Best Stroke Complications doctors: TOP 17 doctors

Dr. Pongwat Polpong is a top neurosurgeon and specialist in regenerative medicine in Thailand. He has more than 15 years of experience in clinical practice, teaching, and research. He trained at Siriraj Hospital, the Neurological Institute of Thailand, and the International Neuroscience Institute in Germany.

Dr. Pongwat has published many research papers on neurosurgery, parasitology, spine disorders, and brain diseases. His work includes studies on percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy, cerebral cysticercosis, spinal cord injury, and cerebrovascular disorders.

He performed Bangkok Hospital Chanthaburi’s first endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery, a minimally invasive treatment for pituitary tumors. As Chief Physician at EDNA Wellness, he leads programs in Stem Cell Therapy, Neurology, Bone and Joint Regeneration, and Nutrition Enhancement.

• Leading neurologist

• Doctor of Medical Sciences

• Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Texas, Harvard University and Dartmouth College

• Has extensive clinical experience in preoperative assessment of resistant epilepsy, localization of epileptic foci and neurophysiological monitoring of various surgical operations

• Introduced the use of propofol for the Wada test in China, applied cortical electrical stimulation and high-frequency oscillations to localize epileptic foci, greatly improving the safety and efficiency of operations

• Author of more than 50 scientific articles, of which about 30 in international journals

• The Journal of Neuroscience in December 2003 featured the doctor on the cover as the author of a scientific article on the discovery of the mechanisms of memory impairment in epilepsy at the cellular level

• Lectured at the Department of Neurology, State University of New York College of Medicine, Brooklyn and the Department of Neurology, University of California, Los Angeles

• Multiple recipient of a special grant for epilepsy research in the United States, a laureate of funding from the National Natural Science Foundation, the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Education, and the research and development funds of Peking University Hospital

• Lead author and co-author of several monographs: “Epilepsy Surgery” (2006), “Clinical Guidelines for Epilepsy” (2006), “Aphasia” (2006), “Clinical Diagnostic Guidelines: Section on Epilepsy” (2007), “Modern Clinical Electroencephalography” (2009), “Treatment of Epilepsy” (2010), “Guidelines for the Treatment of Diseases of the Nervous System” (2010), “Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring” (2014)

• Member of the Epilepsy and Electroencephalography Group of the Chinese Neurological Society

• Chairman of the Neurophysiological Monitoring Group of the Chinese Neurosurgical Society

• Vice Chairman of the Expert Committee on Neurophysiological Monitoring during Surgeries, Chinese Medical Association

• Vice Chairman of the Neurophysiology Group of the Peripheral Neurological Committee

• Vice Chairman of the Clinical Neurophysiological Committee of the China Association of Research Hospitals

• Chairman of the Management Committee of the Epilepsy Care Foundation of China Primary Health Care Foundation

• Chairman of the Scientific Committee of the Epilepsy Care Foundation of the Chinese Medical Association

• Deputy Secretary General of the Chinese Epilepsy Association

• Permanent member of the Electroencephalography and Clinical Neurophysiology Division of the Chinese Epilepsy Association

• Vice Chairman of the Committee on Syncope and Sudden Death, Chinese Society of Hypertension

• Vice Chairman of the Neurosurgical Committee of the Beijing Medical Association

• Member of the International Society for Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring

• Representative of the Asian region of the International Society for Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring

Specializes in diagnostics and treatment of:

• epilepsy in children

• epilepsy in adults

• movement disorders

• sleep disorders

• neuralgia

Dr. Fatma Gulhan Sahbaz is a neurologist. She graduated from Manisa Celal Bayar University Faculty of Medicine. She completed her neurology residency at SBÜ Istanbul Kartal Dr. Lütfi Kırdar Training and Research Hospital. Dr. Sahbaz has served as Clinic Chief at Afyonkarahisar State Hospital. She currently practices at İzmir Ekonomi University Medical Point Hospital.

She treats many neurological conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, ALS, epilepsy, cerebrovascular diseases, brain tumors, movement disorders, and headaches. Dr. Sahbaz is experienced in advanced treatments such as acute stroke intervention, deep brain stimulation, IVIG therapy, and botulinum toxin injections.

She is a member of the Turkish Neurology Society, International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society, and European Academy of Neurology.

