20 Best Neurological Rehabilitation Doctors in Istanbul

Assoc. Prof. Ali Zirh has performed 1600+ Deep Brain Stimulation surgeries – a pioneer in movement disorder treatments at Medipol University's PARMER Center.

• 38 years specializing in functional neurosurgery
• Performs Microelectrode Recording at single-cell level – rare precision
• Trained at Johns Hopkins and Toronto Western Hospital
• Holds European Board of Neurosurgery certification
• Recipient of Global Health Awards' Best Neurosurgeon title

Dr. Mehmet Tonge specializes in cutting-edge treatments like MR Guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) at Medipol University Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders Center.

• Board member of Turkish Neurosurgical Society's Stereotactic & Functional Section
• Deep Brain Stimulation fellowship at Maastricht University
• 32 publications focused on movement disorder surgeries
• Member of World & European Stereotactic Neurosurgery Societies

Dr. Gunesh Yavuzer is a professor of physical therapy and a senior physician at Romatem Rehabilitation Centers. He holds a PhD from Erasmus University in the Netherlands. Dr. Yavuzer specializes in neurological recovery using robotic rehabilitation and gait analysis. He treats complex conditions like stroke, spinal cord injury, and Parkinson’s disease.

• Expert in robotic gait training and functional recovery for orthopedic cases.
• Published researcher with numerous international works in rehabilitation medicine.
• Treats patients at Romatem Hospitals, a center serving over 5,000 patients annually.
• Performs specialized procedures including Lokomat therapy and Anti-Gravity treadmill training.

Dr. Engin Cakar is a professor and rehabilitation specialist at Memorial Göztepe and Memorial Şişli Hospitals. He specializes in pain medicine, electrodiagnostic neurology, and stroke rehabilitation. Dr. Cakar chair’s the Brain Stimulation and Neurorestoration Working Group. He completed training in brain stimulation at Harvard Medical School.

• Author of over 40 articles in international peer-reviewed journals.
• Treats complex cases using transcranial magnetic and direct current stimulation.
• Is a member of the European Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine.
• Works at JCI-accredited Memorial Şişli Hospital, a center known for neurosurgery excellence.

Dr. Bestami Yalvac is an Assistant Professor at Galata University in Istanbul. He treats patients at the JCI-accredited Hisar Hospital Intercontinental. Dr. Yalvac specializes in ozone therapy for fibromyalgia and sports injuries. He completed his residency at Haydarpaşa Numune Training and Research Hospital.

• Treats chronic conditions like osteoporosis, rheumatic pain, and ankylosing spondylitis.
• Provides rehabilitation for stroke, spinal cord injuries, and nerve compression.
• Uses techniques such as dry needling, kinesiotaping, and orthopedic rehabilitation.
• Practices at a hospital serving over 500,000 patients every year.

Dr. Nuran Burcu Arkali is a neurologist at Hisar Hospital Intercontinental in Istanbul. She specializes in electrophysiology and neurodegenerative disorders. Dr. Arkali completed a master’s program in electrophysiology at Istanbul University. She helped establish the neurology clinic and intensive care unit at Diyarbakir Training Hospital.

• Expertise in EEG, EMG, and video-EEG monitoring for epilepsy.
• Treats Parkinson’s disease and dementia using medication and neural therapy.
• Performs Botulinum toxin applications specifically for headache and movement disorders.
• Works at Hisar Hospital, which holds the JCI accreditation for safety.

Dr. Selvinaz Edizer is a pediatric neurology specialist at Memorial Bahçelievler Hospital in Istanbul. She focuses on neurological conditions in children and infants. She has held specialized roles at several major Turkish medical institutions. Dr. Edizer works at a JCI-accredited facility recognized for international patient safety standards.

• Specializes in pediatric neurology and neurosurgery.
• Served at Bezmialem Foundation University as a pediatric neurology specialist.
• Completed specialized service at Istanbul Bağcılar Education and Research Hospital.
• Practices at Memorial Bahçelievler, a center known for its eco-friendly recovery design.

Dr. Selin Bozkurt Alp is a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation specialist. She earned her medical degree from Uludag University in 2010. She completed specialty training at Istanbul Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital in 2018. She worked at Giresun Tirebolu State Hospital during compulsory service from 2020–2021. She later served at Istanbul Sultanbeyli State Hospital.

Her practice covers stroke, spinal cord injury, orthopedic rehabilitation, and rheumatic diseases. She provides pain management. She performs botulinum toxin injections, ultrasound-guided intra-articular injections, PRP, ESWT, and robotic therapy (RoboSpine). She also offers acupuncture, phytotherapy, and neural therapy. Her interests include fibromyalgia, cervical and lumbar disc herniation, heel spur, lipedema, and pediatric orthopedic conditions.

Dr. Baris Metin brings 26 years of neurology expertise across Turkey and Belgium, specializing in complex neurological conditions.

• Specializes in memory disorders and functional neuroimaging
• Published multiple research papers in international journals
• Expert in epilepsy, EEG, headaches, and sleep disorders

Dr. Celal Salcini is a neurologist and epileptologist at NP Istanbul Brain Hospital. He specializes in electrophysiology, movement disorders, and dementias. He serves as a neurology specialist at a JCI-accredited facility in Istanbul. Dr. Salcini translates clinical research into patient care for multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease.

• Performs Video-EEG monitoring and electroencephalography (EEG) for epilepsy diagnosis.
• Treats neurodegenerative diseases, essential tremors, and complex spinal pain.
• Authored a chapter on spinal cord diseases for Merritt's Neurology Handbook.
• Provides care in English, Serbian, Bosnian, and Turkish.

Dr. Kursad Aydin is a neurologist and pediatric neurosurgeon at Medipol Mega University Hospital in Istanbul. He treats childhood conditions such as epilepsy and muscular dystrophy. Dr. Aydin completed pediatric neurology training at Gazi University. He works at a JCI-accredited facility that treats 1,000,000 patients annually.

• Uses medication to treat pediatric epilepsy and performs neurological rehabilitation.
• Treats children with cerebral palsy through rehabilitation programs.
• Was a medical faculty member at Gazi University and Selcuk University.
• Practices at a clinic that treats pediatric oncology and hematology cases.

With over 25 years of clinical and academic experience, the doctor is a highly accomplished specialist in Orthopedics and Traumatology. Clinical expertise encompasses hand surgery, foot and ankle surgery, arthroplasty, orthopedic oncology, and trauma surgery. The doctor has held significant positions at various training and research hospitals, including serving as a founding specialist at the Hand Surgery Clinic of Baltalimanı Bone Diseases Training and Research Hospital.

The doctor has pursued international professional development, including an observership at Mount Sinai Hospital in Chicago. After being appointed Associate Professor in 2018, the doctor attained the rank of Professor in 2024 and currently practices as a specialist in Orthopedics and Traumatology.

Dr. Cahide Yilmaz is a pediatric neurologist at NP Istanbul Brain Hospital. She is dually certified in general pediatrics and pediatric neurology. Dr. Yilmaz focuses on brain health and developmental disorders in children. She works at Turkey’s first private neuropsychiatric hospital, which holds JCI accreditation.

• Served as Associate Professor of Pediatric Neurology at Mustafa Kemal University.
• Held a faculty role as Associate Professor at Yıldırım Beyazıt University.
• Treats neurological conditions using advanced monitoring and diagnostic tools.
• Provides care at Europe’s second-ranked brain hospital.

Dr. Gunes Yavuzer has been a Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation since February 2011. He became an Associate Professor in April 2003. He earned the European Board Certificate in 2004. He graduated from Ankara University Faculty of Medicine. He completed his specialty training in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation there. He later earned his doctorate at Erasmus University.

His clinical and academic roles have included Ankara University Faculty of Medicine Hospitals and the Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan, Wayne State University (USA). He has also worked with Haliç University Faculty of Health Sciences, Formed Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Clinic in Istanbul, and Romatem Move.

Dr. Ilker Garipoğlu is a pediatric rehabilitation specialist at Medistate Hospital Istanbul. He treats children with cerebral palsy and traumatic brain injuries. Dr. Garipoğlu works at a JCI-accredited facility that treats 200,000 patients annually. He offers online consultations for international families.

• Uses suspension therapy and Anti-Gravity treadmill training.
• Treats multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injuries.
• Performs neurological and orthopedic rehabilitation for children.
• Uses specialized gross therapy tools and verticalizers.