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Professor Keyoumars Ashkan MBE

BA BSc MB BCh FRCP FRCPCH FRCPath FRCS FRCPS FRCS (SN) MD DSc

Neurosurgeon

Live bookings available

33 years of experience

London, W1G 8BJ

(+4 more)

42 connections in healthcare

Skill endorsed

by Mr Bhaskar Thakur, Mr Maziar Mireskandari and 18 other professionals

4.93

/5

(56 reviews)

Live bookings available

33 years of experience

London, W1G 8BJ

(+4 more)

42 connections in healthcare

Skill endorsed

by Mr Bhaskar Thakur, Mr Maziar Mireskandari and 18 other professionals

Areas of expertise

All
Reviews
Skill Endorsements
Brain Tumours
21
13
Back Pain
8
Slipped / Prolapsed / Herniated Disc
3
9

Contact

Book online


Expert in:

About Professor Keyoumars Ashkan MBE

Professor Ashkan is a leading neurosurgeon based at King's College Hospital, London. He has expertise in degenerative spine disease, including the management of back, neck, and arm pain, sciatica, and peripheral nerve disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome. He also has interests in neuromodulation surgery and brain tumours. He is trained in deep brain stimulation, spinal cord stimulation, and occipital nerve stimulation for the treatment of movement disorders, pain, and headaches, as well as image-guided minimally invasive and stereotactic surgery for brain tumours, including awake craniotomies and brain mapping.  He is also one of the few UK-based surgeons trained in both Gamma and Cyberknife radiosurgery.

His interests are in the following areas:

  • Visualase
  • Deep Brain Stimulation
  • Spinal Cord Stimulation
  • Occipital Nerve Stimulation
  • DCVax Immunotherapy
  • Awake Craniotomy
  • Surgery for Brain Tumours
  • Gamma-knife and Cyberknife Radiosurgery
  • Lumbar and cervical laminectomy and discectomy.
  • Parkinson's disease
  • Essential Tremor
  • Brain Tumours
  • Spine Disease
  • Back Pain
  • Sciatica

Professor Ashkan was one of a handful of neurosurgeons in the UK to be awarded a professorship. He completed dual postgraduate training in medicine and surgery and earned his MRCP in 1997 and his FRCS the following year. He then undertook higher specialist training in general neurosurgery in London and was awarded the Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons in Neurosurgery (FRCS SN) in 2002.

During his subspecialist training in stereotactic and functional neurosurgery, he undertook a fellowship in France with Professor Benabid, who is considered the founder of modern deep brain stimulation surgery. He was appointed as a Consultant Neurosurgeon at King's College Hospital in January 2007 before being promoted to the position of Professor.

Professor Ashkan is the UK Lead for the Genomics England programme for brain tumours. He is also President of the British Society for Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, Chairman of the Neurosurgery Section of the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society, Chair of King's Neuroscience Clinical Trial Unit, and Deputy Lead for King's Neuroscience Research Advisory Committee.

He has published more than 850 peer-reviewed papers, abstracts, and book chapters, and he is an Associate Editor or reviewer for several journals.

His surgery to remove a brain tumour while the patient remained awake to play the violin attracted worldwide attention. He was awarded an MBE for services to neurosurgery in the 2025 New Year Honours list.

Outside of work, Professor Ashkan enjoys playing the piano and has completed a degree and diploma in music.


Subspecialties

  • Spinal Surgery
  • Neuro-Oncology
  • Functional Neurosurgery
  • Spinal Surgery (Complex)

Areas of expertise

All
Reviews
(66)
Skill Endorsements
(572)

