Headaches, Numbness or Back Pain? A Neurosurgeon in Singapore Explains When to Seek Care
- 7 hours ago
- 5 min read
An interview with: Dr Prem Pillay | MBBS, FRCS (Neurosurgery), FAMS
Neurosurgery in Singapore
Headaches, neck or back pain, numbness, and weakness are symptoms many people experience at some point in their lives. While some may be related to posture, stress, or minor injuries, others may be associated with conditions involving the brain, spine, or nervous system.
We spoke with Dr Prem Pillay, a Neurosurgeon in Singapore, about how neurological symptoms are assessed in clinical practice, what they may indicate, and what individuals can generally expect when seeing a neurosurgeon. The discussion also touches on common brain and spine conditions, the role of imaging, and how care is planned for patients with neurological concerns.
What You Will Learn in This Interview
Watch the Interview
Audio version coming soon on PodBean
You can also read the full transcript here
Looking Beyond the Symptoms
Understanding What the Nervous System Is Signalling
The brain, spine, and nerves play a central role in movement, sensation, and many essential bodily functions. Symptoms such as persistent headaches, limb weakness, tingling, or back pain may develop gradually or appear suddenly, and can sometimes be difficult to interpret without medical assessment.
Dr Prem shared that neurosurgical evaluation often begins with understanding how symptoms started, how they have changed over time, and how they affect daily activities. These details help guide further evaluation and determine whether additional investigations may be helpful.
The Importance of Careful Assessment in Neurosurgery
Neurological symptoms can have many possible causes, ranging from degenerative spine conditions to nerve compression or structural changes within the brain.
As Dr Prem explained,
"...we want to let them know [we] will treat them with empathy, sympathy, respect and try to understand and listen to them about their problems and we spend anywhere between 15 minutes even up to an hour to understand their problems." Dr Prem explains.
After empathy and understanding as one of the main priorities, Dr Prem proceeds to check all the nervous system issues to arrive with a prliminary assessment towards the root diagnosis. This structured approach helps ensure that management discussions are guided by clinical findings and individual circumstances.
Supporting Patients with Ongoing or Progressive Conditions
Some neurological conditions may be long-term or require ongoing monitoring. Patients may live with chronic back pain, spinal disc disease, or nerve-related symptoms that affect mobility, work, or daily routines. Others may need follow-up for brain or spine findings identified on imaging.
Dr Prem noted,
"We are available so that we can help them make a proper diagnosis of the root causes of their problems and help them avoid serious diseases that may cause worsening of their problems in their future."
Clear explanations and follow-up planning can support patients as their condition is monitored or managed over time.
Services at Singapore Brain, Spine & Nerve Centre
People see a neurosurgeon in Singapore for many reasons. Some experience persistent headaches that interfere with daily life. Others notice ongoing back or neck pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms or hands. These symptoms can be concerning and may affect mobility, work, and overall quality of life.
At the Singapore Brain, Spine & Nerve Centre, care spans initial neurological assessment to the evaluation and management of conditions affecting the brain, spine, and nerves.
Conditions commonly assessed include:
Headaches and neurological symptoms requiring further evaluation
Brain conditions identified on imaging, such as tumours or structural changes
Spine-related conditions, including disc disease and spinal stenosis
Neck, back, arm, shoulder, or hand pain related to nerve compression
Numbness, tingling, or weakness affecting the limbs
Diagnostic services and care approaches include:
Neurological consultations and clinical assessment
Brain imaging and scans for selected indications
Spine checks and imaging to evaluate spinal conditions
Nerve-related assessment for arm, shoulder, and hand symptoms
Discussion of management options, including monitoring or surgery where appropriate
What to Expect During Your First Visit
Many people see a neurosurgeon after persistent symptoms, referral from another doctor, or abnormal findings on imaging.
Before the Appointment
It can be helpful to bring:
Previous scan or test results, if available
A list of current medications
Notes on your symptoms, including when they began and how they have changed
Relevant medical or family history
During the Consultation
The consultation typically includes a discussion of symptoms and medical history, a neurological examination, and a review of any available scans. Findings are explained, and where relevant, further investigations or management options are discussed.
Meet Dr Prem Pillay
Dr Prem Pillay is a Neurosurgeon in Singapore whose clinical work involves the evaluation and management of brain, spine, and nerve conditions. His practice includes neurological assessment, interpretation of imaging findings, and discussion of treatment options tailored to each patient’s situation.
He places emphasis on clear communication and patient education, supporting individuals through diagnosis, treatment planning, and follow-up with a focus on informed decision-making.
Clinic Overview
Singapore Brain Spine Nerves Center
3 Mount Elizabeth, #15-03, Singapore 228510
Phone: +65 6835 4325
Whatsapp: +65 9725 5373
WeChat: SporeBrain
Website: https://singaporebrain.org/
FAQ
When should I consider seeing a neurosurgeon?
You may consider seeing a neurosurgeon in Singapore if you experience persistent headaches, back or neck pain, numbness or weakness, or neurological symptoms that do not improve over time. Referrals are also common after abnormal findings on brain or spine scans.
Does seeing a neurosurgeon mean I will need surgery?
Not necessarily. A neurosurgical consultation focuses on assessment and diagnosis. In many cases, surgery may not be required, and options such as monitoring, medical management, or further investigations may be discussed instead.
What conditions does Dr Prem Pillay commonly assess?
Dr Prem Pillay assesses conditions affecting the brain, spine, and nerves, including headaches requiring further evaluation, spine-related pain, nerve compression affecting the arms or hands, and brain or spinal findings identified on imaging.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
It is helpful to bring:
Previous scan or test results, if available
A list of current medications
Notes on your symptoms and how they have changed
Relevant medical or family history
This helps support a more thorough and efficient consultation.
What happens after my consultation?
After your consultation, the findings are explained clearly, and where appropriate, recommendations for further tests, management options, or follow-up are discussed. Next steps are guided by your individual condition and clinical assessment.
Disclaimer
This interview is for educational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice. Patients should consult a qualified specialist in Singapore for personalised care.
