A brain surgery decision is never a small decision for a family. It often begins with an MRI report, a word like “tumour” or “aneurysm,” and a room full of silence. Someone asks if surgery is urgent. Someone asks if the patient will speak, walk, remember, and live normally again. Someone else quietly starts searching for the right neurosurgeon in Bangalore.
For patients looking for a senior neurosurgeon in Bangalore for brain tumour surgery, epilepsy surgery, paediatric neurosurgery, aneurysm care or complex neurosurgical second opinion, Dr. Bopanna K M is one of the names families often come across at Manipal Hospitals, Old Airport Road.
A familiar story: a family reaches Bangalore with an MRI report showing a brain tumour close to an important area of the brain. The family has already heard different opinions. One doctor has suggested surgery. Another has asked for advanced scans. The family is not only looking for a doctor; they are looking for clarity.
In neurosurgery, experience matters. But so does the exact fit between the patient’s condition and the surgeon’s area of work. This profile explains where Dr. Bopanna K M may be relevant, what his core expertise is, and what patients should know before booking an appointment.
WhatsApp Doctor Visit Bangalore for free patient guidance. Call +91 78920 28951 or WhatsApp Now.
When Should You See Dr. Bopanna — and When Not To?
⚠️ Not every headache or neurological symptom needs a neurosurgeon first
Many patients come directly to a neurosurgeon for symptoms that should first be evaluated by a neurologist. Understanding the difference saves time, money, and unnecessary anxiety.
✅ See Dr. Bopanna (Neurosurgeon) If:
- MRI shows a brain tumour, cyst, or space-occupying lesion
- Brain or spinal cord surgery has been advised
- Child needs neurosurgical evaluation
- Brain aneurysm or vascular lesion confirmed on scan
- Epilepsy not controlled by medicines — surgery evaluation needed
- Hydrocephalus or CSF drainage issue
- Post-surgery follow-up or second opinion on brain surgery
⛔ See a Neurologist First If:
- Headaches without any scan done yet
- Dizziness, vertigo, or balance issues (no MRI done)
- Tingling, numbness, or nerve pain
- Migraine — management or prevention
- Memory problems or dementia evaluation
- First seizure — no prior scan done
- General weakness or tremor without imaging
- Quick Overview of Dr. Bopanna K M
- Who Is Dr. Bopanna K M?
- Qualifications, Training & Fellowship
- Main Areas of Expertise
- Conditions Patients May Consult Him For
- Procedures and Surgeries
- What Is Awake Brain Surgery?
- Hospital, Location & Timing
- Consultation Fee Range
- Surgery & Treatment Costs 2026
- Compare Neurosurgeons in Bangalore
- International Patients & Second Opinion
- How to Prepare Before Appointment
- Patient Experiences
- Frequently Asked Questions
1. Quick Overview of Dr. Bopanna K M
| Profile Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Doctor Name | Dr. Bopanna K M / Dr. K M Bopanna |
| Speciality | Neurosurgery |
| Current Role | Head of Department and Consultant – Neurosurgery, Manipal Hospitals Old Airport Road |
| Qualifications | MBBS, DNB Neurosurgery, Fellowship in Paediatric Neurosurgery |
| Key Focus Areas | Brain tumour surgery, paediatric neurosurgery, cerebrovascular microsurgery, epilepsy surgery, awake brain surgery |
| Hospital | Manipal Hospitals, Old Airport Road, Bengaluru |
| Languages | English, Kannada, Hindi |
| Consultation Fee (Approx.) | ₹1,200 – ₹2,000 (confirm before visiting) |
2. Who Is Dr. Bopanna K M?
Dr. Bopanna K M is a senior neurosurgeon associated with Manipal Hospitals, Old Airport Road, Bengaluru. According to the hospital profile, he serves as Head of Department and Consultant in Neurosurgery. His profile highlights work in brain tumour surgery, paediatric neurosurgery, cerebrovascular microsurgery and epilepsy surgery.
He is especially relevant for patients and families seeking neurosurgical opinion for complex brain tumours, aneurysm-related conditions, epilepsy surgery evaluation, paediatric neurosurgical problems and second opinions before major brain or spine surgery.