Click the bar to read reviews or skill endorsements

Brain Tumours
21
13
Back Pain
8
Slipped / Prolapsed / Herniated Disc
3
9
Disc Injuries
3
8
Brain Cancer
2
11
Deep Brain Stimulation
2
11
Brain Surgery
2
10
Gliomas
2
10
Meningiomas
2
10
Glioblastoma
2
9
Parkinson's Disease
2
Discectomy
1
12
Neck Pain
1
10
Metastases
1
10
Shunt for Hydrocephalus
1
9
Sciatica Surgery
1
9
Cyberknife Therapy
1
7
Nerve Root Entrapment
1
5
Laminectomy
1
4
Epilepsy
1
1
Spinal Decompression
1
Sports-Related Spine Injuries
1
Stiff Neck
1
Tremor
1
Lumbar Stenosis
1
Treatment Resistant Depression
1
Cervical Pain
1
Dystonia
1
Hydrocephalus
10
Pineal Tumours
10
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
9
Sciatica
9
Spinal Cord Tumour
9
Trigeminal Neuralgia
9
Craniopharyngiomas
9
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery
9
Pituitary Tumour
9
Chiari Malformation
9
Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1)
9
CSF Disorders
9
Brain Haemorrhage
9
Video Consultation
8
Leg Pain
8
Brain Aneurysm
8
Carpal Tunnel Decompression
8
Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM)
8
Spinal Injections for Pain
8
Surgery for Myelopathy
8
Facial Pain Surgery
8
Facial Pain
8
Transsphenoidal Hypophysectomy
8
Craniotomy
8
Artificial Disc Replacement (Cervical)
8
Upper Limb Pain
8
Foot Drop
8
Revision Lumbar Spine Surgery
8
Awake Craniotomy
8
Stroke
7
Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery
7
Scoliosis
7
Degenerative Disc Disease
7
Brachial Plexus Injury
7
Nerve Tumours
7
Moyamoya Disease
7
Von Hippel-Lindau Syndrome
7
Traumatic Brain Injury
6
Craniocervical Junction Surgery
6
Myelitis
6
Nerve Repair (Post Paralysis)
6
Hypoxic/Anoxic Brain Injury
6
Vertebroplasty
6
Laser Ablation Brain Surgery
6
Lingual and ID Nerve Repairs
5
Complex Revision Spinal Surgery
5
Spine Tumours and Infections
5
Spinal Deformity
5
Peripheral Nerve Injury
5
Cubital Tunnel (Ulnar Nerve) Release
5
Craniofacial Reconstruction
5
Minimally Invasive Disc Surgery (Keyhole)
5
Complex Spinal Reconstructive Surgery
5
Brachial Plexus Injury (Obstetrics)
5
Tendon Transfer Surgery
5
Entrapment Neuropathy
5
Lateral Access Spine Surgery
5
Brain Metastasis
2
Neuromodulation
1
Ependymoma
1
Haemangioblastoma
Upper Back Pain
Lower Back Pain
Arthritis (Spine)
Spinal Cord Compression
Movement Disorders
Thoracic (Back) Surgery
Failed Back Surgery Syndrome
Lumbar Decompression Surgery
Arm Pain
Foraminotomy
Cervical (Neck) Surgery
Spinal Pain
Biopsy Procedures
Radiculopathy
Anterior Cervical Disc Replacement (ACDR)
Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)
Spinal Microsurgery
Microdiscectomy
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
Brachalgia
Spondylolisthesis & Spondylosis
Lower Back Surgery
Spinal Stenosis

Registered with

  • General Medical Council

    No. 4011040


Education

University of Wales

Medicine

Graduated 1993


Qualifications

Fellowship of the Royal College of Physicians: FRCP: May 2011.

The Cardiff University School of Medicine: Doctor of Medicine: MD: Sep 2006.

Specialist Training Authority: CCST (Neurosurgery): Sep 2004.

Intercollegiate Fellowship in Neurological Surgery: FRCS (Neurosurgery): Oct 2002.

Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons of England: FRCS (Eng.): Feb 1998.

Membership of the Royal College of Physicians: MRCP (UK): Feb 1997.

Fellowship of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow: FRCPS (Glasg.): Feb 1998.

Degrees of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, MB. BCh., awarded with Commendation: July 1993.

Intercalated Degree of Bachelor of Science, BSc, in Medical Biochemistry, FIRST CLASS with HONOURS: July 1990.


Languages spoken

  • English
  • Persian

Insurers

  • Aetna
  • Saga Health Insurance
  • Allianz Worldwide Care
  • Simply Health (Dental)
  • Freedom Health Insurance
  • The Exeter
  • Aviva Health
  • The PHC
  • AXA Health
  • General and Medical
  • Vitality
  • WPA
  • Benenden Health
  • Healix Health Services
  • Bupa
  • Bupa Fee Assured
  • Cigna

Fees

  • New appointment

    £330
  • Follow-up appointment

    £275
*May vary on location

Locations

HCA Healthcare UK The Harley Street Clinic

35 Weymouth Street, London, United Kingdom, W1G 8BJ

4.75(3,388 reviews)

Opening hours

Monday - Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Facilities

Paid Parking
View practice profile

Opening hours

Monday - Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Facilities

Paid Parking
View practice profile

The London Clinic

20 Devonshire Place, London, United Kingdom, W1G 6BW

4.89(2,508 reviews)

Opening hours

Monday - Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Facilities

Wheelchair Accessible
Paid Parking
View practice profile

London Neurosurgery Partnership

78 Harley Street, London, United Kingdom, W1G 7HJ

4.90(166 reviews)

Opening hours

Monday
Tuesday
18:00 - 20:00
Wednesday
Thursday
09:00 - 13:00
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

King's Private - The Guthrie Wing

The Guthrie Wing, King's College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, United Kingdom, SE5 9RS

0.00(0 reviews)

Opening hours

Monday - Friday
Saturday
Sunday

78 Harley Street Consulting Rooms, part of HCA Healthcare

78 Harley Street, London, United Kingdom, W1G 7HJ

0.00(0 reviews)

Opening hours

Monday - Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Areas of expertise

All
Reviews
Skill Endorsements
Brain Tumours
21
13
Back Pain
8
Slipped / Prolapsed / Herniated Disc
3
9

Contact

Book online

Reviews

AI Review Summary

This summary was created by AI based on recent reviews

Professor Keyoumars Ashkan MBE is professional and friendly, giving clear explanations during patient consultations. Patients report excellent experiences with various neurosurgical procedures, including brain tumour excisions like meningiomas, and spinal conditions such as compressed discs, leading to successful surgery and strong recovery. Professor Ashkan’s comprehensive care includes efficient secretarial support, with Jennie noted for her helpful, organised assistance, and patient feedback highlights his expertise in brain tumours and back and spinal conditions.

5
verified patient
01 Nov 2026

I introduced a friend, a professor of literature in Kazakhstan with Parkinson’s condition, to Professor Ashkan requesting him to just do an initial consultation by way of WhatsApp. I knew Professor Ashkan as I had recently been referred to him by NHS for my Sciatica. I found his advice invaluable. Then more recently I saw on TV and radio that professor Ashkan had made breakthrough discoveries on how to treat symptoms of Parkinson’s- amongst his hundreds of qualifications- so I wrote him a letter and asked if he could just do an initial consultation with my friend in Kazakstan. I really wasn’t sure if he’d reply or accept such an outlandish request! Yet he did. Communication with Central Asia is extremely hard due to the intermittent Internet connectivity. Professor Ashkan humbly accepted to make this effort and have the necessary initial conversation. The result was magic. The patient who was deeply concerned that he would need an operation - which he could barely afford- and imagined that otherwise he would die or be extremely poorly - was told there was no need to be anxious and he could continue with his medical treatment, and that it was not necessary at this stage to operate. Just this reassurance plus a few new tips from a top specialist lifted the anxiety and the patient already feels much better. I think very few specialists in high demand at the level of professor Ashkan would be ready to go through the long waits and difficulties of making such contacts with a far away patient. But it meant the world to the patient - and to me. This to me was the sign of a tru...

Read more
Patient seen for:
5
verified patient
21 Oct 2026

I had an excellent experience with Professor Keyoumars Ashkan. He was extremely patient, took the time to listen carefully to my concerns, and explained every detail thoroughly. He discussed all the possible treatment options with me, including options that no other consultant had previously mentioned. I really appreciated the time he took to ensure I fully understood my options and felt informed about my care. I would also like to thank his secretary, Jennie, who was incredibly helpful, responsive, and prompt throughout the process. I am very grateful to both Professor Ashkan and Jennie for their professionalism, kindness, and support. I would highly recommend them.

Patient seen for:
5
verified patient
19 Oct 2026

I had a very positive experience with Professor Ashkan during my initial consultation. He was incredibly warm, friendly and professional, and made me feel comfortable and at ease throughout the appointment. He took time to listen to my concerns, provided helpful information and advice, and kindly wrote a referral letter to a psychiatrist for further care. I really appreciate his kindness and help. I would highly recommend him.

3.67
verified patient
14 Oct 2026

Professor Ashkan performed surgery on me in July 2026. He was successful in completely removing a tricky brain tumour. He was quick at getting me into surgery, and he was always very nice and positive, making me feel safe at all times. I can't thank him enough for his care.

Patient seen for:
5
verified patient
02 Oct 2026

Professor Keyoumars was very professional and provided all the information I was interested in about DCVax

5
verified patient
30 Sep 2026

I had the best treatment from Proff. Ashkan and his team! From the beginning of my treatment to the end. I would recommend him to anyone looking for the best Neurosurgeon in the UK. I got the best treatment!

Patient seen for:
5
verified patient
16 Sep 2026

Professor Ashkan saw our young son at 78 Harley Street, and we could not have asked for better care. From the first appointment, he was warm, patient and unhurried — explaining everything in terms we could understand and putting our son completely at ease. The follow-up scans and the whole HCA experience ran smoothly, and his PA team were responsive and kind throughout. We felt genuinely looked after at every step and left knowing our son was in the very best hands. Wholeheartedly recommended to any parent seeking a paediatric neurosurgeon who combines real expertise with humanity."

5
verified patient
14 Sep 2026

We have been seeing Professor Ashkan for my father’s medical condition over the past few years. Throughout this time, he has always been incredibly professional, supportive, and extremely helpful. We are truly grateful for the time, care, and support Professor Ashkan has consistently provided to my father. We greatly appreciate everything he has done for us.

Patient seen for:
5
verified patient
24 Aug 2026

When I met Professor Ashkan I was immediately struck by his friendly but very knowledgable and professional approach, he gave me a lot of confidence and support for my problem . He is clearly a good man

Patient seen for:
4
verified patient
24 Aug 2026

Professor Ashkan was very thorough and gave a lot of very interesting and helpful advice. My only problem was the sound quality of the Microsoft Meeting. There were 3 other participants at my end, so between us, we managed to hear and understand all that was discussed.

Patient seen for:
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Skill Endorsements

Professor Ashkan is an excellent neurosurgeon, and one I recommend without hesitation. He operates with precision and sound judgement, and he is meticulous in everything he does. What stands out just as much is how well regarded he is by the patients in his care. Facing neurosurgery is daunting, and Professor Ashkan combines real technical skill with a manner that reassures and puts people at ease. A surgeon you can trust with complex and serious conditions — I recommend him most highly.

18 Oct 2026
Endorsed for
Brain Tumours
Brain Cancer
Deep Brain Stimulation

Mr Bhaskar Thakur

Mr Bhaskar Thakur

Neurosurgeon
Is a colleague

It is my great pleasure to endorse Professor Keyoumars Ashkan, an exceptional neurosurgeon whose clinical excellence, leadership and unwavering commitment to patient care have earned him the highest respect. His expertise, professionalism and dedication to advancing the field of neurosurgery are truly exemplary.

18 Aug 2026
Endorsed for
Neck Pain
Video Consultation

Mr Maziar Mireskandari

Mr Maziar Mireskandari

Vascular Surgeon
Is a colleague

I have had the pleasure of working with Keyoumars and can highly recommend him. He is an exceptional neurosurgeon, an excellent colleague, and a true leader in his field.

08 Jun 2026
Endorsed for
Discectomy
Laminectomy

Dr David Choluj

Dr David Choluj

Neurologist
Is a colleague

26 May 2026
Endorsed for
Neck Pain
Video Consultation

Dr Paul Kirk

Dr Paul Kirk

Cardiologist
Is a colleague
Professor Keyoumars Ashkan MBE logo

Get to know Professor Keyoumars Ashkan MBE

Most recent videos

Explore videos from Professor Keyoumars Ashkan MBE explaining process of procedures and other important things you should know before choosing your provider.

Intro Video

Intro Video

11 March 2025

Treating brain tumours using the Visualase™ system

Treating brain tumours using the Visualase™ system

At HCA Healthcare UK we’re committed to investing in cutting-edge technologies so our patients can rest assured that the most effective treatment options available to them.

16 November 2023

youtu.be

FAQ

What are Professor Keyoumars Ashkan MBE's reviews like?

Professor Keyoumars Ashkan MBE's overall patient rating is 4.93 out of 5 stars on Doctify. This is based on 56 reviews.

What languages does Professor Keyoumars Ashkan MBE speak?

Professor Keyoumars Ashkan MBE speaks English and Persian

Where is Professor Keyoumars Ashkan MBE located?

Professor Keyoumars Ashkan MBE primarily practices at HCA Healthcare UK The Harley Street Clinic, located at 35 Weymouth Street, London, United Kingdom, W1G 8BJ
See more locations

What are Professor Keyoumars Ashkan MBE working hours?

Professor Keyoumars Ashkan MBE is working Tuesday (18:00 - 20:00), Thursday (09:00 - 13:00)

Find where Professor Keyoumars Ashkan MBE operates today

Does Professor Keyoumars Ashkan MBE accept new patients?

Professor Keyoumars Ashkan MBE generally accepts new patients.

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