Dr Azman Raffiq

Dr Azman Raffiq I am Dr. Azman Raffiq, consultant Neurosurgeon & Spine Surgeon. My area of expertise is on disorders of the brain & spine.

I am available for consultations at Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) & Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital (Selangor, Malaysia)

12/12/2025

How Top Neurosurgeons Minimise Risks in Brain Surgery

Brain surgery requires meticulous planning to achieve the safest possible outcome. With today’s advanced technology, neurosurgeons can remove tumours while protecting critical brain structures, reducing complications and improving recovery.

Here’s how top neurosurgeons minimise risks:

- Specialised MRI with fibre tracking: Maps brain fibres to understand how the tumour affects important pathways.

- Surgical navigation technology: Gives real-time guidance to avoid essential brain areas.

- Awake brain surgery: Used for tumours in critical regions to preserve speech, movement and other functions.

- Operating microscopes and specialised dyes: Improve precision so only the tumour is removed.

- Smaller surgical openings: Modern techniques often allow safe surgery through an opening as small as 3 cm.

With these tools and techniques, brain surgery today is far safer, more precise and more minimally invasive than ever before.

I’m Dr Azman Raffiq, Consultant Neurosurgeon & Spine Surgeon in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I specialise in treating brain and spine disorders using modern, minimally invasive techniques. Available for consultations at Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur and Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital.

If you found this helpful, hit Like and Share to spread awareness.

For more help visit: https://www.drazmanraffiq.com/

10/12/2025

Will Brain Surgery Change My Memory or Personality?

Many patients worry about memory loss or personality changes after brain surgery. The truth is that surgery is performed to relieve symptoms, not to change who you are. Most issues with memory or personality are caused by the tumour itself, not the operation.

Here’s what you should know:

- Memory or personality changes are usually due to the tumour pressing on the brain.

- Different brain regions control different functions: the frontal lobe affects personality and memory, while the temporal lobe controls speech and stored memories.

- Surgery is planned carefully to protect these areas, but temporary memory disruptions can occur as part of normal healing.

- These short-term effects typically last from 48 hours to two weeks, and most patients recover fully.

Brain surgery aims to restore normal brain function by removing what is causing the disruption in the first place.

I’m Dr Azman Raffiq, Consultant Neurosurgeon & Spine Surgeon in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I specialise in brain and spine disorders using modern, minimally invasive techniques. Available for consultations at Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur and Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital.

If you found this helpful, hit Like and Share to spread awareness.

For more help visit: https://www.drazmanraffiq.com/

27/11/2025

What is Stereotactic Radiosurgery? Non-Invasive Brain Tumour Treatment Explained

Despite the name, stereotactic radiosurgery is not surgery at all. It is a highly precise, non-invasive treatment that uses focused radiation to shrink or destroy brain tumours without making any incision.

Here’s how it works:

- No cutting, no incisions: A specialised frame is placed on the skull to map the tumour’s exact location.

- Highly targeted treatment: Technologies like Gamma Knife deliver high-dose radiation directly to the tumour.

- Protects healthy brain tissue: The precision of radiosurgery minimises damage to surrounding areas.

- Treats more than tumours: Used for small brain tumours, AVMs, and certain neurological conditions.

Stereotactic radiosurgery offers a non-invasive alternative for selected brain conditions and can be a valuable option for patients who are not suitable for open surgery.

I’m Dr Azman Raffiq, Consultant Neurosurgeon & Spine Surgeon in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I specialise in brain and spine disorders using modern, minimally invasive techniques. Available for consultations at Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur and Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital.

If you found this helpful, hit Like and Share to spread awareness.

25/11/2025

Awake During Brain Surgery?! It’s Real And Here’s Why It’s Done

Imagine being awake while surgeons operate on your brain.

It sounds impossible, but in some cases, it’s the safest way to protect vital functions.

This procedure is called awake brain surgery.

Patients stay conscious while neurosurgeons work on areas that control speech, movement and sensation, allowing real-time feedback during the operation.

Here’s why it’s done:

- Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson’s: Ensures precise placement of electrodes by monitoring the patient’s responses.

- Tumours in critical areas: Helps surgeons avoid damaging regions that control speech and movement.

