Best Vagus nerve stimulation doctors in Turkey: TOP 32 doctors

Prof. Dr. Onur YAMAN was born in Germany in 1976. In 2001, he graduated from Ege University Faculty of Medicine. In 2009, he received his specialization in Neurosurgery from Celal Bayar University. Between 2009-2011, he worked as a Neurosurgeon at Muş State Hospital and Rize Training and Research Hospital. Between 2011-2013, he worked at Tepecik Training and Research Hospital. Between 2013-2014, he worked at Ankara Spine Center. Between 2014-2018, he worked at Koç University Hospital Spine Center and received the title of associate professor in 2015. Between 2018-2024, he worked at Memorial Hospitals Group's Spine Center and was awarded the title of professor in 2021. Between 2023-2024, he worked as an instructor at Arel University Faculty of Medicine. Since 2024, he has been working at NPISTANBUL Brain Hospital and at the same time he is an instructor at Üsküdar University Faculty of Medicine.

Prof. Dr. Onur YAMAN is the president of the Middle East Spine Society since 2022. In addition, he is active in many professional associations.

He has made numerous oral presentations at international and national congresses and has edited books and book chapters published in many international and national publishing houses.

Education and Specialization:

• Medical Degree: Dokuz Eylül University Faculty of Medicine (1996)
• Specialization in Neurosurgery: Bakırköy Mazhar Osman Training and Research Hospital for Psychiatry, Neurology, and Neurosurgery (1997-2003)

Professional Experience:

• 2003-Present: Neurosurgery Specialist with extensive experience, including roles at the Bakırköy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital and currently at VM Medical Park Florya Hospital, Istanbul.

Areas of Expertise:

• Spinal Surgery: Expertise in treating conditions like spinal stenosis, herniated discs, and complex spine deformities.
• Brain Tumor Surgery: Specializes in the surgical removal of brain tumors, including minimally invasive and endoscopic techniques.
• Pediatric Neurosurgery: Proficient in treating spinal and brain conditions in children, such as spina bifida and pediatric brain tumors.
• Gamma Knife Surgery: Uses advanced radiosurgical techniques for treating brain tumors and other neurological disorders.
• Scoliosis Treatment: Offers comprehensive treatment options for scoliosis, including surgical correction.
• Cerebrovascular Surgery: Skilled in surgeries for cerebrovascular diseases, including aneurysm repairs and AVM treatments.

Research and Publications: Dr. Güçlü has published numerous articles in prestigious journals, focusing on spinal surgery techniques, brain tumor management, and pediatric neurosurgery. His work has been recognized for its impact on improving surgical outcomes and patient care in neurosurgery.

Neurosurgery Training: Gazi University, Department of Neurosurgery, 2011 

H index: 10, I10 Index: 12 Citations: 296

 Dr Mehmet Tonge has international and nationwide 32 publications, 12 book chapters, 92 oral and poster presentations and 41 invited lectures, mostly on Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery. 

Work & Training experience:

2004-2011: Gazi University, Department of Neurosurgery (Residency)

 2008: Zurich University Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery (Intraoperative MRI applications), Switzerland 

2008: Zurich University Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery: Microneurosurgery, white matter dissection, interventional neuroradiology courses, Switzerland 

2011 – 2012: Sinop Ataturk State Hospital, Neurosurgeon

 2012 – 2013: Cankiri State Hospital, Neurosurgeon 

2013 – 2014: Istanbul Medipol University, Department of Neurosurgery & Gamma Knife Center (Ass Prof) 

2013 – now: Maastricht University Neurosurgery & Neuroscience Department (Visiting scientist, PhDc) The Netherlands 

2014: Maastricht University, The Netherlands: Deep Brain Stimulation Fellowship 2014-2018: Istanbul Memorial Hospital Neurosurgery: Staff Neurosurgeon

 2016-2018: Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital (Consultant, Gamma Knife Center) 

2018-now: Istanbul Medipol University (Stereotactic & Functional Neurosurgery, Gamma Knife Center) Ass. Prof.) 

