Best Parkinson's Disease Doctors in Turkey for Australians

Associate Professor Ali Zirh is a world leader in movement disorder surgery, having performed more than 1,600 successful Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) procedures.

• Uses microelectrode recording at the single-cell level to identify precise brain targets for electrode placement
• Holds a Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of DBS patients in one location
• Completed clinical fellowships at The Johns Hopkins Hospital and the University of Virginia
• Member of the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society

Professor Baris Metin has managed 1,100 neurological cases and serves as a lead neurologist for Parkinson's care at NP Istanbul Brain Hospital.

• Conducts expert evaluations for Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) eligibility
• Specialises in functional neuroimaging to map brain activity precisely
• Experienced in international clinical practice across Turkey and Belgium
• Expert in electroencephalography (EEG) for monitoring complex neurological patterns
• Active researcher with numerous papers published in international scientific journals

Professor Yasar Kutukcu refined his neurology expertise at the University of California San Francisco and leads movement disorder care at Anadolu Medical Center.

• Specialises in neurophysiology and Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) for advanced cases
• Expert in managing complex tremors, dystonia, and medication-resistant symptoms
• Member of the International Parkinson and Movement Disorders Society
• Certified in botulinum toxin applications for associated muscle stiffness
• Active researcher contributing to the latest movement disorder treatment protocols

Dr Celal Salcini has performed over 900 neurological procedures and brings high-level expertise in movement disorders to NP Istanbul Brain Hospital.

• Specialises in managing complex movement disorders including Parkinson's disease outbreaks
• Completed intensive specialty training in neurology at Marmara University Faculty of Medicine
• Expert in electrophysiology to assess nerve and muscle function for precise diagnosis
• Contributed to major neurological textbooks and research on restless legs syndrome
• Clinical background includes academic teaching roles and extensive research in dementias

Neurosurgery Training: Gazi University, Department of Neurosurgery, 2011 

H index: 10, I10 Index: 12 Citations: 296

 Dr Mehmet Tonge has international and nationwide 32 publications, 12 book chapters, 92 oral and poster presentations and 41 invited lectures, mostly on Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery. 

Work & Training experience:

2004-2011: Gazi University, Department of Neurosurgery (Residency)

 2008: Zurich University Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery (Intraoperative MRI applications), Switzerland 

2008: Zurich University Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery: Microneurosurgery, white matter dissection, interventional neuroradiology courses, Switzerland 

2011 – 2012: Sinop Ataturk State Hospital, Neurosurgeon

 2012 – 2013: Cankiri State Hospital, Neurosurgeon 

2013 – 2014: Istanbul Medipol University, Department of Neurosurgery & Gamma Knife Center (Ass Prof) 

2013 – now: Maastricht University Neurosurgery & Neuroscience Department (Visiting scientist, PhDc) The Netherlands 

2014: Maastricht University, The Netherlands: Deep Brain Stimulation Fellowship 2014-2018: Istanbul Memorial Hospital Neurosurgery: Staff Neurosurgeon

 2016-2018: Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital (Consultant, Gamma Knife Center) 

2018-now: Istanbul Medipol University (Stereotactic & Functional Neurosurgery, Gamma Knife Center) Ass. Prof.) 

Dr Mehmet Tonge has completed 4-year cycle EANS (European Association of Neurosurgical Societies) Training courses. 

Clinical areas of interest:

 • Stereotactic & Functional Neurosurgery

 • Surgery for movement disorders

• * MR Guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS)

 • Gamma Knife Radiosurgery 

• Surgery for pain & spasticity 

• Psychosurgery

Research areas of interest: 

• Deep brain stimulation

• * MR Guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS)

 • Stereotactic radiosurgery 

Administrative duties:

 • Turkish Neurosurgical Society, Sterotactic & Functional Neurosurgery Section: Board member 2015- 2017 

• Turkish Neurosurgical Society, Sterotactic & Functional Neurosurgery Section: Board member (Secretary) 2017-2019

 • Turkish Skull Base Society: Board member 2016-2018

 • Turkish Skull Base Society: Supervisory board member 2018-2020

 • Deep Brain Stimulation and Movement Disorders Surgery Society: Executive Board Member, (Accountant) 2023-still 

Memberships: 

• WSSFN (World Stereotactic & Functional Neurosurgery Society) 

• ESSFN (European Stereotactic & Functional Neurosurgery Society)

 • Deep Brain Stimulation and Movement Disorders Surgery Society

 • Deep Brain Stimulation Society 

• International Stereotactic Radiosurgery Society 

• Leksell Gamma Knife Society 

• EANS (European Association of Neurosurgical Societies) 

• Turkish Neurosurgical Society

• Turkish Skull Base Society

Sample Publications: 

1. Tonge M. Technological developments in electric based DBS. Deep Brain Stimulation 2024 4(36-41) DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdbs.2023.12.001 

2. Akgul E, Onan HB, Islek I, Tonge M, Durmus Y, Barburoglu M, Azizova A, Erol C, Hakyemez B, Sencer S, Aydin K, Arat A. Flow diverter stents in the treatment of recanalized intracranial aneurysms. Interv Neuroradiol. 2021 Aug;27(4):481-489. doi: 10.1177/1591019921990507. Epub 2021 Jan 28. PMID: 33509011; PMCID: PMC8580529. 

3. Mulders AEP, Temel Y, Tonge M, Schaper FLWVJ, van Kranen-Mastenbroek V,Ackermans L, Kubben P, Janssen MLF, Duits A. The association between surgical characteristics and cognitive decline following deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus in Parkinson's disease. Clin Neurol Neurosurg. 2021 Jan;200:106341. doi: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2020.106341. Epub 2020 Nov 3. PMID: 33160716. 

4. Wetzelaer P, Vlis T, Tonge M, Ackermans L, Kubben P, Evers S, Kocabicak E, Temel Y. Management of Hardware Related Infections after DBS Surgery: A Cost Analysis. Turk Neurosurg. 2018;28(6):929- 933. doi: 10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.21511-17.1. PMID: 29465741. 

5. Bedirli N, Emmez G, Ünal Y, Tönge M, Emmez H. Effects of positive end- expiratory pressure on intracranial pressure during pneumoperitoneum and Trendelenburg position in a porcine mode. Turk J Med Sci. 2017 Nov 13;47(5):1610-1615. doi: 10.3906/sag-1609-17. PMID: 29152942. 

6. Sari R, Tonge M, Bolukbasi FH, Onoz M, Baskan O, Silav G, Elmaci I. Management of Failed Cranioplasty. Turk Neurosurg. 2017;27(2):201-207. doi: 10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.15395-15.0. PMID: 27593759. 

7. Tonge M, Kocabicak E, Ackermans L, Kuijf M, Temel Y. Final Electrode Position in Subthalamic Nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery: A Comparison of Indirect and Direct Targeting Methods. Turk Neurosurg. 2016;26(6):900-903. doi: 10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.13739-14.1. PMID: 27337232. 

8. Tonge M, Ackermans L, Kocabicak E, van Kranen-Mastenbroek V, Kuijf M, Oosterloo M, Kubben P, Temel Y. A detailed analysis of intracerebral hemorrhages in DBS surgeries. Clin Neurol Neurosurg. 2015 Dec;139:183-7. doi: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2015.10.017. Epub 2015 Oct 23. PMID: 26513430. 

9. Silav G, Bölükbaşı FH, Özek E, Tönge M, Önöz M, Elmacı İ. A Simple Technique for Bone Storage after Decompressive Craniectomy in Children. Pediatr Neurosurg. 2015;50(3):161-4. doi: 10.1159/000381748. Epub 2015 May 14. PMID: 25998533. 

10. Yilmaz MB, Donmez H, Tonge M, Senol S, Tekiner A. Vertebrojugular arteriovenous fistula and pseudoaneurysm formation due to penetrating vertebral artery injury: case report and review of the literature. Turk Neurosurg. 2015;25(1):141-5. doi: 10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.8247-13.1. PMID: 25640560. 

11. Kurt G, Tönge M, Çeltıkçı E, Çapraz I, Serdaroğlu A, Bılır E. Surgery for intractable temporal lobe epilepsy: experience of a single institution. Turk J Med Sci. 2014;44(5):866-70. doi: 10.3906/sag-1307- 30. PMID: 25539559. 

12. Yılmaz MB, Tönge M, Emmez H, Kaymaz F, Kaymaz M. Neuroprotective effects of quetiapine on neuronal apoptosis following experimental transient focal cerebral ischemia in rats. J Korean Neurosurg Soc. 2013 Jul;54(1):1-7. doi: 10.3340/jkns.2013.54.1.1. Epub 2013 Jul 31. PMID: 24044072; PMCID: PMC3772279. 

13. Yilmaz MB, Egemen E, Tonge M, Kaymaz M. Transoral protrusion of a peritoneal catheter due to gastric perforation 10 years after a ventriculoperitoneal shunting: case report and review of the literature. Turk Neurosurg. 2013;23(2):285-8. doi: 10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.4904-11.1. PMID: 23546921. 

14. Omerhodzic I, Tonge M, Matos B, Musabeliu E, Raspanti C, Ferdinandov D, Galimova R, Muroi C, Balik V, Kursumovic A. Neurosurgical training programme in selected European countries: from the young neurosurgeons' point of view. Turk Neurosurg. 2012;22(3):286-93. doi: 10.5137/1019- 5149.JTN.5133-11.0. PMID: 22664994. 