- Real-time brain mapping: Allows surgeons to identify and protect essential brain functions.

- No pain: The brain has no pain receptors, so patients feel no pain even while awake.

Awake brain surgery allows for safer, more accurate operations and helps preserve important neurological functions.

For more help visit: https://www.drazmanraffiq.com/

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I’m Dr Azman Raffiq, Consultant Neurosurgeon & Spine Surgeon in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I specialise in brain and spine disorders using modern, minimally invasive techniques. Available for consultations at Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur and Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital.

If you found this helpful, hit Like and Share to spread awareness.

12/11/2025

Not All Brain Surgery Is the Same: Understanding Different Techniques

Brain surgery isn’t one-size-fits-all.

Different conditions require different techniques - chosen based on the tumour’s size, location, and the safest route for the patient.

Here are the main types:

- Craniotomy: The traditional method - a 3–5 cm skull opening to reach the brain.

- Minimally invasive surgery: Smaller openings (1–3 cm) for faster recovery and less tissue damage.

- Endoscopic surgery: Done through a tiny skull opening or even through the nose, often leaving no visible scar.

- Transnasal surgery: Removes tumours through natural pathways in the nose, usually alongside an ENT surgeon.

- Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS): Used for Parkinson’s, with instruments inserted through a small 10-cent coin–sized opening.

Each technique is carefully selected to ensure safety, precision, and the best possible recovery.

I’m Dr Azman Raffiq, Consultant Neurosurgeon & Spine Surgeon in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I specialise in brain and spine disorders using modern, minimally invasive techniques. Available for consultations at Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur and Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital.

If you found this helpful, hit Like and Share to spread awareness.

For more help visit: https://www.drazmanraffiq.com/

30/10/2025

When Is Brain Surgery Needed for Stroke Treatment?

Not all strokes require brain surgery - but in some cases, it’s the only way to save the brain.

When a stroke causes a blood clot in the brain, the size and pressure of that clot determine whether surgery is necessary.

Here’s how doctors decide:

- Small blood clots: Often monitored if they don’t cause pressure on the brain.

- Large blood clots: Can compress vital brain areas and cause rapid deterioration.

- Preventing permanent damage: Surgery is performed when the clot threatens brain function.

- Timing matters: There’s only a short window to act before damage becomes irreversible.

Brain surgery in stroke cases helps stop further harm and gives patients the best chance to recover function and quality of life.

I’m Dr Azman Raffiq, Consultant Neurosurgeon & Spine Surgeon in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I specialise in treating brain and spine disorders using modern, minimally invasive techniques. Available for consultations at Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur and Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital.

If you found this helpful, hit Like and Share to spread awareness.

28/10/2025

Brain surgery isn’t just about removing a tumour - it’s about saving brain function.

As a tumour grows, it compresses nearby brain structures, causes swelling, and disrupts normal function. Surgery helps stop this damage and gives the brain a chance to recover.

Here’s how it helps:

- Prevents further damage – Tumours enlarge over time, worsening pressure on vital areas.

- Relieves compression – Removing the tumour reduces stress on healthy brain tissue.

- Reduces swelling – Surgery helps control inflammation that affects brain performance.

- Restores function – Once pressure is relieved, brain structures can start working normally again.

Leaving a tumour untreated can lead to irreversible damage. Brain surgery gives patients the best chance to protect and restore critical brain functions.

I’m Dr Azman Raffiq, Consultant Neurosurgeon & Spine Surgeon in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I specialise in treating brain and spine disorders using modern, minimally invasive techniques and am available for consultations at Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur and Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital.

If you found this helpful, hit Like and Share to spread awareness.

23/10/2025

When Is Brain Surgery Always Required?

Brain surgery isn’t performed unless it’s truly needed.

It’s only done when it offers a clear benefit — curing a condition or improving the patient’s outcome.

Some small brain tumours can be monitored or treated with targeted radiotherapy like Gamma Knife.

But in other cases, surgery becomes essential.

Here’s when it’s always required:

- Brain tumours: A biopsy is needed to determine the tumour type and guide treatment.

- Large tumours (2.5–3 cm): Surgery is necessary when other treatments can’t reach or control it.

