Patient guide8 min read

Spine neurosurgeon in Alicante: first visit, location and contact

What to expect and how to arrange your assessment with Dr. Karim Ben Ghezala in Alicante

Dr. Karim Ben Ghezala

Spine Neurosurgeon

Illustration of patient at first spine consultation with neurosurgeon in Alicante - Dr. Karim Ben Ghezala

Choosing a spine neurosurgeon often raises practical questions: what happens in the first visit, which tests to bring and, above all, where you will be seen. This article is designed for patients looking for a spine specialist in Alicante, explaining what the first consultation looks like and how to organise contact in a simple way.

With over 22 years of experience in spine surgery and German training, Dr. Karim Ben Ghezala focuses on assessing each case individually. The goal of the first visit is to understand your pain and associated symptoms, review your tests, and agree on a reasonable plan without empty promises.

What your first consultation looks like in Alicante

The consultation follows a structured process to understand your case in depth:

1

At the first appointment, the doctor begins by listening to your story: when you first noticed the pain, when it gets worse, whether it radiates to your arms or legs, and how it affects your work, rest, and daily activities.

2

They also ask about associated symptoms such as tingling, numbness, a sense of weakness, headache, or a feeling of instability, because spinal problems often don't present only as "back pain."

3

Next, a neurological examination focused on the spine is performed: strength in the arms and legs, sensation, reflexes, and some simple maneuvers to see how the back and neck respond are assessed.

4

If you bring imaging tests (MRI, CT, X-rays) or previous reports, they are reviewed together during the visit, explaining what is seen and how it may relate to your symptoms. If you don't have recent tests, Dr. Ben Ghezala will indicate which studies are truly necessary (for example, an MRI or X-rays), when it's appropriate to perform them, and for what purpose, avoiding redundant tests.

5

With all this information, an initial plan is proposed which may include well-directed conservative treatment (specific physiotherapy, medication adjustments, postural recommendations), minimally invasive techniques, or only in selected cases ,surgery.

6

When surgery is not the best option, this is explained honestly and reasonable alternatives are proposed. If you would like more information about the spine unit's approach, you can visit NeuroKlinik's website at neuroklinik.es

How to request an evaluation and where you'll be seen

Tell us what's happening: your symptoms, how long you've had them, and any tests you may have. Our team will personally review your case and guide you on the next steps, with no commitment and no need to choose a center in advance.

Most patients seeking care in Alicante are scheduled at NeuroKlinik, the spine unit founded by Dr. Ben Ghezala and Dr. Juan Nieto. If clinical reasons or your insurance make Hospital Clínica Benidorm a better fit, we'll let you know and explain how to proceed.

Ready to start? Fill out the questionnaire and we'll get back to you within 48 hours.

Would you like us to review your case in Alicante? Fill in the questionnaire with your symptoms and previous tests, and our team will guide you to the most suitable option and location.

Fill in questionnaire

Where to find Dr. Ben Ghezala

NeuroKlinik (Alicante)

Private/self-pay patients

Founded by Dr. Karim Ben Ghezala and Dr. Juan Nieto, this unit is dedicated exclusively to the diagnosis and treatment of spine disorders.

2nd floor, External Consultations Building, Calle Padre Arrupe Hospital Vithas Medimar Internacional, 03016 Alicante
neuroklinik.esView on Google Maps

Hospital Clínica Benidorm (HCB)

Private and insurance patients

For patients requiring hospital care or using private insurance. Dr. Ben Ghezala sees patients and performs spine surgery at this centre.

2nd floor, outpatient area Hospital Clínica Benidorm, Benidorm
hcbhospitales.comView on Google Maps

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 spine surgeon

Symptoms

Back or neck pain that doesn't improve with treatment, sciatica, pain radiating down your leg or arm, tingling, numbness, or weakness in your limbs.

Diagnosis

If you've been diagnosed with a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis or another spinal condition and want to understand your options.

Second opinion

When surgery has been recommended and you want to confirm it's necessary, or you've been told nothing can be done and want another evaluation.

Quality of life

When pain is affecting your daily life, keeping you from sleeping or working, or making you afraid to move.

Frequently asked questions

If you already have imaging studies, it is advisable to bring recent MRI scans, CT scans or X-rays, along with any previous medical reports related to your spine condition. However, imaging is not mandatory for the first visit. During the consultation, Dr. Karim Ben Ghezala will assess your symptoms and determine which tests are truly necessary, avoiding unnecessary or duplicated studies.
Dr. Ben Ghezala treats both private patients and patients with private health insurance, depending on the medical centre. Consultations at NeuroKlinik are reserved for private patients only. At Hospital Clínica Benidorm, both private and insured patients are seen. After reviewing your questionnaire, the team will advise you on the most appropriate option for your situation.
Yes. Many patients travel from Dénia, Elche, Torrevieja, Valencia and other areas of the Valencian Community. The first consultation focuses on understanding your symptoms, explaining the diagnosis and defining a clear plan, often avoiding unnecessary follow-up visits or inappropriate treatments. The prior questionnaire helps optimise your visit before travelling.
Yes. You can request an appointment even if you do not have recent imaging studies. During the consultation, your clinical situation will be assessed and, only if needed, the most appropriate tests will be recommended, explaining when to perform them and why. The approach is based on individualised assessment, avoiding unnecessary tests or treatments.
The first consultation lasts as long as needed to properly understand your case, review symptoms, perform a clinical examination and discuss any available imaging, without rushing the visit. After the assessment, Dr. Karim Ben Ghezala will clearly explain whether your condition is best managed with conservative treatment, minimally invasive techniques or surgery, and what the next steps will be. The goal is for you to leave the consultation with a clear and realistic plan, even if no immediate treatment is required.

Further information

Cervical spine treatments
Lumbar spine treatments
Thoracic spine treatments
About Dr. Ben Ghezala

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).

Fill in questionnaire