Dr Mehmet Tonge has completed 4-year cycle EANS (European Association of Neurosurgical Societies) Training courses. 

Clinical areas of interest:

 • Stereotactic & Functional Neurosurgery

 • Surgery for movement disorders

• * MR Guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS)

 • Gamma Knife Radiosurgery 

• Surgery for pain & spasticity 

• Psychosurgery

Research areas of interest: 

• Deep brain stimulation

• * MR Guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS)

 • Stereotactic radiosurgery 

Administrative duties:

 • Turkish Neurosurgical Society, Sterotactic & Functional Neurosurgery Section: Board member 2015- 2017 

• Turkish Neurosurgical Society, Sterotactic & Functional Neurosurgery Section: Board member (Secretary) 2017-2019

 • Turkish Skull Base Society: Board member 2016-2018

 • Turkish Skull Base Society: Supervisory board member 2018-2020

 • Deep Brain Stimulation and Movement Disorders Surgery Society: Executive Board Member, (Accountant) 2023-still 

Memberships: 

• WSSFN (World Stereotactic & Functional Neurosurgery Society) 

• ESSFN (European Stereotactic & Functional Neurosurgery Society)

 • Deep Brain Stimulation and Movement Disorders Surgery Society

 • Deep Brain Stimulation Society 

• International Stereotactic Radiosurgery Society 

• Leksell Gamma Knife Society 

• EANS (European Association of Neurosurgical Societies) 

• Turkish Neurosurgical Society

• Turkish Skull Base Society

Sample Publications: 

1. Tonge M. Technological developments in electric based DBS. Deep Brain Stimulation 2024 4(36-41) DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdbs.2023.12.001 

2. Akgul E, Onan HB, Islek I, Tonge M, Durmus Y, Barburoglu M, Azizova A, Erol C, Hakyemez B, Sencer S, Aydin K, Arat A. Flow diverter stents in the treatment of recanalized intracranial aneurysms. Interv Neuroradiol. 2021 Aug;27(4):481-489. doi: 10.1177/1591019921990507. Epub 2021 Jan 28. PMID: 33509011; PMCID: PMC8580529. 

3. Mulders AEP, Temel Y, Tonge M, Schaper FLWVJ, van Kranen-Mastenbroek V,Ackermans L, Kubben P, Janssen MLF, Duits A. The association between surgical characteristics and cognitive decline following deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus in Parkinson's disease. Clin Neurol Neurosurg. 2021 Jan;200:106341. doi: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2020.106341. Epub 2020 Nov 3. PMID: 33160716. 

4. Wetzelaer P, Vlis T, Tonge M, Ackermans L, Kubben P, Evers S, Kocabicak E, Temel Y. Management of Hardware Related Infections after DBS Surgery: A Cost Analysis. Turk Neurosurg. 2018;28(6):929- 933. doi: 10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.21511-17.1. PMID: 29465741. 

5. Bedirli N, Emmez G, Ünal Y, Tönge M, Emmez H. Effects of positive end- expiratory pressure on intracranial pressure during pneumoperitoneum and Trendelenburg position in a porcine mode. Turk J Med Sci. 2017 Nov 13;47(5):1610-1615. doi: 10.3906/sag-1609-17. PMID: 29152942. 

6. Sari R, Tonge M, Bolukbasi FH, Onoz M, Baskan O, Silav G, Elmaci I. Management of Failed Cranioplasty. Turk Neurosurg. 2017;27(2):201-207. doi: 10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.15395-15.0. PMID: 27593759. 

7. Tonge M, Kocabicak E, Ackermans L, Kuijf M, Temel Y. Final Electrode Position in Subthalamic Nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery: A Comparison of Indirect and Direct Targeting Methods. Turk Neurosurg. 2016;26(6):900-903. doi: 10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.13739-14.1. PMID: 27337232. 

