Our Patients Testimonial Videos

With our multi-language support, we have served over 400K patients from all around the world to date, and we continue to do so.

Plan Your Personal Journey

Restore Your Quality of Life with Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)

I consent to receiving commercial electronic communications from Medicana Health Group in order to be informed about updates and relevant information.

I have read and acknowledge the Personal Data Protection Information Notice and hereby give my explicit consent.

Medical School And Graduation Year : MD, Istanbul University Cerrahpasa Faculty Of Medicine, 2000

Medical Speciality Training And Year : Residency In Neurosurgery, Mustafa Kemal University, 07/2007 – 04/2013

Professional Experience
Istanbul Health And Technology University, Chair, Department Of Neurosurgery, 2024 – Present
Istanbul Health And Technology University, Chair, Department Of Neurosurgery, 2024 – Present
Ataşehir Medicana International Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey, Chair, Movement Disorders And Neuromodulation Center, 2021 – Present
University Of Florida Center For Movement Disorders And Neurorestoration, Observer, 2016 – 2017
University Of Florida Health Shands Hospital, Collaborated With Prof. Kelly D. Foote And Prof. Michael S. Okun, 07/2017 – 08/2017

Areas Of Expertise
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) For Movement Disorders
Neuromodulation And Functional Neurosurgery
Establishing Neuromodulation Centers Globally
Training And Mentoring International Neurosurgical Fellows
Advanced Interventional Neuromodulation Approaches

Recognized as a pioneer in Neuromodulation, he has established numerous centers internationally, introduced groundbreaking applications in new regions, and mentored over 40 neurosurgical fellows from 30 countries, solidifying his contributions to advancing the field globally.

Professor Atilla YILMAZ, MD, has also served as the director of several international cadaver courses, providing invaluable hands-on training to surgeons and advancing their technical skills in the field of functional neurosurgery especially about Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery.

Furthermore, he has organized and held numerous international courses featuring live surgeries and educational sessions, sharing his expertise and fostering knowledge exchange among medical professionals worldwide. These initiatives underline his unwavering commitment to education and the continuous development of neurosurgical practices.

INDICATIONS

For Which Conditions Is
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Indicated?

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is an FDA- and CE-approved therapeutic modality used in the management of multiple conditions, primarily neurological movement disorders.

Movement Disorders

Parkinson’s Disease

›Indicated in advanced Parkinson’s disease when the response to pharmacological therapy declines.
›Helps control “on–off” motor fluctuations and dyskinesia.
›Provides significant reduction in tremor affecting the hands, arms, and jaw.
›Effective in improving bradykinesia and rigidity.
›May allow reduction of medication dosage, thereby decreasing medication-related side effects.
›Targeted neuromodulation is applied to specific brain regions responsible for symptoms.

Tremor Disorder

Essential Tremor

›One of the most effective treatment options for familial or idiopathic tremor.
›Can reduce tremor of the hands, arms, head, and voice by approximately 70–90%.
›Indicated in cases refractory to medical therapy.
›Direct modulation of brain regions involved in tremor control leads to significant symptom reduction.
›Improves daily activities such as eating, writing, and fine motor tasks.
›Can be performed unilaterally or bilaterally, depending on clinical indication.

Involuntary Muscle Contractions

Dystonia

›An effective treatment option for congenital or idiopathic movement disorders characterized by involuntary muscle contractions.
›May provide significant improvement in cervical dystonia (involuntary neck muscle contractions causing abnormal head posture) and generalized dystonia.
›Indicated in patients who do not respond adequately to pharmacological treatment.
›Symptom improvement may occur gradually over weeks to months.
›Can also be performed in pediatric and adolescent patients when clinically appropriate.

Seizure Disorders

Epilepsy

›Indicated in drug-resistant (refractory) epilepsy.
›Epileptogenic regions are identified using advanced neurodiagnostic methods, followed by targeted neuromodulation.
›Helps reduce the frequency and severity of seizures.
›Considered when resective epilepsy surgery is not a suitable option.

Psychiatric Disorders

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) & Tourette Syndrome

›Used in treatment-resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder.
›May help control severe motor and vocal tics in Tourette syndrome.
›Aims to modulate brain circuits involved in obsessive and compulsive behaviors.
›Symptom improvement typically occurs gradually over several months.

Packages

Surgeon, Anesthesia, and Hospital Fees

Preoperative Laboratory Tests and Consultations

4 Nights Hospital Stay

3 Nights in a 5-Star Hotel

One Companion Stay Included (Free of Charge)

VIP Transfers (Airport and Local Transportation)

Compression Garments and Postoperative Care

Intravenous (IV) Medications

Interpreter and Medical Support Services

Meals and Breakfast Included

Get Detailed Information

Deep Brain Stimulation
Turkey vs UK, USA & Europe

When comparing deep brain stimulation costs across different countries, Turkey is often considered a more cost-effective option. Prices may vary depending on the treatment plan, surgeon experience, and included services.

Patients can access comprehensive care options tailored to individual needs.

Get Your Personalised Deep Brain Stimulation Quote

Surgical
Process Planning

Virtual
Consultation

Travel & Accommodation
Planning

Discharge &
Ongoing Support

Multi Language
Support

Why Choose Us Medicana?

Medicana stands out in Deep Brain Stimulation with experienced surgeons, advanced surgical technology, and a personalized care process. It provides a comprehensive approach that includes cultural experiences, accommodation, and language support throughout the treatment journey.

Experienced surgeons

Advanced surgical technology

Full support with travel, accommodation & language services

Personalized care process

Commitment to trust and quality at an international level

Begin Your Transformation Story

Comfortable and All-Inclusive Deep Brain Stimulation Experience

Medicana offers personalised deep brain stimulation procedures performed by experienced surgeons in modern medical facilities, with comprehensive care tailored to your needs.

All-inclusive Deep Brain Stimulation treatment may include pre-operative tests, hospital stay, VIP transfers, and accommodation.

With over 30 years of international healthcare experience, Medicana performs a wide range of body contouring procedures for international patients each year.

Patients benefit from personalised treatment planning, thorough pre-operative evaluation, and structured post-operative care.

Costs may vary compared to other European countries, depending on the treatment plan and included services.

Procedures can be scheduled based on your availability and medical assessment.

Your dedicated medical team supports you throughout your journey, from consultation to recovery.

Start a New Chapter

Medicana Ataşehir Hospital Photos

Medicana Health Group hospitals offer a comfortable healthcare experience with advanced medical technology and facilities
designed with a patient-centered approach.

Get Information Now

Selected Hotel Photos

Throughout your seep brain stimulation journey, we provide
accommodation in comfortable hotels close to the hospital..

Easy access to the hospital

Comfortable stay in a 5-star hotel

In the heart of Istanbul, close to cultural attractions

International Offices & Hospitals

With our international offices, we are always closer and
more accessible to our clients.

Moldova

Romania

Kosovo, Pristina

Almaty, Kazakhstan

Macedonia, Skopje

Georgia, Batumi

Albania, Tirana

Georgia, Tbilisi

Winchester, UK

Sarajevo, Bosnia

Let’s Plan Your Deep Brain Stimulation

Medicana offers safe, comfortable, and expert Deep Brain Stimulation procedures with all-inclusive packages, internationally accredited surgeons, and 24/7 personalized care.

I consent to receiving commercial electronic communications from Medicana Health Group in order to be informed about updates and relevant information.

I have read and acknowledge the Personal Data Protection Information Notice and hereby give my explicit consent.

Begin Your Finest Healthcare
Experience in Turkey!

Start your journey toward world-class healthcare
in Turkey with Medicana.

Take the First Step Today

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore common questions about deep brain stimulation procedures, including recovery, results, and treatment options in Turkey.

How long does brain pacemaker (Deep Brain Stimulation) surgery take?

The electrode implantation phase typically lasts 3–4 hours. If the pulse generator (IPG) is implanted in the same session, the total procedure time may extend to 5–6 hours. Some centers perform these stages on separate days; in such cases, each session takes approximately 2–3 hours. Preoperative preparation (such as brain mapping and frame placement) is not included in these durations.

Will I feel pain during the surgery?

In awake procedures, local anesthesia is applied to the scalp. Since brain tissue does not contain pain receptors, no pain is felt during the surgery itself. Some patients may experience tension, pressure, or mild discomfort, but these are generally well tolerated. In cases performed under general anesthesia, the patient remains fully unconscious throughout the procedure.

What are the criteria for Parkinson’s surgery?

The main criteria for Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson’s disease include: (1) a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease for at least 4–5 years, (2) a good response to levodopa (positive levodopa test) or inability to control medication-related side effects, (3) absence of dementia or severe psychiatric disorders, and (4) adequate physical condition to tolerate surgery. Final eligibility is determined through a multidisciplinary team evaluation.

Does a brain pacemaker cure the disease completely?

No. Deep Brain Stimulation does not stop or reverse the underlying cause of Parkinson’s disease or similar neurodegenerative disorders. Its purpose is to control symptoms and improve quality of life. With appropriate patient selection, motor symptoms such as tremor, bradykinesia, and rigidity can be reduced by approximately 60–80%. Medication therapy is usually continued, although doses can often be reduced.

How long does the battery last? Does it need replacement?

Non-rechargeable (primary) batteries typically last 3–5 years depending on stimulation parameters, while rechargeable batteries may last 9–15 years. When the battery is depleted, only the pulse generator (IPG) is replaced; the intracranial electrodes remain in place. This is a minor surgical procedure, usually performed under general anesthesia and completed in about one hour.

Can a patient with a brain pacemaker undergo MRI?

Most modern Deep Brain Stimulation systems are manufactured as MRI-conditional. MRI scans at 1.5T or 3T can be performed under specific protocol conditions. However, it is essential to inform the radiology and neurology teams before imaging, and to verify the device model and its MRI compatibility status. Older-generation devices may have certain restrictions.

When can I return to daily life?

Patients can usually return to desk-based or office work within 2–4 weeks after surgery. Driving requires neurologist approval and is generally recommended after 4–6 weeks. Restrictions on heavy physical activity and sports are determined individually by your surgeon and neurologist. Improvements in quality of life become more noticeable after stimulation optimization, which typically takes 3–6 months.

What are the risks of brain pacemaker surgery?

As with any surgical procedure, Deep Brain Stimulation carries certain risks, including infection (1–3%), bleeding or stroke (1–2%), electrode misplacement or migration, and temporary neurological side effects (such as speech disturbances or balance issues). In the long term, rare complications may include lead fracture or discomfort at the battery site. In experienced centers, the rate of serious complications is low. Your surgeon will explain all potential risks in detail prior to the procedure.

PROF. ATILLA YILMAZ, MD