Cervical spine neurosurgeon in Alicante: first consultation and centres
What a cervical consultation with Dr. Ben Ghezala in Alicante adds and how the first visit is organised
Dr. Karim Ben Ghezala
Spine Neurosurgeon
Looking for a cervical spine neurosurgeon in Alicante raises many questions: what the first visit will be like, which tests you should bring, what options exist before considering surgery, and above all, who you will be trusting with one of the most delicate areas of your body. This article explains, in plain language, what an appointment with Dr. Karim Ben Ghezala in Alicante actually adds and how a first cervical consultation is organised.
Dr. Ben Ghezala completed his medical degree at the University of Mainz (1997) and his neurosurgery specialty at HSK Wiesbaden under Professor R. Schönmayr (1997-2003). He consults in Spanish, English and German and works between his own clinic, NeuroKlinik Alicante, and Hospital Clínica Benidorm (HCB).
What a cervical consultation with Dr. Ben Ghezala adds
Cervical spine surgery is one of the most demanding areas of spinal neurosurgery. Decisions never depend on the MRI alone: they depend on symptoms, on the neurological examination and on how everything fits into the patient's life. The first thing a cervical consultation with Dr. Ben Ghezala provides is the time to understand the whole case before proposing any treatment.
Training matters in cervical because there are techniques that require significant accumulated experience to indicate well. Dr. Ben Ghezala completed six years of specialisation at HSK Wiesbaden, Germany, within Professor R. Schönmayr's school, one of the European references in complex spine surgery. That training is the foundation of his current practice in Alicante and of the techniques he offers: anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), cervical disc arthroplasty, anterior and posterior fusion, foraminotomy, corpectomy, laminectomy, laminoplasty and cord decompression for myelopathy.
Language also matters. Consulting in Spanish, English and German allows both local residents and foreign patients who live on or visit the Costa Blanca to describe their symptoms and understand the plan in their own language. Few local competitors offer this at the same level.
One concrete feature of the approach is direct care. The same surgeon evaluates the case from the first visit, proposes the treatment, performs the surgery if needed and conducts the follow-up. There is no hand-off between different professionals at each stage, as commonly happens in larger clinics. This brings continuity and the ability to ask questions always to the same person throughout the process.
Cost is assessed on a case-by-case basis after the initial consultation, since it depends on the centre, the type of coverage and the tests that may be required. Surgical indication never changes because of the coverage: in every scenario the priority is safety and a real benefit to the patient.
What a first cervical consultation in Alicante looks like
The consultation starts by listening to your story: when the neck pain started, in what situations it appears, how it affects sleep, work and physical activity, what treatments you have tried and how you responded. In cervical problems pain is often not only in the neck: we also ask about radiation to the shoulder or arm, tingling in the hand, difficulty with fine tasks (buttoning, writing, holding small objects) and changes in gait.
A targeted neurological examination of the cervical spine follows. Strength and sensibility by dermatome are assessed in both arms, along with tendon reflexes, fine coordination, gait and signs of myelopathy such as Hoffmann or hypertonia. This part of the consultation provides the most information: imaging confirms what the examination suggests, but does not replace it.
If you bring imaging studies (MRI, CT, dynamic X-rays) or previous reports, we review them together, explaining what is seen and how it relates to your symptoms. If your imaging is not recent or is not the appropriate study, we indicate which studies are truly needed and why, avoiding redundant tests.
With all this information a first plan is proposed. In cervical, most cases respond well to conservative treatment (targeted physiotherapy, medication, load management and ergonomics) and only between 10% and 20% of herniated discs ultimately require surgery. When surgery is indicated, the technique is chosen for the specific problem: an ACDF may be the most stable option for a herniated disc with clear nerve compression, while a disc arthroplasty preserves motion in younger, carefully selected profiles.
When surgery is not the best option, this is explained honestly and reasonable alternatives are proposed. When it is, the technique, the reasoning, the expected outcomes and the recovery timeline are explained for your specific case.
Want us to assess your cervical case in Alicante? Complete the questionnaire and our team will guide you within 48 hours on the most appropriate centre for your situation.
Complete the questionnaireWhere to find Dr. Ben Ghezala
NeuroKlinik (Alicante)
Private/self-pay patientsFounded by Dr. Karim Ben Ghezala and Dr. Juan Nieto, this unit is dedicated exclusively to the diagnosis and treatment of spine disorders.
Hospital Clínica Benidorm (HCB)
Private and insurance patientsFor patients requiring hospital care or using private insurance. Dr. Ben Ghezala sees patients and performs spine surgery at this centre.
The doctor only sees patients in these two centers. We regularly receive patients from Dénia, Marina Alta/Baixa, Elche, Torrevieja, Orihuela and the wider Valencian Community.
When to see a cervical spine neurosurgeon
Cervical symptoms
Neck pain radiating to the shoulder, arm or hand, persistent tingling, numbness or loss of strength in one or both hands.
Existing diagnosis
If you have been diagnosed with a cervical herniated disc, cervical stenosis, myelopathy or advanced degenerative changes and want to know your options.
Quality of life
When cervical pain limits your daily life, prevents you from sleeping, working or doing fine motor tasks with your hands.
Neurological changes
If you notice recent changes in gait, instability, loss of coordination or increasing difficulty with tasks you used to do without thinking.
Frequently asked questions
Related treatments
Need a specialist spine assessment?
Complete the questionnaire and our team will indicate whether your case is best managed at NeuroKlinik (Alicante, private only) or HCB (Benidorm, private and insurance).
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