The cost of Arnold Chiari syndrome treatment in Turkey varies depending on the treatment plan. Chiari malformation decompression and duraplasty range from $9,300 to $28,000. Additional costs include MRI of the cranial nerves and full spinal MRI, priced at $750, as well as genetic testing (WES) at $1,000. The treatment plan is customized based on the patient"s specific needs and medical evaluations.
| Turkey | Austria | Spain | |
| Craniotomy | from $5,650 | from $20,000 | from $25,000 |
Prof. Erkan Kaptanoglu specializes in complex spinal surgeries, including Arnold Chiari syndrome, with over 34 years of experience of neurosurgical experience.
The doctor graduated from Dicle University Faculty of Medicine in 1984 and completed specialization training in Pediatric Surgery at the same institution in 1994. With a focus on neonatal surgery, pediatric urology, oncological surgery, and more, the doctor holds a Turkish Pediatric Surgery Qualification Certificate since 2002.
Having participated in numerous specialized courses, including Anorectal Malformations and Repairs and International Hypospadias Courses, the doctor is a member of several professional societies such as the Turkish Society of Pediatric Surgery and the Pediatric Urology Society.
Dr. Baran Yil specializes in complex neurosurgical conditions at Valued Med Hub Hospitals, with training from Yale School of Medicine.
Over 30 years of experience as Chief Assistant at GATA Haydarpaşa Training Hospital – Dr. Kapici specializes in complex neurosurgical cases like Arnold Chiari syndrome.
Turkey houses top neuroseurgeons specializing in Arnold Chiari syndrome, including Dr. Mehmet Ozek and Dr. Erkan Kaptanoglu. These specialists offer decades of experience, international fellowship training from Yale University, and expertise in complex decompression techniques to treat brain and spinal cord anomalies effectively.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Specialists in Turkey often hold dual expertise in both pediatric and adult neurosurgery. Dr. Mehmet Besir Surme, for example, has published specific research on cerebellar assessments for Chiari malformations. This deep academic focus helps patients receive more accurate surgical planning for complex posterior fossa decompression.
Patient Consensus: Patients mention that chronic headaches and neck pain often vanish within weeks of surgery. Some travelers emphasize the importance of using a detailed 3D imaging review during initial consultations. Others noted that vision and balance improved dramatically after expert-level decompression procedures in Istanbul.
Turkey hosts skilled pediatric neurosurgeons like Dr. Mehmet Ozek and Dr. Baran Yil who specialize in Chiari malformation treatment. These specialists utilize advanced decompression techniques and hold memberships in the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) to ensure results align with global standards.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Patients seeking treatment for Arnold Chiari syndrome often benefit from selecting specialists with dual fellowship training. For instance, Dr. Mehmet Ozek and Dr. Baran Yil both completed fellowships at Yale University. This specific training background suggests they are comfortable with complex cerebrovascular and skull base procedures common in pediatric cases.
Patient Consensus: Parents report life-changing results and immediate headache relief for their children after undergoing decompression surgery. Families emphasize the importance of bringing a translator app and planning for extended hotel stays for follow-up appointments. Some noticed that Turkish hospitals might use deeper sedation for MRIs than they originally expected.
You can find Arnold Chiari syndrome specialists in major Turkish hubs like Ankara, Antalya, and Eskisehir. Highly qualified neurosurgeons in these cities often hold European fellowships and board certifications. They specialize in posterior fossa decompression and treating congenital anomalies to improve cerebrospinal fluid flow.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While Istanbul is the largest medical hub, Eskisehir has emerged as a specialized center for Chiari malformations. Dr. Mehmet Besir Surme has published specific research on Chiari Type I and cerebellar assessments. Patients may find shorter wait times there compared to the high-demand clinics in Istanbul or Ankara.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize the importance of finding surgeons who specifically understand decompression techniques. Many travelers noticed that their pre-operative MRI scans from Turkish clinics transferred easily to international specialists for second opinions. Others highlight the value of checking for related conditions, such as connective tissue disorders, during the initial evaluation.
Healthcare is the key development sector of the Turkish government. The Turkish authorities are convinced that care for the citizens' health should be an absolute priority of state policy and spend about 77 billion liras for healthcare annually.
As a result, 28,000 medical facilities provide excellent medical care in the country. About 50 centers have certificate of JCI (Joint Commission International), the international improver of healthcare quality and safety across the globe. The index of certificates obtained is the largest. To compare, Israel has 20 JCI-accredited facilities, and Germany — only 10 clinics of this type.
| Currency | lira (you also can pay for services in dollars and euros) |
| Best period for the trip | May-October |
| Language | Turkish (most of medical staff speaks English fluently) |
| Visa | is not required for a trip of at least 30 days per visit |
| Time difference with Europe | 3 hours |
| Time difference with the USA | 8 hours |
| Capital | Ankara |
| Medical tourism center | Istanbul |
| Popular resorts | Alanya, Antalya, Kemer, Marmaris |
In Turkey, hotels of different price ranges and service levels are presented. The level of Turkish hotels is comparable to hotels in Tunisia, Morocco or Egypt. Most tourists choose 4 and 5 star hotels with all-inclusive meals. Such hotels have everything for a comfortable stay: varied food, a large well-groomed territory, animation for children and adults. Some hotels have their own water park, which guests can use for free. Budget travelers can afford to book an economical 3-star hotel with half board or no meals at all.
The main advantage of Turkish resorts is the long beach season. On the Mediterranean coast, it starts in April and lasts until November. In the resorts of the Aegean Sea — from May to October. The most comfortable time for swimming is from mid-June to the end of October. A large influx of tourists is in July-August, when the air temperature is +38°C, and the water warms up to +27°C.
In 2020, the Republic of Turkey has visa-free agreements with 89 states. Some foreigners are exempted from obtaining entry visas, others are required to receive an electronic visa (e-Visa), and still others must apply for a visa at Turkish missions abroad.
What states need a visa for treatment in Turkey and what countries can cross the border free and easy read here.
Visas for travel to Turkey require a number of documents. The necessary papers can be submitted 90 days before the planned departure. Lists of documents includes: