Depression Treatment in VM Medical Park Pendik Hospital

VM Medical Park Pendik Hospital in Istanbul, Turkey offers surgical treatments for severe, treatment-resistant depression. Diagnostic consultations cost around $125, with EEG running $220-440 and a brain MRI around $650-700. Surgical options include deep brain stimulation for about $20,000 and vagus nerve stimulation around $27,000. Neurosurgeon Prof. Dr. Erhan Arslan has performed over 1,100 procedures with 17 years of specialized experience.

Advanced Diagnostics for Depression

Doctors begin with a thorough assessment. A neurologist consultation is typically the first step. They then use tests to rule out other causes and plan treatment.

• Neurologist consultation: This initial evaluation typically costs around $125.
• EEG (Electroencephalogram): This test measures brain wave activity. It may cost between $220 and $440.
• Brain MRI: This scan provides detailed images of the brain structure. It is usually priced around $650 to $700.
• Other tests like blood work or CT scans are also available as needed.

Surgical Treatment Options

For cases where medications and therapy are not effective, the clinic offers two advanced surgical procedures. Both are performed by Prof. Dr. Erhan Arslan.

He specializes in minimally invasive neurosurgery. His training includes advanced study at Helsinki University. Prof. Arslan has over 17 years of experience in the field.

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)

This involves implanting a small, rechargeable device in the brain. It sends electrical signals to specific areas involved in mood regulation. The procedure requires a hospital stay of about 5 nights.

The package for DBS may cost around $20,000. It typically includes:

• Pre-operative consultations, MRI/CT scans, and blood tests.
• The DBS surgery and all associated doctor and operating room fees.
• A 5-night stay in a private hospital room with 24/7 nursing.
• Post-operative care, medication management, and follow-up appointments.
• Neurological rehabilitation support.
• Airport transfers and translation services.

Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)

This treatment implants a small pulse generator under the skin of the chest. It sends mild electrical pulses to the vagus nerve in the neck. Patients usually stay in the hospital for about 7 nights after surgery.

The VNS package may cost around $27,000. It generally includes:

• The VNS surgery and all related hospital and doctor fees.
• Pre-operative diagnostic testing.
• 7 nights of hospitalization with nursing care.
• 5 nights of post-discharge accommodation at the Grand Mira Hotel.
• Airport transfers and professional translation.

Clinic and Support

VM Medical Park Pendik is a large, JCI-accredited hospital. It has 400 beds and operates 24/7. The facility provides free airport transfers and multilingual support staff for international patients. Discussing your symptoms with a specialist is the first step toward exploring these advanced options.