their permission. Many patients do tell them, and with your consent we can share our findings so your care stays joined up.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can contact us directly. Bring any referral letter you have, as it helps us understand the history.
My surgery is already booked. Is it too late?
Not necessarily. Tell us the date when you message, so we can arrange the consultation in time for you to decide.
What if your advice is different from my first doctor’s?
We will explain our reasoning so you can weigh both views. With complex brain and spine conditions, differences usually come down to judgement on a difficult case rather than one opinion being wrong. You choose which path to take.
Ready for another view?
Message us with a short summary and we will tell you which specialist should review your case.