Best Epilepsy Doctors in Istanbul for Australians

Professor Baris Metin is a highly qualified neurologist and researcher who completed a PhD at Ghent University in Belgium, specialising in functional neuroimaging.

• Focuses on complex epilepsies and the use of electroencephalography (EEG) for accurate diagnosis
• Uses functional neuroimaging to map brain activity and pinpoint seizure origins
• Specialised in neurology at the prestigious Istanbul University Cerrahpasa Department of Neurology
• Active in international research with numerous papers on brain disorders and neuroimaging

Professor Yasar Kutukcu balances senior clinical leadership at Anadolu Medical Center with international research experience from the University of California San Francisco.

• Specialises in clinical neurophysiology to accurately map and monitor seizure activity
• Uses EEG-EMG diagnostics to pinpoint specific types of epilepsy for better management
• Member of the Turkish Clinical Neurophysiology EEG-EMG Society
• Integrates sleep disorder expertise to address common seizure triggers and nocturnal symptoms
• Trained at GATA Medical School, one of Turkey's premier military medical academies

Dr Celal Salcini is a senior neurology specialist at NP Istanbul Brain Hospital, where he focuses on the intersection of electrophysiology and complex seizure disorders.

• Specialises in electrophysiology – using nerve conduction tests to pinpoint precise seizure origins
• Expertise in Lafora disease – a rare and severe form of progressive myoclonic epilepsy
• Former lecturer at Uskudar University – trained the next generation of neurological specialists
• Co-authored Merritt's Neurology Handbook – a globally recognised resource for brain and spinal diseases
• Multilingual specialist who consults in English, Serbian, and Bosnian

Professor Nuran Burcu Arkali holds a Master's degree in electrophysiology, specialising in the complex electrical diagnostic testing required to pinpoint seizure activity.

• Performs advanced EEG monitoring to track brain waves and identify epilepsy triggers
• Completed specialist electrophysiology training at Istanbul University's top medical faculties
• Uses neural therapy and botulinum toxin for managing related neurological symptoms
• Expert in sleep disorders and headaches often associated with epilepsy cases
• Fellow of the Turkish Ministry of Health for specialised therapy applications

Professor Kursad Aydin has performed over 900 procedures and leads the paediatric neurology department at Medipol Mega University Hospital.

• Specialises in managing complex and medication-resistant epilepsy cases in children
• Performs Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) – a surgical ‘pacemaker’ for the brain to reduce seizures
• Expert in ketogenic diet therapy to manage epilepsy through metabolic control
• Highly skilled in combining medical management with surgical interventions for better outcomes
• Certified specialist from Gazi University, one of Turkey’s top medical faculties

Dr Gulumser Kiziltas Tokmak brings specialised expertise in electrophysiology to Hisar Hospital Intercontinental – focusing on the electrical activity of the brain to manage epilepsy.

• Holds a Master's degree in Electrophysiology from Istanbul University
• Uses EEG (electroencephalogram) monitoring to pinpoint irregular brain wave patterns and capture seizure data
• Performs EMG (electromyography) to assess nerve and muscle health in complex neurological cases
• Trained at the Cerrahpasa School of Medicine, one of Turkey's most prestigious medical institutions
• Previously served at major public and private neurology clinics across the region

Professor Sinan Comu is a highly regarded paediatric neurologist at Memorial Sisli Hospital with intensive training from top-tier institutions in the United States.

• Completed specialist paediatric neurology training at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Faculty
• Focuses on managing paediatric epilepsy, developmental delays, and complex metabolic or genetic disorders
• Member of the Child Neurology Society and the Turkish Neurological Society
• Certified in pediatrics after residency at the Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital in Ohio

Dr. Nihal Işık is a neurologist at Anadolu Medical Center. She has worked there since December 2020. Her focus areas include multiple sclerosis, headaches, botulinum toxin therapy, neuromuscular diseases, epilepsy, and dementia. She completed her medical and neurology training at Hacettepe University.

She won third prize in the MS category at the 38th National Neurology Congress in 2002. She has supervised 23 theses. Her publications include 25 international and 36 national peer-reviewed articles. She has presented 48 international and 137 national conference papers. She has chaired 8 sessions and given 14 invited talks or panels. She is the author of “Diagnosis and Treatment Guidelines for MS.” She is a member of the Turkish Medical Association, the Turkish Neurological Society, and the MS Study Group. She has served as the ECTRIMS Turkey representative since 2012.

Professor Baris Topcular has completed over 1,100 neurological treatments and leads the neurology department at the highly regarded Istanbul Science University.