15. Ergun E, Kurt G, Tonge M, Aytar H, Tas M, Baykaner K, Ceviker N. Effects of phenytoin sodium on dura mater healing in a rat model of CSF leakage. Turk Neurosurg. 2011;21(4):471-6. PMID: 22194102. 

16. Emmez H, Tonge M, Tokgoz N, Durdag E, Gonul I, Cevıker N. Radiological and histopathological comparison of microporous polysaccharide hemospheres and oxidized regenerated cellulose in the rabbit brain: a study of efficacy and safety. Turk Neurosurg. 2010 Oct;20(4):485-91. doi: 10.5137/1019- 5149.JTN.3300-10.2. PMID: 20963698. 

17. Emmez H, Yildirim Z, Kale A, Tönge M, Durdağ E, Börcek AO, Uçankuş LN, Doğulu F, Kiliç N, Baykaner MK. Anti-apoptotic and neuroprotective effects of α-lipoic acid on spinal cord ischemiareperfusion injury in rabbits. Acta Neurochir (Wien). 2010 Sep;152(9):1591-600; discussion 1600-1. doi: 10.1007/s00701-010-0703-9. Epub 2010 Jun 10. PMID: 20535507. 

18. Kurt G, Tonge M, Börcek AO, Karahacioglu E, Gurel O, Baykaner K, Ceviker N, Aykol S. Fractionated gamma knife radiosurgery for optic nerve tumors: a technical report. Turk Neurosurg. 2010 Apr;20(2):241-6. doi: 10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.1681-09.3. PMID: 20401852. 

19. Emmez H, Kale A, Tönge M, Cakir A, Ceviker N. Two meningiomas with different histological grades in the same patient. Case report. Neurol Med Chir (Tokyo). 2010;50(8):686-8. doi: 10.2176/nmc.50.686. PMID: 20805656.

Professor Ersoy Kocabicak is a leading authority in functional neurosurgery and a founding member of the International Deep Brain Stimulation Association.

• Specialises in Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) – an 'electronic pacemaker' for the brain that helps control Parkinson's tremors and rigidity
• Completed a PhD in DBS of the subthalamic nucleus at Maastricht University in the Netherlands
• Serves as a committee member for the European Association of Neurosurgery (EANS)
• Expert in microelectrode recording – a technique used during surgery to ensure the most precise electrode placement

Assoc. Prof. Ozdogan, M.D., Ph.D., completed his education at Yeditepe University Health Sciences Institute in the Molecular Medicine Doctorate Program under Prof. Dr. Turgay İsbir, and he also studied at Saint Louis University in Arkansas, USA, with Prof. Dr. M. Gazi Yasargil. He pursued a Clinical Fellowship in Brain and Nerve Surgery at Yeditepe University Hospital, guided by Prof. Dr. Yasargil and Prof. Dr. Uğur Türe. Additionally, he underwent specialization training at Ufuk University Faculty of Medicine, the Faculty of Medicine at Gazi University, and completed his secondary education at İçel Anatolian High School.

Professionally, he has held various positions, including Faculty Member in the Department of Neurosurgery at Haliç University, and Associate Professor at Private Adatip Istanbul Hospital and Biruni University Hospital. He has also served as an Associate Professor at S.B.U. Kartal, Sancaktepe, and Istanbul Training and Research Hospitals, and worked as a Chief Assistant at S.B.U. Gaziosmanpaşa Taksim and Kartal Training and Research Hospitals. His earlier roles include Specialist Doctor at S.B.U. Baltalimanı Bone Diseases Hospital and Mus State Hospital, as well as Clinical Fellow at Yeditepe University Faculty of Medicine Hospital.

Assoc. Prof. Özdoğan is a member of several professional associations, including the Turkish Neurosurgery Association, Turkish Spine Association, and the Turkish Neurosurgery Society’s Neuroanatomy, Neurovascular, and Neurooncology Groups. He is also affiliated with the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies.

Dr Nuran Burcu Arkali is a neurology specialist at Hisar Hospital Intercontinental with a Master's degree in electrophysiology. She focuses on complex movement disorders and neurodegenerative conditions.

• Specialises in managing Parkinson's disease using a range of neurological interventions
• Uses EMG and EEG to monitor nerve and brain activity for accurate diagnosis
• Performs botulinum toxin applications to treat muscle stiffness and Parkinson's related tremors
• Trained at Istanbul University, one of Turkey's oldest and most prestigious medical institutions
• Incorporates neural therapy to address chronic pain and autonomic nervous system dysfunction

Dr Gulumser Kiziltas Tokmak has performed over 1,100 neurological treatments and leads care at the JCI-accredited Hisar Hospital Intercontinental.

