Medipol Mega University Hospital
Medipol Mega University Hospital
Turkey, Istanbul
Kursad Aydin
28 years of experience
Clinic is certified :
Epilepsy treatment cost in Turkey ranges from $2,000 to $42,000 depending on the complexity of the case. Comprehensive diagnostics of epilepsy run $900 to $1,100, while specialized interventions like deep brain stimulation surgery cost $23,000 to $38,700 or vagus nerve stimulation ranges from $12,000 to $18,000. Total expenses reflect the medical protocol and hospital tier, offering 40-70% savings compared to the US. Top cities include Istanbul and Ankara.
Typical Epilepsy Treatment Costs in Turkey
Bookimed Expert Insight: Pediatric patients requiring definitive diagnosis find high value in specialized neuropsychiatric centers. NP Istanbul Brain Hospital, the second-ranked brain hospital in Europe, offers pediatric packages around $2,450. These bundles include MRI, EEG, and drug monitoring under sedation for accuracy. For drug-resistant cases, JCI-accredited centers like Medipol Mega University Hospital provide access to US-trained epileptologists and advanced technologies. This ensures high-tier surgical planning at competitive Turkish rates.
| Turkey | Austria | Spain | |
| Vagus nerve stimulation | from $12,000 | from $30,000 | from $15,000 |
| Surgical treatment of epilepsy | from $15,000 | from $30,000 | from $25,000 |
| Stereotaxic surgeries | from $2,907 | from $25,000 | from $12,000 |
| Stem cell therapy for epilepsy | from $10,000 | from $25,000 | from $25,000 |
| Deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery | from $23,000 | from $45,000 | from $45,000 |
Prof. Dr. Baris Metin specializes in Epilepsy and Electroencephalography, with 26 years of experience of experience across Turkey and Belgium.
Professor Yaşar Kütükçü trained in neurology at the University of California San Francisco, bringing US expertise to Anadolu Medical Center.
Dr. Celal Salcini specializes in neurology with a focus on electrophysiology and movement disorders at NP Istanbul Brain Hospital.
Dr. Nuran Burcu Arkali specializes in EEG and EMG diagnostics – key tools for epilepsy management at Hisar Hospital Intercontinental.
Written by Anna Leonova
Written by Ana Hurevska
Written by Anna Leonova
Top-ranked epilepsy specialists in Turkey include Dr. Mustafa Kilic and Dr. Sait Ozturk. These doctors lead care at JCI-accredited centers like Medipol Mega and Medical Park. They specialize in neuromodulation and surgery for drug-resistant seizures to improve patient quality of life.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Specialists at Medipol Mega and Medical Park often combine neurology with neurosurgery. This teamwork is vital because it lets doctors decide quickly if you need surgery. Dr. Sait Ozturk is particularly noted for using deep brain stimulation, which is a specialized niche even among top surgeons.
Patient Consensus: Patients often mention how clearly doctors explain the details of Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS). They feel relieved when specialists provide a structured plan for managing seizures that medication could not stop.
Pediatric neurologists like Dr. Kursat Aydin and Dr. Sinan Comu specialize in pediatric epilepsy in Turkey. These experts manage seizure disorders in infants using advanced medicine and dietary therapies. For surgical cases, pediatric neurosurgeons like Dr. Nejat Akalan perform complex procedures to stop seizures.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Top Turkish specialists often work in multidisciplinary teams where neurologists and neurosurgeons collaborate daily. At centers like Medipol Mega, kids have access to both medication experts and surgeons in one building. This setup allows for faster transitions if a child needs surgery after trying several medications.
Patient Consensus: Parents often mention how calmly doctors explain brain activity and EEG results to their children. They feel reassured when specialists describe exactly how new medications or diets help stabilize a child's mood.
Yes, many epilepsy specialists in Turkey complete advanced training in Europe and the United States. These doctors hold fellowships from major centers like Cleveland Clinic or Great Ormond Street Hospital. This global focus ensures they use the latest protocols for seizure management and surgery.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Specialists in larger cities like Istanbul or Ankara often have the most international ties. Data shows these doctors frequently lead departments at JCI-accredited hospitals. This means they combine global training with the high patient volumes found in Turkey. This combination is ideal for patients needing precise vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) or focal resections.