8. Tonge M, Ackermans L, Kocabicak E, van Kranen-Mastenbroek V, Kuijf M, Oosterloo M, Kubben P, Temel Y. A detailed analysis of intracerebral hemorrhages in DBS surgeries. Clin Neurol Neurosurg. 2015 Dec;139:183-7. doi: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2015.10.017. Epub 2015 Oct 23. PMID: 26513430. 

9. Silav G, Bölükbaşı FH, Özek E, Tönge M, Önöz M, Elmacı İ. A Simple Technique for Bone Storage after Decompressive Craniectomy in Children. Pediatr Neurosurg. 2015;50(3):161-4. doi: 10.1159/000381748. Epub 2015 May 14. PMID: 25998533. 

10. Yilmaz MB, Donmez H, Tonge M, Senol S, Tekiner A. Vertebrojugular arteriovenous fistula and pseudoaneurysm formation due to penetrating vertebral artery injury: case report and review of the literature. Turk Neurosurg. 2015;25(1):141-5. doi: 10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.8247-13.1. PMID: 25640560. 

11. Kurt G, Tönge M, Çeltıkçı E, Çapraz I, Serdaroğlu A, Bılır E. Surgery for intractable temporal lobe epilepsy: experience of a single institution. Turk J Med Sci. 2014;44(5):866-70. doi: 10.3906/sag-1307- 30. PMID: 25539559. 

12. Yılmaz MB, Tönge M, Emmez H, Kaymaz F, Kaymaz M. Neuroprotective effects of quetiapine on neuronal apoptosis following experimental transient focal cerebral ischemia in rats. J Korean Neurosurg Soc. 2013 Jul;54(1):1-7. doi: 10.3340/jkns.2013.54.1.1. Epub 2013 Jul 31. PMID: 24044072; PMCID: PMC3772279. 

13. Yilmaz MB, Egemen E, Tonge M, Kaymaz M. Transoral protrusion of a peritoneal catheter due to gastric perforation 10 years after a ventriculoperitoneal shunting: case report and review of the literature. Turk Neurosurg. 2013;23(2):285-8. doi: 10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.4904-11.1. PMID: 23546921. 

14. Omerhodzic I, Tonge M, Matos B, Musabeliu E, Raspanti C, Ferdinandov D, Galimova R, Muroi C, Balik V, Kursumovic A. Neurosurgical training programme in selected European countries: from the young neurosurgeons' point of view. Turk Neurosurg. 2012;22(3):286-93. doi: 10.5137/1019- 5149.JTN.5133-11.0. PMID: 22664994. 

15. Ergun E, Kurt G, Tonge M, Aytar H, Tas M, Baykaner K, Ceviker N. Effects of phenytoin sodium on dura mater healing in a rat model of CSF leakage. Turk Neurosurg. 2011;21(4):471-6. PMID: 22194102. 

16. Emmez H, Tonge M, Tokgoz N, Durdag E, Gonul I, Cevıker N. Radiological and histopathological comparison of microporous polysaccharide hemospheres and oxidized regenerated cellulose in the rabbit brain: a study of efficacy and safety. Turk Neurosurg. 2010 Oct;20(4):485-91. doi: 10.5137/1019- 5149.JTN.3300-10.2. PMID: 20963698. 

17. Emmez H, Yildirim Z, Kale A, Tönge M, Durdağ E, Börcek AO, Uçankuş LN, Doğulu F, Kiliç N, Baykaner MK. Anti-apoptotic and neuroprotective effects of α-lipoic acid on spinal cord ischemiareperfusion injury in rabbits. Acta Neurochir (Wien). 2010 Sep;152(9):1591-600; discussion 1600-1. doi: 10.1007/s00701-010-0703-9. Epub 2010 Jun 10. PMID: 20535507. 

18. Kurt G, Tonge M, Börcek AO, Karahacioglu E, Gurel O, Baykaner K, Ceviker N, Aykol S. Fractionated gamma knife radiosurgery for optic nerve tumors: a technical report. Turk Neurosurg. 2010 Apr;20(2):241-6. doi: 10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.1681-09.3. PMID: 20401852. 

19. Emmez H, Kale A, Tönge M, Cakir A, Ceviker N. Two meningiomas with different histological grades in the same patient. Case report. Neurol Med Chir (Tokyo). 2010;50(8):686-8. doi: 10.2176/nmc.50.686. PMID: 20805656.

Prof. Dr. Ersoy Kocabicak brings extensive expertise in functional neurosurgery, specializing in advanced neuromodulation techniques at Atlas University Hospital.

• Founding member of the International Deep Brain Stimulation Association
• Author of 46+ international publications on deep brain stimulation and Parkinson's disease
• Leads the Ondokuz Mayıs University Neuromodulation Center
• Trained at Maastricht University's prestigious neuroscience department

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

2019-present: Department of Neurosurgery, Florence Nightingale Hospitals affiliated to Demiroglu Bilim University Medical Faculty, Istanbul/Turkey. Associate Professor

2017-2019: Department of Neurosurgery, Liv Hospital Ulus affiliated to Istinye University Medical Faculty, Istanbul/Turkey. Associate Professor

2016-2017: Department of Neurosurgery, Liv Hospital Ulus affiliated to Istinye University Medical Faculty, Istanbul/Turkey. Assistant Professor

2015-present: Department of Neurosurgery, Liv Hospital Ulus, Istanbul/Turkey. Attending Neurosurgeon

2013-2015: Department of Neurosurgery, GOP Taksim Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul/Turkey. Attending Neurosurgeon

2006-2012: Department of Neurosurgery, Istanbul School of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul/Turkey. Resident

EDUCATION 

October 2017-March 2018: Clinical Fellowship on Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover/Germany (Professor Joachim K. Krauss M.D, Ph.D)

January-April 2010: Clinical Fellowship on Microsurgery of Peripheral Nerves and Brachial Plexus, Division of Peripheral Nerve Reconstruction, Department of Neurosurgery, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, affiliated to Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv/Israel (Professor Shimon Rochkind M.D, Ph.D)

2006-2012: Resident at Department of Neurosurgery, Istanbul School of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul/Turkey

2005-2006: Resident at Department of Anatomy, Cerrahpasa School of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul/Turkey

1999-2005: Istanbul School of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul/Turkey GPA: 3.17/4.00

1991-1999: Istanbul Erkek Lisesi (High School), Istanbul/Turkey GPA: 4.47 / 5.00

Personal Information

Name Surname : Mustafa SEZER
Place of Birth - Year :    Balıkesir - 1969
Academic Title : Op. Dr.
Foreign Language : English

Education

Ankara Numune Hospital 1998-2003
Osmangazi Faculty of Medicine 1994
Work Experience

Private Century Hospital 2000-... 
Ankara Numune Hospital Brain and Neurosurgery Clinic 1998-2003
Kocaeli Ulaşlı Health Centre 1996-1998
Siirt State Hospital Emergency Service 1994-1996

Education:

Medical Faculty, Trakya University,  

Edirne, Turkey (1994-2000)

Professional Experience:

General Practitioner and Emergency Physician

Bartın (2000-2004)

Specialization:  

Department of Neurosurgery, S.B. Göztepe Training and Research Hospital,  

Istanbul (2004-2010)

Participation in the Accreditation Process by the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS) during  

Specialization (2004-2010)

Completion of Compulsory Service as Specialist Physician

Tokat State Hospital, Tokat (2010-2012)

Assistant Professor, Department of Neurosurgery

Gaziosmanpaşa University, Tokat (2012-2014)

Contribution to the Establishment of the Department of Neurosurgery at Medipol University  