• Holds a master's degree in electrophysiology from Istanbul University
• Uses electromyography (EMG) to assess muscle and nerve cell health
• Expert in electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring for brain activity analysis
• Specialises in neurodegenerative disorders including dementia and movement issues
• Trained at the prestigious Cerrahpasa School of Medicine

Professor Baris Topcular uses his research background from the University of Basel to provide evidence-based care for movement disorders at Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital.

• Treats complex Parkinson's cases using PET imaging for highly accurate neurological mapping
• Specialises in movement disorders at Istanbul University of Science – a premier medical faculty
• Trained at the PharmaZentrum Research Center in Switzerland specialising in neurological care
• Manages dementia and movement disorders in high-volume public and private university hospitals

The doctor is a Nuclear Medicine Specialist with 39 years of experience, currently practicing at Medipol Mega University Hospital. The doctor has held professorships at Gazi University and served as the Director of the Department of Nuclear Medicine at Ankara Order Laboratory. The doctor is a member of both the Turkey Association of Nuclear Medicine and the European Association of Nuclear Medicine. The doctor graduated from Erciyes University Faculty of Medicine in 1984 and became a Nuclear Medicine Specialist at Ankara University in 1992.

Dr Gulnar Ibrahimova improves patient quality of life at the specialised Medipol Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Centre (PARMER).

• Registered with the General Medical Council in the United Kingdom
• Completed specialist neurology training at the prestigious Istanbul University
• Practised at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London as an observer
• Member of the Turkish Neurological Association with research in international journals
• Focuses on pharmacological management and longitudinal care for movement disorders

Associate Professor Ebru Altindag is a dual-certified specialist in neurology and clinical neurophysiology at Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital. She leads research into movement disorders and has been recognised with multiple national awards for her clinical publications.

• Specialises in neurophysiology – uses electrical activity tests to accurately map nervous system function
• Expert in deep brain stimulation (DBS) – manages surgical implants that control Parkinson's tremors
• Subspecialises in clinical neurophysiology – provides highly detailed EEG and EMG diagnostics for complex cases
• Active member of the Turkish Neurology Association and the Turkish Medical Association

Professor Sultan Tarlaci is a leading neurologist at NP Istanbul Brain Hospital whose research and clinical work shape neurology standards.

• Specialises in managing Parkinson's disease using neuropsychiatric techniques to address both physical and cognitive symptoms
• Author and co-author of several books and peer-reviewed chapters in the field of neurosciences
• Completed his neurology residency and medical degree at Ege University School of Medicine
• Recipient of multiple awards for his significant contributions to neurological research
• Leads treatment programmes for movement disorders and neurodegenerative conditions

Associate Professor Nesrin Helvaci Yilmaz is a neuromodulation specialist who trained at the prestigious UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology in London.

• Co-ordinates personalized Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) therapy with surgical teams
• Leads the specialized Parkinson's and Movement Disorders Unit at PARMER
• Completed intensive neuromodulation training across Europe and Turkey
• Published 30 clinical research papers focused on movement disorder outcomes
• Manages complex cases including drug-resistant Parkinson's and restless legs syndrome

Associate Professor Nesrin Helvacı Yılmaz is a senior neurology specialist at Medipol Mega University Hospital, one of Turkey's largest medical complexes.

• Specialises in managing complex movement disorders and neurodegenerative conditions
• Trained at Ankara University Medical School, a top clinical institution
• Active member of the Turkish Neurological Society
• Expertise in sleep medicine to manage Parkinson's-related sleep disturbances
• Collaborates with a multidisciplinary team for personalised medication regimes

Professor Lutfi Hanoglu is a leading neurologist at Medipol Mega University Hospital, where he leads the department focused on movement disorders and neurodegenerative conditions.

• Specialises in Parkinson's disease and complex demyelinating processes involving nerve damage
• Holds a senior academic position as Professor of Neurology at a top-tier university hospital
• Guides clinical teams in using brain stimulation and medication protocols for motor symptoms
• Focuses on mapping nerve pathways to improve long-term patient mobility and cognitive health

Associate Professor Buse Cagla Ari is a key specialist at PARMER, one of the region's most prominent centres for Parkinson's disease and movement disorders.

• Focuses on the genetic factors of Parkinson's, specifically the influence of ADORA2A on medication-induced side effects
• Board member of the Turkish Neurological Association's Neurorehabilitation Working Group
• Active member of the International Parkinson and Movement Disorders Society
• Published extensive research on metabolic triggers and dementia risk in movement disorder patients

The doctor has extensive experience in occupational medicine, having worked in this field from 2013 to 2014. Prior to that, from 2005 to 2013, the doctor served at Haseki Education and Research Hospital, contributing significantly to the medical community. Additionally, from 1987 to 2013, the doctor was involved with Haliç University, working with the Foundation for Children with Leukemia, showcasing a long-standing commitment to pediatric oncology and research.