• Uses molecular neuroimaging and brain PET scans for highly accurate seizure focus detection
• Gained international clinical experience at the University of Basel in Switzerland
• Specialises in neuropsychological assessment to evaluate how epilepsy impacts cognitive function
• Expert in botulinum toxin applications for associated muscular movement disorders
• Consults at the JCI-accredited Şişli Florence Nightingale Hospital

Associate Professor Bariş Ekici is a specialist in paediatric neurology who has authored five books on autism and childhood neurological disorders.

• Specialises in dietary therapies for childhood epilepsy to help manage drug-resistant seizures
• Researched positron emission tomography (PET) imaging for children with infantile spasms
• Studied epilepsy outcomes in børn with periventricular leukomalacia – a type of brain injury in infants
• Trained at Istanbul University – one of Turkey's oldest and most respected medical faculties

Professor Altindag is a multi-award-winning neurologist at Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital who has managed over 1,100 epilepsy procedures and complex consultations.

• Specialises in clinical neurophysiology, using advanced EEG monitoring to pin-point precise seizure origins
• Awarded first prize by the National Epilepsy Congress for her research into juvenile myoclonic epilepsy
• Subspecialised in neurophysiology, focusing on the electrical activity of the brain to guide treatment
• Active member of the Turkish Association for Combating Epilepsy and the Association of Child Neurology

Professor Ebru Erbayat Altay brings elite international training to Medipol Mega University Hospital, having refined her epilepsy expertise at the Barnes-Jewish Center for Comprehensive Epilepsy in the USA.

• Trained at the University of Washington – a world-leading hub for neurological research
• Specialises in managing complex adult and paediatric seizure disorders
• Expert in identifying surgical candidates for drug-resistant epilepsy cases
• Focuses on precise diagnosis through specialised neurological monitoring

Associate Professor Nesrin Helvaci Yilmaz is a highly accomplished neurologist at Medipol PARMER, specialising in the complex intersection of movement disorders and seizure management.

• Expert in managing reflex epilepsies and medication-induced seizures
• Completed prestigious training at the UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology in London
• Coordinates clinical treatment plans for patients at a dedicated movement disorder centre
• Published extensive research on epilepsy subtypes, including hot water epilepsy and status epileptikus
• Associate Professor at Istanbul Medipol University, leading medical student education in neurology

Professor Sultan Tarlaci is a senior neurologist at the JCI-accredited NP Istanbul Brain Hospital. He has authored several medical books and numerous peer-reviewed studies on complex brain disorders.

• Specialises in managing complex seizure cases and medication-resistant epilepsy
• Lead academic at Istanbul Uskudar University – a specialist neurosciences institution
• Extensive research background in epilepsy and degenerative brain diseases
• Received multiple national awards for contributions to neurosurgical research
• Completed residency at Ege University – one of Turkey's oldest medical schools

Professor Yasef Özsarfati is a leading neurologist at Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital who specialised at the prestigious Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine.

• Focuses on epilepsy management and complex seizure disorders
• Completed a fellowship in the United States focusing on behavioural neurology
• Recognised as a Professor at Istanbul University, one of Turkey's top medical institutions
• Holds senior membership in the neurology team at a JCI-accredited hospital
• Previously served as a specialist at the Iskenderun Navy Hospital

Professor Tahsin Ali Zirh is an accomplished neurosurgeon who completed prestigious fellowships at Johns Hopkins Hospital and Toronto Western Hospital.

• Specialises in functional neurosurgery for managing complex neurological conditions
• Highly trained in neurophysiology to monitor brain function during surgery
• Completed intensive surgical training across the UK, USA, and Canada
• Former Research Fellow at the University of Toronto's Neurosurgery Division
• Member of the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies

Associate Professor Buse Cagla Ari is a senior neurologist at the Medipol PARMER centre, where she focuses on complex neuro-emergencies and seizure management.

• Specialises in managing epilepsy cases and neurological emergencies
• Expert in diagnostic EEG – records brain activity to pinpoint seizure origins for more accurate treatment
• Board member of the Turkish Neurological Association's Neurorehabilitation Working Group
• Academic lecturer at Bahcesehir University training the next generation of neurologists
• Active researcher with over 15 papers published in international medical journals

Professor Mehmet Tonge serves as a senior specialist at Medipol Mega University Hospital – Turkey's largest private medical complex.

• Specialises in neurosurgery for the brain and nervous system
• Works within a JCI-accredited facility meeting international clinical standards
• Focuses on surgical solutions for neurological disorders
• Practices at a major university hospital that serves complex international cases

Associate Professor Suber Dikici is a senior neurologist at VM Medical Park Pendik Hospital with deep expertise in managing complex seizure disorders.

• Completed specialist DBS training in Dubai for deep brain stimulation procedures
• Specialises in sleep-related epilepsy and sleep medicine diagnostics
• Served as Associate Professor of Neurology at Düzce University for seven years
• Awarded for publication success and research contributions in clinical neurology
• Active member of the Turkish Sleep Medicine Association and Turkish Neurology Association