20 Best Neurological Rehabilitation Doctors in Istanbul

Professor Ali Zirh holds a Guinness World Record for his work with movement disorders and has performed over 1,900 successful surgical interventions. He leads the Medipol University Movement Disorders Centre (PARMER).

• Performed more than 1,600 deep brain stimulation procedures
• Specialises in medication management and rehabilitation for chronic movement disorders
• Uses microelectrode recording for high-precision brain implant placement
• Trained at Johns Hopkins Hospital and Toronto Western Hospital
• Awarded Best Neurosurgeon of the Year at the 2021 Global Health Awards

Associate Professor Mehmet Tonge is a leading specialist in functional neurosurgery, having completed a prestigious Deep Brain Stimulation fellowship at Maastricht University in the Netherlands.

• Specialises in surgical interventions for movement disorders, spasticity, and chronic pain
• Expert in MR-Guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) for non-invasive neurological treatment
• Member of the European and World Societies for Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery
• Served as a board member for the Turkish Neurosurgical Society’s functional section
• Extensive academic background with over 30 international publications on neurosurgical outcomes

Dr. Gunesh Yavuzer is a professor of physical therapy and a senior physician at Romatem Rehabilitation Centers. He holds a PhD from Erasmus University in the Netherlands. Dr. Yavuzer specializes in neurological recovery using robotic rehabilitation and gait analysis. He treats complex conditions like stroke, spinal cord injury, and Parkinson’s disease.

• Expert in robotic gait training and functional recovery for orthopedic cases.
• Published researcher with numerous international works in rehabilitation medicine.
• Treats patients at Romatem Hospitals, a center serving over 5,000 patients annually.
• Performs specialized procedures including Lokomat therapy and Anti-Gravity treadmill training.

Dr. Engin Cakar is a professor and rehabilitation specialist at Memorial Göztepe and Memorial Şişli Hospitals. He specializes in pain medicine, electrodiagnostic neurology, and stroke rehabilitation. Dr. Cakar chair’s the Brain Stimulation and Neurorestoration Working Group. He completed training in brain stimulation at Harvard Medical School.

• Author of over 40 articles in international peer-reviewed journals.
• Treats complex cases using transcranial magnetic and direct current stimulation.
• Is a member of the European Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine.
• Works at JCI-accredited Memorial Şişli Hospital, a center known for neurosurgery excellence.

Dr. Nuran Burcu Arkali is a neurologist at Hisar Hospital Intercontinental in Istanbul. She specializes in electrophysiology and neurodegenerative disorders. Dr. Arkali completed a master’s program in electrophysiology at Istanbul University. She helped establish the neurology clinic and intensive care unit at Diyarbakir Training Hospital.

• Expertise in EEG, EMG, and video-EEG monitoring for epilepsy.
• Treats Parkinson’s disease and dementia using medication and neural therapy.
• Performs Botulinum toxin applications specifically for headache and movement disorders.
• Works at Hisar Hospital, which holds the JCI accreditation for safety.

Dr. Bestami Yalvac is an Assistant Professor at Galata University in Istanbul. He treats patients at the JCI-accredited Hisar Hospital Intercontinental. Dr. Yalvac specializes in ozone therapy for fibromyalgia and sports injuries. He completed his residency at Haydarpaşa Numune Training and Research Hospital.

• Treats chronic conditions like osteoporosis, rheumatic pain, and ankylosing spondylitis.
• Provides rehabilitation for stroke, spinal cord injuries, and nerve compression.
• Uses techniques such as dry needling, kinesiotaping, and orthopedic rehabilitation.
• Practices at a hospital serving over 500,000 patients every year.

Dr. Selvinaz Edizer is a pediatric neurology specialist at Memorial Bahçelievler Hospital in Istanbul. She focuses on neurological conditions in children and infants. She has held specialized roles at several major Turkish medical institutions. Dr. Edizer works at a JCI-accredited facility recognized for international patient safety standards.

• Specializes in pediatric neurology and neurosurgery.
• Served at Bezmialem Foundation University as a pediatric neurology specialist.
• Completed specialized service at Istanbul Bağcılar Education and Research Hospital.
• Practices at Memorial Bahçelievler, a center known for its eco-friendly recovery design.

Dr Selin Bozkurt specialises in neurological recovery at Hisar Hospital Intercontinental, using robotic technology to help patients regain mobility. She focuses on intensive rehabilitation for stroke and spinal cord injuries.

• Uses RoboSpine robotic therapy to assist with spinal alignment and movement
• Expert in botulinum toxin injections for managing muscle spasticity
• Performs ultrasound-guided injections to treat chronic pain and joint stiffness
• Trained at Istanbul Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital
• Integrates acupuncture and neural therapy into standard recovery programmes

Professor Baris Metin has performed over 900 neurological procedures and specialises in functional neuroimaging at NP Istanbul Brain Hospital.

• Bridges the gap between diagnosis and recovery with international experience from Belgium and Turkey
• Combines physical therapy with advanced Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) sessions for stroke and injury recovery
• Expert in managing complex epilepsy cases using video-EEG monitoring and precise neuroimaging
• Oversees specialised paediatric rehabilitation programmes for children with cerebral palsy

Dr. Celal Salcini is a neurologist and epileptologist at NP Istanbul Brain Hospital. He specializes in electrophysiology, movement disorders, and dementias. He serves as a neurology specialist at a JCI-accredited facility in Istanbul. Dr. Salcini translates clinical research into patient care for multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease.

• Performs Video-EEG monitoring and electroencephalography (EEG) for epilepsy diagnosis.
• Treats neurodegenerative diseases, essential tremors, and complex spinal pain.
• Authored a chapter on spinal cord diseases for Merritt's Neurology Handbook.
• Provides care in English, Serbian, Bosnian, and Turkish.

Dr. Kursad Aydin is a neurologist and pediatric neurosurgeon at Medipol Mega University Hospital in Istanbul. He treats childhood conditions such as epilepsy and muscular dystrophy. Dr. Aydin completed pediatric neurology training at Gazi University. He works at a JCI-accredited facility that treats 1,000,000 patients annually.

• Uses medication to treat pediatric epilepsy and performs neurological rehabilitation.
• Treats children with cerebral palsy through rehabilitation programs.
• Was a medical faculty member at Gazi University and Selcuk University.
• Practices at a clinic that treats pediatric oncology and hematology cases.

Dr. Cahide Yilmaz is a pediatric neurologist at NP Istanbul Brain Hospital. She is dually certified in general pediatrics and pediatric neurology. Dr. Yilmaz focuses on brain health and developmental disorders in children. She works at Turkey’s first private neuropsychiatric hospital, which holds JCI accreditation.

• Served as Associate Professor of Pediatric Neurology at Mustafa Kemal University.
• Held a faculty role as Associate Professor at Yıldırım Beyazıt University.
• Treats neurological conditions using advanced monitoring and diagnostic tools.
• Provides care at Europe’s second-ranked brain hospital.

With over 25 years of clinical and academic experience, the doctor is a highly accomplished specialist in Orthopedics and Traumatology. Clinical expertise encompasses hand surgery, foot and ankle surgery, arthroplasty, orthopedic oncology, and trauma surgery. The doctor has held significant positions at various training and research hospitals, including serving as a founding specialist at the Hand Surgery Clinic of Baltalimanı Bone Diseases Training and Research Hospital.

The doctor has pursued international professional development, including an observership at Mount Sinai Hospital in Chicago. After being appointed Associate Professor in 2018, the doctor attained the rank of Professor in 2024 and currently practices as a specialist in Orthopedics and Traumatology.

Dr Meltem Çelik specialises in paediatric rehabilitation at the Ortopediatri Academy, focusing on helping children with cerebral palsy gain muscle control. She leads structured therapy programmes that bridge the gap between medical procedures and daily movement.

• Expert in post-botulinum toxin rehabilitation to improve muscle control and patterns
• Presents research on 3D movement analysis for paediatric cases at university events
• Chaired sessions at the EACD Congress in Galway, Ireland
• Develops early rehabilitation plans for torticollis to ensure head and neck symmetry
• Customises therapy based on specific muscle groups and individual functional goals

Professor Gunes Yavuzer is a highly qualified rehabilitation specialist with a European Board Certificate and doctoral training from Erasmus University.

• Held a senior research position at the Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan in the USA
• Former Professor at Ankara University – one of Turkey's premier medical faculties
• Specialises in paediatric rehabilitation for children with complex physical needs
• Published extensive research on physical medicine and restorative therapy outcomes
• Practises at Romatem Move – a dedicated hospital for physical therapy and recovery

Dr. Ilker Garipoğlu is a pediatric rehabilitation specialist at Medistate Hospital Istanbul. He treats children with cerebral palsy and traumatic brain injuries. Dr. Garipoğlu works at a JCI-accredited facility that treats 200,000 patients annually. He offers online consultations for international families.

• Uses suspension therapy and Anti-Gravity treadmill training.
• Treats multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injuries.
• Performs neurological and orthopedic rehabilitation for children.
• Uses specialized gross therapy tools and verticalizers.