Prof. Dr. med. univ. Wilfried Lang is an Austrian neurologist. Since 2002, he has led the Department of Neurology, Neurological Rehabilitation, and Acute Geriatrics at the Hospital of the Brothers of Mercy in Vienna. His clinical and research work focuses on stroke prevention, acute treatment, and rehabilitation.

He studied medicine at the University of Ulm from 1977 to 1983. He then completed specialist training in neurology and psychiatry in Vienna. His early research examined motor function and memory in the cerebral cortex.

He helped to establish Austria’s stroke registry. He has held leadership roles in the Austrian Stroke Society. He is also Professor of Neurology at Sigmund Freud Private University in Vienna.

Areas of Interests

• General Neurology
• Clinical Neurophysiological examinations (Electromyography, evoked potentials, electroencephalography, polysomnography)
• Peripheral Nervous System Diseases
• Muscle diseases
• Epilepsy
• Headache
• Sleep and sleep disorders
• Migraine botox and botulinum A toxin applications

Education:

• 1980-1985 Atatürk Elementary School
• 1985-1988 Anamur High School
• 1988-1991 Anamur High School
• 1991-1998 Marmara University Faculty of Medicine in English
• 2000- 2004 PTT Education and Research Hospital Neurology Clinic (Medical Specialization Student)
• 2007-2010 Istanbul University Health Sciences Experimental Medicine Research Institute Electroneurophysiology Master's Program
• 2012- Clinical Neurophysiology Sub-branch Specialist

Experiences:

• September 2023-Currently Haliç University Faculty of Medicine, Faculty Member
• January 2023-Currently Hisar Intercontinental Hospital, Department of Neurology
• 2014- August 2023 Bilgi University Health Sciences Vocational School Electroneurophysiology Department, Faculty Member
• 2019- 2022 Ataşehir Private Avicenna Hospital, Neurology Department
• 2009-2018 Fatih Sultan Mehmet Education and Research Hospital Neurophysiology Laboratory (Specialist Doctor)
• 2007-2010 Istanbul University Health Sciences Experimental Medicine Research Institute Electroneurophysiology Master's Program
• 2005-2006 Istanbul University Istanbul Faculty of Medicine Department of Neurology Electrodiagnostics Department EMG Laboratory
• 2000-2004 PTT Education and Research Hospital Neurology Clinic (Specialist Student in Medicine)

Dr. Inci Emekli is a neurologist at PARMER, Istanbul Medipol University (2025–). She specializes in Parkinson’s disease and movement disorders. She completed her neurology residency at Istanbul University (2015–2020). She then completed a neurology fellowship at Karabuk University (2020–2023) and movement disorders training at Michigan State University (2023–2024).

Her publications include an accepted article in Movement Disorders on the Head Snap Sign, a 2024 World Neurosurgery article on gender inequality in leadership, and a 2021 Parkinsonism & Related Disorders paper on hereditary Parkinson’s in Turkey. She delivered an oral presentation in 2022 on COVID‑19’s impact on carpal tunnel surgery. She also co‑authored a neurology chapter on hyperlipidemia in 2021.

Accreditation: Fellow of the Turkish Board of Neurology (2019–). Memberships: Turkish Society of Neurology (2016–) and European Academy of Neurology (2019–).

Areas of Interests

• Demyelinating Diseases and MS
• Peripheral Neuropathy and Motor Neuron Disease (ALS)
• Neuromuscular Junction Diseases (MG)

Education 

• M.Sc. Faculty of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayıs University  1990
• Specialization in Medicine  Neurology,  Ankara Training and Research Hospital 1997
• Minor Specialization  Clinical Neurophysiology, Medical Specialization Board 2011

Experience

• Doctor MoH Kastamonu and Samsun Health Center No. 7 1990-1992
• Dr. Res.Assist. Ankara Training and Research Hospital Neurology Clinic 1992-1997
• Assoc. Dr. Abant İzzet Baysal University Düzce Faculty of Medicine 1999-2006
• Assoc.Dr. Duzce University Faculty of Medicine 2007-2011
• Prof.Dr  Duzce University Faculty of Medicine  2011-

Dr. Ulvi Samadzade is a neurologist with training from Azerbaijan State Medical University, Gazi University, and Dokuz Eylul University Hospital. He diagnoses and treats neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, movement disorders, stroke, migraine, and multiple sclerosis.

Dr. Samadzade uses advanced treatments, including botulinum toxin injections, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy, migraine vaccines, and plasmapheresis. He practices at İzmir University of Economics Medical Point Hospital.

He is a member of several professional organizations. These include the Multiple Sclerosis Research Association, Turkish Neurological Society, European Academy of Neurology, and the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society (MDS).

Dr. Ela Simay Zengin is a neurologist. She completed her medical training at Dokuz Eylül University, Başkent University, and Acıbadem University. She has worked at Bitlis Tatvan, Sirnak, and Cizre State Hospitals.

Dr. Zengin treats Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, migraines, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke. She uses advanced treatments, including apomorphine pump therapy, botulinum toxin injections, and migraine vaccines.

She is a member of the Turkish Neurology Association, American Academy of Neurology, European Academy of Neurology, and International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Areas of Interests

• Parkinson's disease
• Essential tremor
• Dystonia and other involuntary movements
• Balance and gait disorders
• Alzheimer's Disease and other dementias
• Spasticity
• Brain vascular diseases
• Migraine and other headaches
• Epilepsy
• Botulinum toxin application in dystonia
• Botulinum toxin application in spasticity
• Botulinum toxin application in migraine headache

Education:

• Bachelor of Medicine Ankara University 1988-1994
• Medical Specialization Neurology Ankara University Faculty of Medicine 1995-2000
• Associate Professorship Neurology Cumhuriyet University Faculty of Medicine 09/10/ 2013

Experience:

• General Practitioner Ankara Yenimahalle Health Center 1994-1995
• Research Assistant Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology 1995-2000
• Specialist Dr. Sevgi Milennium Hospital 2000-2001
• Specialist Dr. Deda Brain Spinal Cord Diseases Center 2001-2002
• Specialist Dr. Pamukkale University Faculty of Medicine 2002-2003
• Specialist Dr Sivas Numune Hospital 2003-2007
• Specialist Dr. Private Sivas Anadolu Hospital 2007-2009
• Asst. Assoc. Dr. Department of Neurology, Cumhuriyet University Faculty of Medicine, Sivas 2009-2013
• Assoc Prof Dr Neurology Department AD, Cumhuriyet University Faculty of Medicine, Sivas October 2013- October 2016
• Assoc Prof Dr Medicana Sivas Hospital- March 2017-June 2020
• Assoc Prof Dr Medicana International Ankara Hospital August 2020-

Board-certified physiatrist (Diplomate of the Thai Board of Rehabilitation Medicine, 2023). Head of Rehabilitation at King Mongkut Chaokhunthahan Hospital. CEO and Founder of PYONG Rehabilitation Group since 2023.

Clinical focus: neurorehabilitation, geriatric rehabilitation, and chronic pain. Uses robotics and wearable exoskeleton gait training. Performs ultrasound-guided procedures and advanced laser and radiofrequency therapies.

Principal Investigator of a pilot randomized controlled trial on wearable exoskeleton gait training in subacute stroke. Presented to the Royal College of Physiatrists of Thailand in 2023. Instructor at KMITL since 2020.

Completed Rehabilitation Medicine residency at Chulalongkorn University in 2023. Earned an MD in 2017. Runs a public health platform with over 100,000 followers. Hosted PYONG SUMMIT in 2024 with over 200 attendees. Honors include nominee for Quality Person of the Year 2025 and First Prize in the Ananda Mahidol Pin Design in 2016.

Dr. Sirinda “Ning” Kittiprachakul is a board-certified physiatrist (Thai Board of Rehabilitation Medicine, 2025) at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital. She focuses on neurorehabilitation and cardiac rehabilitation. Her expertise includes geriatric rehabilitation, chronic pain management using Western dry needling, and electrodiagnostic and electromyographic studies.

She earned her MD with First Class Honors in 2020 and completed her Rehabilitation Medicine residency in 2025. She is a Ph.D. candidate in Clinical Sciences at Chulalongkorn University. Her research includes authorship in JACC (2019) and an abstract in Gut (IDDF 2025). She trained at KNRC in Korea in 2024. She received the MDCU Congress 2023 E‑poster consolation prize. She also completed training in HMS telemedicine, Nature Masterclasses, and focused shockwave therapy.

Dr. Thanit Tundamrongpong is a board-certified physiatrist (Diplomate, Thai Board of Rehabilitation Medicine, 2024). He practices at Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Hospital (2024–present) and lectures in rehabilitation medicine.

Expertise includes neurorehabilitation and stroke recovery; geriatric rehabilitation and active aging; chronic pain; robotic and exoskeleton gait training; ultrasound-guided interventions and hydrodissection; and advanced laser and radiofrequency therapies. Clinics: Modality, Musculoskeletal Pain, Diabetic Foot, EMG (electromyography), and interdisciplinary care.

Education: M.D., Thammasat University, 2018. Residency in Rehabilitation Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, 2024. Training: AOCNR 2023; Practical Spasticity; TASP Pain Management; Advanced Imaging and Ultrasound-Guided Toxin Injection Strategies.

Rawipa Khunnarong, M.D. (Dr. Praew), is a physiatrist at Police General Hospital, Bangkok (2025–present). She provides rehabilitation for musculoskeletal pain, neurological disorders, and functional impairments. She works with multidisciplinary teams and teaches and supervises residents.

Education: M.D., Rangsit University/Rajavithi Hospital (2019). Rehabilitation Medicine Residency, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine (2025). Core expertise includes pain and interventional rehabilitation, neurorehabilitation (stroke, spinal cord injury), dysphagia, and sports and exercise medicine.

Advanced training includes Sports Rehabilitation Beyond Strength (2025), PMK Dry Needling (2025), and the 3rd Musculoskeletal Intervention Course (2025). She also completed a BASEM study visit (2024), Olympus FEES for dysphagia (2024), AOCNR (2023), TRMA (2022), and Viatris programs (2022–2023).

Dr. Ornicha Thititagul (Dr. Faangkaow) is a geriatrician and lecturer in the Geriatric Medicine Division at Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University. She practices at Siriraj Samut Sakhon Geriatric Healthcare Center and Siriraj Piyamaharajkarun Hospital.

Accreditations include: M.D. (Second Class Honors, 2017); Diplomate, Thai Board of Internal Medicine (2021); WHO‑SEARO ICOPE Master Trainer (2021). Additional credentials: Diplomate in Geriatric Medicine (2023); Diplomate, International Board of Lifestyle Medicine (2024).

Research highlights include: a randomized controlled trial on oral nutritional supplements in older adults (Geriatrics, 2024); PG‑SGA versus MNA in hepatocellular carcinoma (Support Care Cancer 33, 116, 2025); and Thailand’s first abacavir hypersensitivity case report (J Med Assoc Thai, 2021). She was on the host team and served as a moderator at the 10th Asian Conference of Frailty and Sarcopenia in 2024.

Somjet Tosamran, MD, is a neurologist. Dr. Tosamran is a fellow in epilepsy at the Neurology Division, Department of Medicine, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand (2024–present). Dr. Tosamran completed a neurology residency at the same hospital (2021–2024). Earlier training includes internships at Charoenkrung Pracharak Hospital and Sakaeo Crown Prince Hospital.

Accreditations and education: Neurologist certification, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital (2024). Master of Science in Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University (2024). Doctor of Medicine, First Class Honors, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University (2018).

Dr. Tara Rak-areekul is a neurologist focused on cognitive neurology. She is a fellow at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital. She completed her neurology residency there and served as Chief of Academic in 2023. She holds an MD from Chulalongkorn University (Second Class Honors) and a Higher Graduate Diploma in Clinical Sciences. She is certified in NIHSS (2022) and the Thai Stroke Society Acute Stroke Treatment Course.

Key achievements include first rank in the National Formative Neurological Exam (2023). She won the Epilepsy Quiz Tournament (2023). She was first runner-up at the Neurology Tournaments at NST Midyear 2023 and the Chula Neuroscience Forum 2022. Her research includes AAIC poster presentations (2024, 2025). Ongoing work covers Alzheimer’s biomarkers (MDS‑OAβ and p‑tau217), the Thai clinical adaptation of HippoCamera, and a chapter on behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD).