International Patient Stories: Real Journeys to Eber Neurosurgery

Stories of Hope: Patients Who Traveled to Eber
Every year, patients from around the world travel to Shanghai Eber Neurosurgery for treatment they cannot access in their home countries. They come from Russia, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Bulgaria, and beyond — united by the search for expert FSPR surgery and integrated rehabilitation. These are their stories. Names and some details have been changed to protect patient privacy, but the journeys and outcomes are real. Each story represents a family that trusted Eber with their child's future — and saw meaningful results.
Table of Contents
Why Families Travel to Eber Neurosurgery
International patients choose Eber for four key reasons: (1) Unmatched surgical experience — Dr. Sun Chengyan's team has performed 30,000+ cerebral palsy surgeries. (2) The Five-in-One integrated model — surgery and rehabilitation under one system, no gap in care. (3) Exceptional value — treatment programs are more accessible than comparable care in the US or Europe. (4) End-to-end international services — from visa coordination to airport pickup to remote follow-up, everything is handled. For many families, Eber offers treatment that simply does not exist in their home country.
Maria's Story: From Russia, Age 12

Pre-treatment

Post-treatment
Maria was diagnosed with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy at age 2. Despite years of physical therapy in Moscow, she walked on her toes with a scissoring gait and could not climb stairs independently. Her family learned about FSPR surgery through an online support group and contacted Eber. After submitting Maria's medical records, they received a free expert evaluation within 48 hours confirming she was a good candidate. The family traveled to Shanghai, where Maria underwent FSPR surgery followed by 4 weeks of in-clinic rehabilitation. Six months after returning to Russia, Maria can climb stairs independently, walk longer distances without fatigue, and has started dancing classes — something her family never thought possible.
"We were told in Russia that nothing more could be done. At Eber, they gave our daughter her independence back. The rehabilitation was intensive but the team was with us every step. Six months later, she is running."
— Maria's mother, Moscow, Russia
Alexei's Story: From Kazakhstan, Age 10
Alexei has hemiplegic cerebral palsy affecting his right side. His hand was tightly fisted and his gait was significantly impaired. In Almaty, he was offered botulinum toxin injections every 3-6 months — temporary relief that never lasted. His family researched surgical options and chose Eber for Dr. Sun's experience with SDR (Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy) for focal spasticity. Alexei underwent SDR surgery on his right arm and leg, followed by intensive occupational and physical therapy. Three months post-surgery, he can open his right hand voluntarily, use it for assistive tasks, and his gait has improved dramatically. He returned to school with newfound confidence.
Ahmed's Story: From Saudi Arabia, Age 8
Ahmed has spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy (GMFCS Level III). He used a walker for short distances but fatigue quickly set in and he needed a wheelchair for community mobility. His family traveled to Riyadh and Dubai for consultations but was told surgery was too risky. Through a medical tourism consultant, they learned about Eber and Dr. Sun's 30,000+ surgery experience. Ahmed underwent FSPR surgery followed by 6 weeks of intensive rehabilitation. The spasticity reduction was immediate. His mother described it as "the body finally relaxing for the first time." One year later, Ahmed walks with a walker for longer distances, transfers independently, and his care needs have decreased significantly.
Budi's Story: From Indonesia, Age 6
Budi has severe spastic cerebral palsy (GMFCS Level IV). He could not stand or walk, and his constant muscle tightness made daily care difficult and painful for both Budi and his family. Stem cell treatments in Jakarta had produced no meaningful change. Budi's father, a physician, researched FSPR extensively and chose Eber based on Dr. Sun's published outcomes. After FSPR surgery and 4 weeks of rehabilitation, Budi's spasticity was dramatically reduced. He can now stand with support, his positioning is much improved, and caregiving — dressing, bathing, transferring — is significantly easier. His family reports that Budi is happier and more engaged than ever before.
Common Themes Across International Patient Journeys
- Most families were told "nothing more can be done" in their home country before finding Eber
- The free 48-hour expert evaluation was the turning point — honest, evidence-based assessment
- The Five-in-One integrated model was consistently cited as the key difference from treatment at home
- Language barriers were eliminated by dedicated medical interpreters throughout the stay
- The most dramatic improvements were seen 3-6 months after surgery, as rehabilitation took effect
- Remote follow-up at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months ensured progress continued after returning home
- Families consistently praised the warmth and dedication of the medical and international services teams
“Traveling to another country for your child's surgery is one of the hardest decisions a parent can make. But when the alternative is ‘nothing more can be done,’ the journey becomes an act of hope. Every international patient who comes to Eber becomes part of our family.”
Frequently Asked Questions
A:Yes, with their permission. We can connect you with families from your region.
A:Yes. We have video testimonials from patients in Russia, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia.
A:All patient stories are based on actual cases with names and details changed.
A:Every patient is unique. Our free evaluation provides an honest assessment.
Have Questions? Talk to Your Dedicated International Coordinator
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Medical Review by Sun Chengyan, MD, PhD — Chief Neurosurgeon, Shanghai Eber Hospital
Last Updated: September 2026 | Content reviewed for medical accuracy