3. Qualifications, Training & Fellowship
Dr. Bopanna K M’s listed qualifications include MBBS, DNB Neurosurgery and fellowship training in paediatric neurosurgery. This combination is relevant for patients looking for specialist neurosurgical evaluation for brain, spine, paediatric and complex neurological surgical conditions.
Manipal Hospitals also mentions fellowship training in paediatric neurosurgery at the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada. This is important for families looking for neurosurgical evaluation for children with brain, spine or neurological surgical conditions.
4. Main Areas of Expertise
The strongest areas to understand in Dr. Bopanna’s profile are brain tumour surgery, paediatric neurosurgery, cerebrovascular microsurgery and epilepsy surgery. These are not small categories. They often involve complex decision-making, advanced imaging, surgical planning and careful follow-up.
| Expertise Area | What It Means for Patients | When Families May Consider Consultation |
|---|---|---|
| Brain Tumour Surgery | Surgery for tumours in the brain, including complex cases near important functional areas | MRI-confirmed brain tumour, second opinion before surgery, recurrent tumour evaluation |
| Paediatric Neurosurgery | Neurosurgical care for children with brain or spine conditions | Child with brain tumour, congenital neurosurgical problem, hydrocephalus or paediatric brain/spine issue |
| Cerebrovascular Microsurgery | Surgery for selected blood vessel-related brain conditions such as aneurysms or vascular lesions | Aneurysm, vascular malformation, bleeding-risk lesions or neurosurgical vascular opinion |
| Epilepsy Surgery | Surgical evaluation and treatment for selected drug-resistant epilepsy cases | Seizures not controlled with medicines, epilepsy surgery workup, advanced epilepsy care discussion |
| Awake Brain Surgery | Surgery performed while patient is conscious to protect speech, movement and memory areas | Tumours near speech/motor cortex, functional brain mapping needed before or during surgery |
5. Conditions Patients May Consult Him For
Not every headache or neurological symptom needs a neurosurgeon first. Many patients should first meet a neurologist. However, when imaging already shows a surgical problem, or when surgery has been advised, a neurosurgeon’s opinion becomes important.
- Brain tumour or suspected brain tumour on MRI
- Acoustic neuroma or skull base tumour evaluation
- Paediatric brain tumour or child neurosurgery opinion
- Aneurysm or cerebrovascular neurosurgery opinion
- Epilepsy surgery evaluation
- Complex brain or spine surgery second opinion
- Cervical spine-related neurosurgical problems
- Endoscopic neurosurgery discussion in suitable cases
- Peripheral nerve or selected spine-related neurosurgical concerns
6. Procedures and Surgeries
Based on the hospital profile and public hospital information, Dr. Bopanna K M’s work is relevant for complex brain tumour surgery, aneurysm-related neurosurgical care, epilepsy surgery evaluation, paediatric neurosurgery and selected complex brain or spine procedures.
Manipal Hospitals highlights his work in complex brain tumours, aneurysms, epilepsy surgery, paediatric neurosurgery and intraoperative cortical stimulation-guided monitoring for tumours near speech and motor areas.
| Procedure / Service | Patient-Friendly Meaning |
|---|---|
| Brain Tumour Surgery | Operation to remove or reduce tumour while protecting important brain function as much as possible |
| Awake Brain Surgery (Awake Craniotomy) | Surgery while patient is conscious — allows real-time testing of speech and movement to avoid damage |
| Epilepsy Surgery | Surgical option for selected patients whose seizures are not controlled with medicines |
| Cerebrovascular Surgery | Neurosurgery for selected blood vessel problems in the brain including aneurysm clipping |
| Paediatric Neurosurgery | Brain and spine surgery evaluation for children |
| Spine / Cervical Neurosurgery | Selected spine or neck-related neurosurgical problems |
| Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery | Minimally invasive approach for pituitary and skull base tumours in suitable cases |
| Stereotactic Biopsy | Image-guided tissue sampling for deep or inoperable brain tumours — gets diagnosis with minimal surgery |
7. What Is Awake Brain Surgery? — Explained Simply
Awake Craniotomy — Surgery While the Patient Is Conscious
Awake brain surgery (awake craniotomy) is a specialised neurosurgical procedure where the patient is kept conscious and responsive during part of the operation. This may sound alarming — but it is a carefully planned, safe, and well-established technique that allows surgeons to remove brain tumours more completely while protecting speech, movement, and memory. Dr. Bopanna K M performs awake brain surgery at Manipal Hospitals Old Airport Road, Bengaluru.
Protect Brain Function
When a tumour is near areas controlling speech, movement, or memory — keeping the patient awake lets the surgeon test function in real time and avoid damaging these critical areas.
Asleep → Awake → Asleep
Patient is anaesthetised for the opening. Carefully woken during tumour removal to answer questions or move limbs. Then re-sedated for closing. The brain itself feels no pain.
Selected Brain Tumour Cases
Tumours near speech areas (Broca’s, Wernicke’s), motor cortex, or sensory cortex. Not required for all brain tumours — only where functional monitoring is critical.
Better Outcomes
Awake surgery allows more complete tumour removal with lower risk of post-operative speech or motor deficits — patients wake up with better function preserved.
8. Hospital, Location, Timing & Appointment
Dr. Bopanna K M is associated with Manipal Hospitals, Old Airport Road, Bengaluru. The hospital is convenient for patients from Indiranagar, Domlur, HAL, Koramangala, central Bengaluru and east Bengaluru areas.
| Detail | Information | Patient Note |
|---|---|---|
| Hospital | Manipal Hospitals Old Airport Road, Bengaluru | Multispeciality hospital with dedicated Neuro ICU and neurosurgery OT |
| Location | Old Airport Road, Bengaluru | Convenient for Indiranagar, Domlur, HAL, Koramangala, central and east Bangalore |
| OPD Timing | Confirm with hospital before visiting | Senior neurosurgeon schedules can change due to surgeries and emergencies |
| Appointment Help | +91 78920 28951 | WhatsApp Doctor Visit Bangalore — we’ll confirm timing and guide you. Free. |
9. Consultation Fee — Dr. Bopanna K M
Based on our coordination with Manipal Hospitals Old Airport Road, here are the approximate consultation charges. Always confirm exact fee before visiting as rates may vary based on appointment type and hospital policy.
10. Brain Surgery & Treatment Costs at Manipal Hospitals Bangalore 2026
These are approximate costs for neurosurgical procedures performed at Manipal Hospitals Old Airport Road, Bangalore. Actual costs depend on case complexity, ICU stay, room category, implants, and duration of admission.
| Procedure / Service | Approx. Cost (INR) | Approx. Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neurosurgeon OPD Consultation | ₹1,200 – ₹2,000 | $15 – $24 | First visit with MRI review |
| MRI Brain with Contrast | ₹8,000 – ₹15,000 | $96 – $180 | Advanced sequences may cost more |
| Functional MRI / Tractography | ₹15,000 – ₹35,000 | $180 – $420 | For tumours near speech or movement areas |
| Stereotactic Biopsy | ₹1.5 – ₹4 lakh | $1,800 – $4,800 | Deep or unresectable tumours |
| Craniotomy — Brain Tumour Removal | ₹4 – ₹10 lakh | $4,800 – $12,000 | Depends on complexity and ICU stay |
| Awake Brain Surgery (Awake Craniotomy) | ₹5 – ₹12 lakh | $6,000 – $14,400 | Speech or motor area tumours |
| Endoscopic Skull Base / Pituitary Surgery | ₹4 – ₹9 lakh | $4,800 – $10,800 | Pituitary and skull base tumours |
| Paediatric Brain Surgery | ₹3.5 – ₹9 lakh | $4,200 – $10,800 | Includes paediatric ICU stay |
| Cerebrovascular Surgery (Aneurysm) | ₹5 – ₹14 lakh | $6,000 – $16,800 | Microsurgical clipping or endovascular |
| Epilepsy Surgery | ₹4 – ₹10 lakh | $4,800 – $12,000 | Includes evaluation and surgery |
| Radiation Therapy (post-surgery) | ₹1.5 – ₹6 lakh | $1,800 – $7,200 | Technique and session-count dependent |
| Neuro ICU Stay (per day) | ₹12,000 – ₹25,000 | $144 – $300 | Neuro ICU at Manipal Hospitals OAR |
11. Compare Neurosurgeons in Bangalore
Choosing the right neurosurgeon depends on your specific diagnosis, location in Bangalore, and hospital preference. Here is a quick comparison to help you decide:
| Doctor / Team | Hospital & Area | Speciality Strength | Paediatric | Awake Surgery | International |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Bopanna K M DVB Pick HOD — Neurosurgery | Manipal Hospitals Old Airport Road | Brain tumours, paediatric neurosurgery, epilepsy surgery, cerebrovascular, awake craniotomy | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Neurosurgery Team Senior Consultants | NIMHANS Hosur Road | Complex neurological cases, combined neurology + neurosurgery — premier government centre | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Selected | ⚠️ Limited |
| Neurosurgery Dept Senior Consultants | Aster CMI Hospital Hebbal, North Bangalore | Brain tumours, spine surgery, neuro ICU — best for North Bangalore patients | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Selected | ✅ Yes |
| Neurosurgery Dept Senior Consultants | Apollo Hospitals Bannerghatta Road | Brain tumours, stereotactic surgery, strong international patient support | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Neurosurgery Dept Senior Consultants | Fortis Hospital Rajajinagar | Brain and spine tumours, neuro ICU — good for West Bangalore patients | ⚠️ Selected | ⚠️ Selected | ✅ Yes |
✅ Available | ⚠️ Available in selected cases | Not sure which hospital fits your diagnosis? WhatsApp +91 78920 28951 — free guidance.
12. International Patients and Second Opinion
International patients from Bangladesh, Africa, the Middle East and neighbouring regions often come to Bangalore for neurosurgery opinions, brain tumour treatment planning, spine care, epilepsy surgery evaluation and complex hospital-based care.
For a neurosurgeon like Dr. Bopanna K M, international patients should not travel only with a verbal diagnosis. They should send MRI/CT images, reports, discharge summaries and current symptoms before planning appointments.
Documents to share before appointment
- MRI brain or spine report
- MRI/CT scan films or digital link, if available
- Previous biopsy report, if already done
- Discharge summary from previous hospital
- Medication list, especially anti-seizure medicines or blood thinners
- Current symptoms and duration
- Age, diabetes, BP, heart disease or kidney disease history
- Passport details and travel plan, for international patients
13. How to Prepare Before Appointment
Neurosurgery appointments are most useful when the family carries the right reports. A senior neurosurgeon may need to see the actual scan images, not only the written MRI report.
Keep MRI/CT Images Ready
Carry CD, film, pen drive or hospital image link. The written report alone may not be enough for surgical planning.
Write Down Symptoms Clearly
Mention headache, seizure, weakness, speech issues, vision problems, balance trouble or memory change and when they started.
Carry Existing Medicines
Especially anti-seizure medicines, steroids, blood thinners, diabetes/BP medicines and pain medicines.
Ask the Right Questions
Is surgery urgent? What are the risks? Is biopsy needed? Is radiation needed? What happens if we wait? Is awake surgery an option?
Plan Hospital Stay and Cost
If surgery is likely, ask about ICU stay, expected admission duration, approximate package and follow-up plan before committing.
14. Patient Experiences — Dr. Bopanna K M
“My father had a brain tumour near the speech area. Dr. Bopanna explained the surgical plan calmly, performed awake brain surgery, and my father can speak and walk normally today. We are extremely grateful for his skill and patience with our family.”
“Our 7-year-old son needed brain surgery. Dr. Bopanna’s paediatric expertise and patience with our family made an incredibly difficult time manageable. The surgery was successful and he is now back in school, doing wonderfully.”
“We came from Kenya for brain aneurysm surgery. Doctor Visit Bangalore coordinated our appointment with Dr. Bopanna. He reviewed our scans, planned the surgery personally, and we returned home successfully after three weeks.”
Reviews are representative of patient experiences shared on Google, Practo, and through Doctor Visit Bangalore. Names abbreviated for privacy.
15. Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Dr. Bopanna K M?
Dr. Bopanna K M is a senior neurosurgeon and Head of Department at Manipal Hospitals Old Airport Road, Bengaluru. His hospital profile highlights brain tumour surgery, paediatric neurosurgery, cerebrovascular microsurgery, awake brain surgery, and epilepsy surgery as his key areas of expertise.
Where does Dr. Bopanna K M practice?
He practices at Manipal Hospitals Old Airport Road, Bengaluru. This is convenient for patients from Indiranagar, Domlur, HAL, Koramangala, and central and east Bangalore.
What are Dr. Bopanna K M’s qualifications?
His listed qualifications include MBBS, DNB Neurosurgery, and fellowship training in paediatric neurosurgery from the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada — one of the world’s leading paediatric neuroscience centres.
What is the consultation fee for Dr. Bopanna K M?
The approximate initial consultation fee at Manipal Hospitals Old Airport Road is ₹1,200 to ₹2,000. Follow-up consultations are approximately ₹800 to ₹1,200. Always confirm the current fee before visiting as rates may change. Doctor Visit Bangalore can help — call +91 78920 28951.
Is Dr. Bopanna K M suitable for brain tumour surgery opinion?
Yes. Brain tumour surgery is one of the major expertise areas listed in his hospital profile. Patients with MRI-confirmed brain tumour, surgical advice from another doctor, or need for second opinion may consider consultation.
Does Dr. Bopanna K M perform awake brain surgery?
Yes. Dr. Bopanna K M performs awake brain surgery (awake craniotomy) at Manipal Hospitals Old Airport Road. This technique is used for tumours near speech, movement, or memory areas of the brain to protect these functions during surgery.
Does he treat children?
Yes. His profile includes paediatric neurosurgery and fellowship training from the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada. He is relevant for selected brain and spine surgical conditions in children.
How much does brain tumour surgery cost at Manipal Hospitals Bangalore?
Brain tumour surgery at Manipal Hospitals Old Airport Road costs approximately ₹4 lakh to ₹10 lakh depending on complexity and ICU stay. Awake brain surgery may cost ₹5 to ₹12 lakh. These are estimates — final cost is confirmed after surgical consultation and treatment planning.
Can international patients consult Dr. Bopanna K M?
Yes. International patients can plan consultation at Manipal Hospitals Old Airport Road. They should share MRI/CT images, reports, discharge summaries and current symptoms before travelling. Doctor Visit Bangalore assists with appointment coordination, report forwarding, and stay planning — WhatsApp +91 78920 28951.
When should I see a neurologist instead of Dr. Bopanna?
If you only have headaches, dizziness, or neurological symptoms without a scan, see a neurologist first. See Dr. Bopanna when an MRI or CT has confirmed a tumour, aneurysm, or surgical problem — or when surgery has already been advised by another doctor.
Final Word
When a family is told that brain surgery may be needed, they do not only search for a doctor. They search for steadiness. They search for someone who can look at the MRI and explain what is urgent, what is risky, what is possible, and what should be done next.
Dr. Bopanna K M’s profile is especially relevant for patients looking for neurosurgical opinion in brain tumour, paediatric neurosurgery, epilepsy surgery, aneurysm or complex brain surgery cases at Manipal Hospitals Old Airport Road, Bengaluru.
The most important first step is to organise the reports and get the right specialist direction. If surgery has already been advised, do not delay clarity. If the diagnosis is still uncertain, collect the MRI images and seek a proper neurosurgical review.
The first step costs nothing. Just reach out.
Sources: Manipal Hospitals profile of Dr. Bopanna K M and publicly available hospital information.
This page follows the Doctor Visit Bangalore Editorial Policy. Information is reviewed regularly and updated for accuracy. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a qualified neurosurgeon or hospital.