(2012-2014)

Lecturer

Medipol University, Istanbul (2012-2014)

Specialist Physician

Memorial Istanbul Hospitals, Istanbul (2014-2018)

Lecturer, Faculty of Health Sciences

Eurasia University, Istanbul (2014-2021)

Associate Professor in the field of Neurosurgery (2021- )

Specialist Physician

Acıbadem Maslak Hospital, Istanbul (2018-2021)

Specialist Physician

Liv Hospital Ulus, Istanbul (2021-2023)

2023 –

Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital, Istanbul

Skills and Achievements:

Obtained Associate Professorship in the field of Neurosurgery (2021)

Experience in Academic Teaching and Management (2012-2021)

Proficiency in Turkish (Native) and English (Advanced)

Professor of Neurology specializing in demyelinating processes and Parkinson's disease at Medipol Mega University Hospital.

• Expert in neurological conditions requiring advanced treatment
• Focuses on complex neurological disorders
• Academic background in neurology

Dr. Mehmet Osman Akcakaya is a neurosurgeon with 18 years of experience. He specializes in microneurosurgery and functional neurosurgery. He treats head trauma, brain tumors, Parkinson’s disease, and spinal disorders. Dr. Akcakaya uses advanced surgical techniques for these complex conditions.

He has received several awards, including the Second Prize for 'Best Oral Presentation' at the Congress of the Nervous System Surgery Society. He completed a 4-year training program with the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS). He also holds the EANS board certificate (Part I). Dr. Akcakaya has completed fellowships in Israel and Germany.

He is a member of the Turkish Association of Neurosurgery and EANS. He has also served on scientific committees for international courses on endoscopic spine surgery.

Assoc. Prof. Mustafa Yavuz Samanci specializes in functional neurosurgery, including vagus nerve stimulation, at Medipol University Parkinson's and Movement Disorders Center.

• Board-certified neurosurgeon with over 15 years of experience
• Trained in stereotactic and functional neurosurgery at Koç University
• Member of the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
• Active in clinical research on neuromodulation techniques

Prof. Dr. Salih Murat İmer is a neurosurgeon with over 30 years of experience. He founded and led the Neurosurgery Department at Okan University Hospital. He has written 68 scientific articles and contributed to 9 book chapters. Dr. İmer has also presented at 33 international congresses, showing his influence in neurosurgery worldwide.

Dr. İmer holds advanced certifications in functional and stereotactic neurosurgery, Leksell Gamma Knife radiosurgery, and endoscopic spine surgery. He received specialized training in several European countries. He has worked with leading experts such as Prof. Matti Vapalahti and Prof. Juha Hernesniemi. Through these collaborations, he has helped improve neurosurgical practice and education around the world.

Dr. Чагла Ары is an Associate Professor of Neurology with expertise in vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), epilepsy, and movement disorders, practicing at Medipol Acibadem District Hospital.

• Neurology residency at Erenköy Mental Health and Neurology Training Hospital
• Specializes in Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, and headache disorders
• Member of the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
• Experienced in EEG, polysomnography, and botulinum toxin treatments
• Holds academic positions at Bahçeşehir and Medipol Universities

Prof. Halil Can specializes in functional neurosurgery, including vagus nerve stimulation, at Istinye University Liv Hospital Topkapı.

• Professor of neurosurgery with extensive research in spinal and nerve treatments
• Expert in minimally invasive techniques for neurological conditions
• Published multiple studies on innovative neurosurgical procedures

Specializes in robotic and laparoscopic surgeries, including complex procedures like radical prostatectomies and cystectomies.

• Over 20 years of experience in urology
• Trained at S.B. Ankara Training and Research Hospital
• Performs advanced techniques like Retzius-sparing robotic prostatectomy
• Expert in female incontinence surgeries

Dr. Mucuoglu specializes in functional neurosurgery, including vagus nerve stimulation, at Atlas University Hospital.

• Completed advanced training in functional neurosurgery in Lithuania
• Member of the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies
• Published research on minimally invasive neurosurgical techniques
• Experienced in both adult and pediatric neurosurgery

Dr. Mehmet Tonge is a neurosurgeon with expertise in Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery. He specializes in MR Guided Focused Ultrasound, deep brain stimulation, Gamma Knife Radiosurgery, and surgery for movement disorders, pain, and spasticity.

Dr. Tonge has published 32 articles in international and national journals and written 12 book chapters. He has presented 92 oral and poster presentations and delivered 41 invited lectures. He completed a Deep Brain Stimulation Fellowship at Maastricht University and finished the 4-year EANS training cycle. Dr. Tonge is known for his research and clinical work in functional neurosurgery.

Dr. Ela Simay Zengin specializes in neurological disorders with extensive training across multiple prestigious institutions.

• Member of the American Academy of Neurology and European Academy of Neurology
• Experienced in treating epilepsy and Parkinson's disease with advanced techniques
• Worked at multiple state hospitals, gaining diverse clinical experience

Dr. Samadzade specializes in neurology, with training from prestigious institutions like Dokuz Eylul University Hospital.

• Member of the Turkish Neurological Society and European Academy of Neurology
• Expert in movement disorders and advanced Parkinson's treatments
• Performs botulinum toxin injections for neurological conditions
• Trained at Gazi University and Azerbaijan State Medical University

EDUCATION:

• Turhan and Mediha Tansel Primary School (1979–1984)
• Kültür College (1984–1988)
• Semiha Şakir High School (1988–1991)
• Marmara University Faculty of Medicine (1991–1997)
• Marmara University Faculty of Medicine, Neurosurgery Department, Specialist Training (1997–2002)
• Title of Associate Professor in Neurosurgery (May 31, 2021)

ADDITIONAL TRAINING:

• "Visiting Physician," University of Southern California, Department of Neurosurgery (1998)
• "Microsurgery Training," GATA (Gülhane Military Medical Academy), Ankara Education and Research Hospital (2003)

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

• Gülhane Military Medical Academy Haydarpaşa Training and Research Hospital (2002–2003)
• Dr. Lütfi Kırdar Kartal Training and Research Hospital (2003–2005)
• Private Avicenna Ataşehir Hospital (2005–2012)
• Private 29 Mayıs Hospital (2012–2013)
• Maltepe State Hospital (2013–2018)
• Kartal Dr. Lütfi Kırdar City Hospital (2018–2020)
• Private Academic Hospital (2020–2022)
• Hisar Intercontinental Hospital (2022–2024)
• Private Medipol Acıbadem Regional Hospital (2024–Present)

ADMINISTRATIVE AND ACADEMIC ROLES:

• Board Member, Neurosurgical Society (2006–2009)
• Head of the Emergency Department, Maltepe State Hospital (2014–2016)
• Deputy Chief Physician, Private Academic Hospital (2020–2021)
• Advisory Board Member, Beykent University Faculty of Medicine (2018–2024)
• Faculty Member, Galata University Faculty of Health Sciences (2022–2024)
• Director, Continuous Education Center, Galata University (2022–2024)

Prof. Dr. Ilhan Elmaci is a leading neurosurgeon. He is known for his skill in brain and spinal surgeries, neurooncology, and skull base surgery. He has worked at top institutions such as Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Elmaci has introduced new techniques in microsurgery and endoscopic skull base surgery.

He is the founding chairman of the Skull Base Society in Turkey. He is also an active member of the European Skull Base Society. Dr. Elmaci has helped advance neurosurgery through teamwork across specialties. He led Turkey’s first EANS-accredited neurosurgery clinic. He also holds accreditations from the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies.

Dr. Elmaci has published over 110 scientific papers and given more than 250 presentations at congresses. His work continues to influence neurosurgical practice and patient care around the world.