Patient Consensus: Patients often mention how comfortable they felt because their doctors spoke perfect English. They were surprised that specialists took the time to explain every step of the EEG.
Prepare a video of your seizures and a timeline of past medications for your Turkish neurologist. You should bring physical copies of recent EEG and MRI scans on a CD. These records help specialists at clinics like Hisar Intercontinental or Medipol quickly tailor your epilepsy treatment plan.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Patients seeing specialists like Dr. Ebru Erbayat Altay at Lokman Hekim often get diagnostic updates. Our data shows Turkish neurosurgeons frequently recommend new long-term EEG monitoring after reviewing old files. This reveals seizure patterns that standard short tests often miss in complex epilepsy cases.
Patient Consensus: Patients felt relieved when they brought videos of their episodes. This helped doctors understand their condition without waiting for a seizure to happen in the hospital. Having Bookimed handle the logistics and medical translations made the fast-paced appointments feel much less stressful.
Turkish epilepsy specialists provide formal second opinions to confirm diagnoses and review complex treatment plans. Senior experts evaluate medical records and imaging to guide patients toward effective seizure control. These consultations help determine if surgery or neuromodulation, like vagus nerve stimulation, is appropriate.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Leading Turkish neurologists often review data from 24-hour EEG monitoring before suggesting surgery. This detailed monitoring helps them pinpoint seizure origins more accurately than standard tests. Choosing a doctor who collaborates with international centers ensures the latest research informs your plan.
Patient Consensus: Patients felt relieved when specialists explained their brain scans in detail during the second opinion. They appreciated that doctors took time to discuss both surgical and non-surgical options clearly. Many found the quick turnaround for report reviews helped them make treatment decisions much faster.
Neurosurgeons and functional neurosurgeons perform epilepsy surgeries like VNS and DBS in Turkey. These specialists work with epileptologists, who are neurologists focused only on epilepsy, to map brain activity. This teamwork helps doctors place electrodes precisely to stop or reduce seizure activity safely.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Turkish neurosurgeons often hold memberships in the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS). This means they follow strict European surgical standards, which is vital for complex brain procedures. Patients should prioritize doctors with international fellowships, as they use the latest global techniques.
Patient Consensus: Patients were surprised by how quickly they felt better after the VNS surgery. They noticed that having a translator during the neurological tests made the process much easier.
Turkish neurologists and epileptologists specialize in EEG and diagnostic mapping to locate seizure triggers. These experts complete extra fellowship training to master neurophysiology, which focuses on brain electrical activity. They use advanced tools like sEEG to map brain functions before considering any surgical options.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows that top Turkish specialists often lead dedicated neurophysiology labs within JCI-accredited hospitals. These doctors frequently hold memberships in the American Epilepsy Society, meaning they use global diagnostic protocols. This dual expertise in mapping and international research helps them identify surgical candidates more accurately.
Patient Consensus: Patients often mention how thorough the EEG monitoring feels in Turkish specialized centers. They appreciate that doctors explain the brain maps clearly, showing exactly where seizures start. This clarity helps families feel more involved and comforted throughout the diagnostic process.
Choosing Turkey for epilepsy treatment provides access to internationally trained specialists and surgical options like Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS). Patients benefit from JCI-accredited facilities, comprehensive diagnostic packages, and shorter waiting periods. Most leading Turkish clinics offer integrated logistics, including transfers and language assistance.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Turkish epilepsy care is highly focused on volume-based expertise. Specialists at major Istanbul centres often perform hundreds of DBS and VNS implantations annually. This high procedural volume typically leads to more refined surgical techniques. Patients should look for packages at centres like Medipol PARMER. These should explicitly include microelectrode recording for better surgical precision.
Patient Consensus: Patients value quick access to specialists. They also appreciate that Turkish neurologists often correct years of previous misdiagnoses. Families note that integrated support makes managing complex medical stays in Istanbul much easier. This includes translators and seamless transport between the airport and clinic.