- Histological diagnosis: Removing tumour tissue helps pathologists plan the right therapy.

- Navigation-guided biopsy: A precise, minimally invasive way to collect samples safely.

Brain surgery plays a crucial role in diagnosing and treating tumours — ensuring patients get the right treatment plan from the start.

I’m Dr Azman Raffiq, Consultant Neurosurgeon & Spine Surgeon in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I specialise in brain and spine disorders using advanced, minimally invasive techniques and am available for consultations at Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur and Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital.

If you found this helpful, hit Like and Share to spread awareness.

17/10/2025

What Conditions Require Brain Surgery?

Brain surgery isn’t just for tumours.

It’s also used to treat many serious neurological conditions that affect the brain’s structure, blood flow, or function.

Here are some examples:

- Brain tumours – Removed depending on size and location.

- Stroke – Surgery may clear blood clots in haemorrhagic strokes.

- Brain aneurysms – Treated to prevent bleeding or swelling.

- Brain infections – Sometimes require drainage or removal of infected tissue.

- Epilepsy – Severe cases may need surgery to control seizures.

- Parkinson’s disease – Deep Brain Stimulation helps manage symptoms.

- Awake brain surgery – Used when tumours are near critical areas, helping preserve speech and movement.

With today’s advanced techniques, neurosurgeons can perform these delicate operations safely and precisely — saving lives and restoring function.

I’m Dr Azman Raffiq, Consultant Neurosurgeon & Spine Surgeon in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I specialise in brain and spine disorders, offering modern, minimally invasive treatments. Available for consultations at Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur and Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital.

If you found this helpful, hit Like and Share to spread awareness.

15/10/2025

Modern brain surgery isn’t what you think.

With cutting-edge technology, neurosurgeons can now remove brain tumours with greater precision, smaller openings, and faster recovery.

Here’s how it’s transforming outcomes:

- Microscopes for precision – High magnification lets surgeons safely remove tumours while protecting healthy brain tissue.

- Endoscopic surgery through the nose – Some tumours can be removed without opening the skull — no scars, less pain, quicker recovery.

- Fibre tracking MRI – Maps brain fibres to help surgeons avoid vital areas and prevent complications.

Thanks to these advances, brain surgery today is safer, more effective, and less invasive than ever before.

I’m Dr Azman Raffiq, Consultant Neurosurgeon & Spine Surgeon in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I specialise in treating brain and spine disorders using modern, minimally invasive techniques at Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur and Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital.

If you found this helpful, hit Like and Share to spread awareness.

13/10/2025

Brain surgery now uses GPS-style image navigation.

Just like how Waze or Google Maps guide drivers, this technology helps neurosurgeons find the safest and most precise route to a brain tumour.

In the past, brain surgery meant large incisions and significant brain retraction — leading to longer recovery and higher risk.

Today, image navigation allows:

- More precise tumour removal with minimal damage
- Smaller skull openings and safer surgeries
- Faster recovery, with patients often waking up right after surgery
- Shorter hospital stays — usually 3 to 5 days
- Return to normal life within 2 to 3 weeks

It’s like GPS for the brain — mapping the safest path for life-saving surgery.

I’m Dr Azman Raffiq, Consultant Neurosurgeon & Spine Surgeon based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I specialise in treating brain and spine disorders using modern, minimally invasive techniques.

Available for consultations at Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur and Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital.

If you found this helpful, hit Like and Share to spread awareness.

09/10/2025

Is brain surgery really as dangerous as people think?

Many imagine it means cracking open the skull and risking paralysis or coma — but that’s far from the truth.

Today’s neurosurgery is planned down to the millimetre using advanced imaging and precision tools.

Small incisions, guided navigation, and modern reconstruction techniques make the procedure far safer — with minimal scarring and faster recovery.

Dr Azman Raffiq, neurosurgeon in Kuala Lumpur, explains how modern brain surgery saves lives with precision and care.

Tag someone who still thinks brain surgery is too risky.

Address

Suite A505, Level 5, Block A, Pantai Hospital, 8, Jalan Bukit Pantai, Bangsar
Kuala Lumpur
59100

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Monday 08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 17:00
Thursday 08:00 - 17:00
Friday 08:00 - 17:00
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