The history of the foundation of the Instituto de Neurologia de Curitiba (INC) begins in 1986, with the creation of the Unidade de Ciências Neurológicas de Curitiba (Unit of Neurological Sciences of Curitiba).The unit was created by Dr. Ricardo Ramina,who had just returned from Germany, after living there for several years, and a group of neuroscience specialists who shared the same goal of  offering a high level medical service to patients with complex neurological and neurosurgical disorders.

During their initial activities at Hospital São Vicente, the group was formed by neurosurgeons Ricardo Ramina e Antônio Carlos Prestes, and by neurologists Walter Oleschko Arruda and Mônica Koncke Fiusa Parolin. Later in 1986, neurosurgeon Murilo Sousa de Meneses and neurologist Hélio Teive joined the group.


Neurology and Neurosurgery Service 

In the year of 1987, the Unidade de Ciências Neurológicas transfered its activities to the recently opened Hospital das Nações, which offered the team an opportunity to create a Neurology and Neurosurgery Service, dedicated to patient care and also academic activities. With the professional growth of this service, patients diagnosed with a neurological disorder, from several Brazilian states, as well as neighboring countries such as Uruguay, Bolivia and Paraguay, started coming to Curitiba in search of state-of-the-art medical  and surgical treatment provided by our physicians.

The group developed a pioneer program in skull base surgery, in Latin America, which has become an international reference. Due to the initiative of this group, the Sociedade Brasileira de Cirurgia de Base de Crânio (Brazilian Society of Skull Base Surgery) was created, the first ever organization of its kind.

Later in 1987, neurosurgeons Sonival Cândido  Hunhevicz, Ari Antônio Pedrozo, and the neurologist Mário Henrique Tsubouchi became part of the medical team.Along with the new partnership, a Neuro Intensive Care Unit is also created by Eduardo Xavier Sobrinho and Álvaro Rea Neto, both Critical Care physicians.

In 1990, the group opened the Centro Diagnóstico por Imagem do Paraná (Center for Diagnostic Imaging of Paraná - CEDIP), which at the time was the most complete imaging center in the state of Paraná. 

Scientific Development and Medical Residency

Our medical team has shared their successful experience through a great number of lectures in medical congresses, in Brazil as well as in foreign countries. They have also written and published countless scientific articles and books worldwide.

After the consolidation of an outstanding patient care service and a scientific base, the team decided to open the Neurosurgical Residency Training Program. The program started in 1993, based on a mentorship model, and as result of the high level training offered, it was recognized and accredited by the Brazilian Neurosurgery Society ( Sociedade Brasileira de Neurocirurgia-SBN).

The good reputation of the Neurosurgical Residency Training Program at INC, has become well known, motivating many recently graduated doctors from several Brazilian states and even from neighboring countries to apply for a residency position. 

The program is very competitive, and in order to apply the candidate must have strong qualifications and come from accredited Universities. To be accepted, the applicant must pass a written and practical test, as well as pass an interview with a team of multidisciplinary physicians and the Chief of Neurosurgery.

INC Building Construction

In 1999, the group started building the Instituto de Neurologia de Curitiba (INC), dedicated to patients suffering with complex Neurological and Neurosurgical disorders.

The INC was created to provide the most comprehensive and compassionate treatment supported by the latest technology, experienced specialists, and well trained staff. Besides patient treatment, the INC also focuses on the development of academic activities, medical research, scientific events, and teaching.

In June of 2003, the hospital was inaugurated and a new phase began. Several other doctors joined the initial team, forming an extensive group of neurosurgeons, neuropediatricians and neurologists.

At the same year, our Neurosurgical Residency Training Program was officially accredited by the Brazilian Ministry of Education (MEC). Additionally, the newly created Neurology Residency Training Program was also recognized by the Academia Brasileira de Neurologia (Brazilian Academy of Neurology).    

The hospital quickly became a reference nationally and internationally and it continues to grow.