Turkish epilepsy specialists are highly qualified. Many hold international certifications. They often complete fellowships at institutions like Harvard Medical School or the University of Washington. They use diagnostic tools like 3 Tesla MRI and video EEG to create precise treatment plans.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While basic diagnostics start around A$3,400, many experienced Turkish epileptologists specialise in dual-track care. Dr Baris Metin at NP Istanbul Brain Hospital combines clinical neurology with functional neuroimaging. This approach helps identify seizure focuses that standard scans might miss. This is vital for surgical candidates.
Patient Consensus: Patients from abroad note that specialists like Dr Kursad Aydin provide clear explanations. This helps them feel at ease. They value Turkish clinics for their modern equipment. They also appreciate the seamless support from dedicated translators and coordinators.
Turkish epilepsy centres report success rates between 70% and 80% for seizure reduction in suitable candidates. Specialist units like Liv Hospital achieve up to 91% success for specific brain surgeries. Outcomes depend on the seizure focus and the chosen procedure, such as resection or neurostimulation.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Success in Turkey is driven by specialisation rather than general neurosurgery. While many hospitals offer basic care, clinics like NP Istanbul Brain Hospital specialise exclusively in brain health. This focus allows for diagnostics like pharmacogenetic studies. These studies help doctors predict how a patient will respond to epilepsy medications before and after surgery.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that specialist neurologists in Turkey often provide more accurate diagnoses. They emphasise that daytime seizures often stop quickly after vagus nerve stimulator surgery. However, nighttime seizure patterns may take longer to change.
Turkey offers epilepsy care ranging from drug monitoring to complex neurosurgery. Specialists use 3 Tesla MRI and prolonged EEG to locate seizure foci. Treatments include deep brain stimulation (DBS) and vagus nerve stimulation (VNS). They also perform resective surgeries like temporal lobectomy. Success rates for medication stabilisation reach 70%.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While DBS is often linked to Parkinson's, Turkish neurosurgeons like Dr Ali Zirh use it extensively for epilepsy. He has performed over 2,000 such procedures. Patients benefit when combining this surgical expertise with pharmacogenetic studies. This helps doctors choose the exact medication based on a patient's DNA.
Patient Consensus: Patients in Turkey highlight the speed of diagnostics. They often complete full brain workups within two days. Many note the relief of finding clear answers after years of misdiagnosis elsewhere. Families appreciate the international departments and the presence of dedicated translators during every doctor's appointment.
Neurologists in Turkey use electroencephalograms (EEG) and 3 Tesla MRI scans as primary diagnostic tools. Clinics use genetic screening, pharmacogenetic studies, and visual evoked potentials to identify seizure origins. Specialist centres like NP Istanbul Brain Hospital provide paediatric-specific EEG and MRI diagnostics under sedation.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Turkish epilepsy centres often bundle diagnostics with surgical evaluation within 48 hours. For instance, packages at NP Istanbul Brain Hospital include therapeutic drug monitoring. These packages also include EEG and MRI scans. This rapid turnaround helps international patients avoid multiple trips. It also confirms surgical suitability for VNS or DBS treatments quickly.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that Turkish clinics often disprove prior domestic diagnoses through precise imaging. Many confirm that bringing a detailed seizure history speeds up the specialist review process. Bringing past EEG reports also helps the onsite team.
Candidacy for epilepsy surgery in Turkey depends on being drug-resistant. This means seizures persist after trying two anti-seizure medications. Turkish centres use Video EEG and 3-Tesla MRI to locate the seizure focus. Specialists like Dr Ebru Erbayat Altay confirm if surgery is safe.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Turkish neurosurgery centres offer single-cell microelectrode recording during Deep Brain Stimulation. This precision allowed surgeon Dr Ali Zirh to perform over 2,000 procedures. Patients with complex seizure foci often find more options here than at general hospitals. Always check if a clinic uses Medtronic devices. These allow for easier long-term adjustments back in Australia.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that symptoms alone do not determine candidacy. An intensive 2-day work-up in Istanbul is standard. Many felt relieved when specialists like Dr Kursad Aydin used EEG monitoring to re-evaluate previous diagnoses.
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: