Parkinson’s Disease Center Medipol PARMER
Istanbul
, Turkey
10
reviews
Price level Medium
JCI
First
independent Parkinson's disease center in Turkey
2018
year PARMER center opened
1700
DBS surgeries performed by Professor Ali Zirh
2020
status as a training center for movement disorder treatment
About clinic
Parkinson’s Disease Center Medipol PARMER is the first center in Turkey fully specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders. PARMER employs over 20 specialists in neurology, neurosurgery, rehabilitation, and related fields, allowing for the integration of medical and surgical treatment within a single center. Here, they diagnose and treat Parkinson's disease, essential and other types of tremor, dystonia, parkinsonism-plus syndromes, chorea, Huntington's disease, and Wilson's disease.
Main areas of activity at the PARMER Center in Istanbul
The center combines four specialized areas: neurology, neurosurgery, physical therapy and gait and balance rehabilitation, and speech and language therapy. In addition to diagnosing and treating Parkinson's disease itself, they manage patients with:
- essential tremor (tremor of the hands, head, or voice);
- cervical dystonia;
- blepharospasm;
- hemifacial spasm;
- chorea and athetosis.
PARMER doctors also work with rarer diagnoses — progressive supranuclear palsy, multiple system atrophy, and corticobasal degeneration.
In addition to medical care, the center conducts educational seminars for patients and their families, psychological testing, provides psychological support, and organizes creative activities (percussion, calligraphy, and painting) for patient socialization.
Achievements of the PARMER Center in Turkey
PARMER became the first independent center in Turkey specializing specifically in Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders. In 2019, it received the status of a Boston Scientific Center of Excellence and Training and became a platform for training specialists in deep brain stimulation and neurostimulator programming.
In 2026, PARMER specialists performed the first deep brain stimulation surgery with robotic navigation ExcelsiusGPS in Turkey and the nearest region. The system helps the surgeon follow a pre-calculated trajectory for electrode placement with millimeter precision.
Modern technologies at the PARMER Center
For patients with severe tremor for whom medications are no longer effective, PARMER uses MRgFUS — focused ultrasound under MRI guidance. Ultrasound waves are focused on a small area of the thalamus without incisions or electrode implantation. During the procedure, the patient remains conscious, allowing the doctor to immediately assess how much the tremor has decreased and whether movement accuracy has been maintained. Hospitalization is usually not required. The method is primarily considered for essential tremor and tremor-dominant Parkinson's disease.
For Parkinson's disease, dystonia, and certain other movement disorders, the center performs deep brain stimulation (DBS). Electrodes are implanted in the brain and then connected to a neurostimulator. After the operation, stimulation parameters can be individually adjusted and modified over time depending on the patient's symptoms. PARMER uses, among others, rechargeable neurostimulators with a lifespan of up to 20–25 years, which reduces the need for frequent battery replacement surgeries.
The center's strength lies in its extensive practical experience with such interventions. The PARMER team has performed over 1700 deep brain stimulation surgeries and more than 2200 surgical interventions for movement disorders.
When to consider the PARMER center
The PARMER center should be considered by patients who:
- require treatment for Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, dystonia, or another movement disorder in a specialized center that focuses specifically on this group of diseases;
- have been recommended deep brain stimulation and value extensive practical experience of the team in performing and subsequently adjusting DBS;
- need treatment for severe tremor using MRgFUS without surgical incision and electrode implantation;
- have been diagnosed with a rare condition, including progressive supranuclear palsy, multiple system atrophy, Huntington's disease, Wilson's disease, chorea, or another complex movement disorder;
- require adjustment of an already implanted neurostimulator, modification of stimulation parameters, or battery replacement;
- need comprehensive rehabilitation for gait disturbances, balance issues, speech problems, and other manifestations of the disease.
If you or your loved ones require treatment at PARMER, Experts Medical coordinating physicians will select a relevant specialist, prepare and translate medical documents, submit them to the center, coordinate the examination or treatment program, and help organize your trip to Istanbul.
The best specialties of the hospital
Neurology
Neurosurgery
Gazmend Zeneli
5/5
Diagnosis: Parkinson's Disease
A patient from Albania shares their experience of Parkinson’s disease treatment at the Medipol PARMER Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center in Turkey.
16/01/2025
Tevfik Kalkan
5/5
Diagnosis: Cervical Dystonia
Associate Professor Dr. Ali Zırh cured my son of cervical dystonia. I convey my deep respect, gratitude, and best wishes to the esteemed doctor.
Çiğdem Ustaalioğlu
1/5
Diagnosis: Movement Disorders
I went to the hospital because of increased movements in my left arm, hoping to solve the problem. However, a month has passed since I started taking the prescribed medications, and it seems to me that they are accelerating the course of the disease to then install a deep brain stimulation system. Now I cannot stop the spasms on my left side. Do not forget that you are a client; it is better to consult university professors. I leave Professor Ali and his team to God’s judgment.
emel veral
5/5
Diagnosis: Parkinson's Disease
If I can write these lines today, it is thanks to the successful deep brain stimulator implantation surgery performed by my dear Dr. Ali Zırh and his team. I am grateful to Dr. Ali Zırh and the entire Medipol hospital team for bringing me back to a healthy life. Thank you, Doctor.
Farook Abdoollah
5/5
Diagnosis: Parkinsonism
We are very happy that my wife Nazma has recovered from parkinsonism, which had severely worsened her quality of life for the past 15 years. We don’t know how to thank Dr. Ali Zırh for this rapid improvement. I also want to thank all the staff, especially the neurologists, who provided invaluable help during the treatment. Special thanks to Mr. Mehmood.
disco misko
5/5
Diagnosis: Parkinson's Disease
We are very fortunate to have such a center in our country. The friendly staff and doctors, who are well-versed in their field, gave me hope in treating Parkinson’s disease. I am endlessly grateful to Dr. Ali and everyone who helped.
Aysel Akar
5/5
Diagnosis: Movement Disorders
Dear Dr. Ali Zırh, meeting a professional like you brought peace and confidence. Your attention to my health problems, knowledge, and sincere approach changed a lot for me. I am grateful to you. The humanity and understanding you show to patients are admirable. Thank you very much for everything. With the most sincere wishes, your patient Aysel Akar.
Çiğdem Çapa
5/5
Diagnosis: Movement Disorders
Many thanks to the entire team for their attention and care during and after my husband’s surgery. Everyone tried to help. The team is very professional and friendly, and the hospital is impeccably clean. Thank you for everything. It’s good that you exist.
Levent Uysal
1/5
Diagnosis: Movement Disorders
Poor consultation. I cannot recommend this hospital. Different staff members give different information. For example, a certain amount is agreed upon and it is said that everything is included, including a follow-up examination and X-ray, but then additional costs arise. The same applies to the price guarantee for implants: one employee talks about four months, another about two. Poor communication, many hidden and additional costs. I do not recommend.
08/04/2026
Kadir Başoğlu
5/5
Diagnosis: Parkinson's Disease
My wife has had Parkinson’s disease for six years. The medications affected her greatly, and it was very difficult for us to maintain hope. After meeting Dr. Ali Zırh, we began treatment. The surgery was successful, and after it, my wife seemed to cling to life again. We are very grateful to Dr. Ali and his team.
21/03/2026
Help pay for treatment
Experts Medical cooperates with foreign funds that help our patients pay for treatment
You can receive compensation up to 20,000 euros for the treatment of a patient under the age of 18
Cost of diagnostics and operations
Diagnostics
| Neurologist consultation | €105 | Enquire price |
| 3T Brain MRI | €390 | Enquire price |
| EEG (electroencephalography) | €1 035 | Enquire price |
Treatment
| Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) | €24 200 | Enquire price |
| Neurological rehabilitation - per session | €130–175 | Enquire price |
Best clinic's doctors
Professor Ali Zirh
neurosurgeon
Work experience:
over 30 years
About the Doctor
Specialization
- Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson’s disease
- Surgical treatment of tremor and movement disorders when medication is ineffective
- Implantation of neurostimulators using microelectrode recording for precise target localization
- MRI-guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) for Parkinson’s disease with predominant tremor
- Treatment of essential tremor and dystonia
Education
- 1983 — Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine
- 1994 — Neurosurgery specialization and Neurophysiology Master’s degree at Marmara University
- 1994 — EANS Diploma and successful completion of the primary European Neurosurgery examination
Clinical Experience
- Over 30 years of experience in neurosurgery
- Since 1997 — performing DBS and functional neurosurgery operations
- Since 2015 — surgical practice at Medipol
- Since 2018 — working at the PARMER Center for Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders
- Since 2024 — working at Medipol Acibadem
- Over 2,200 operations for movement disorders, including over 1,700 DBS operations
Memberships
- Parkinson’s Disease Society
- International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
- European and American Societies for Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery
- Turkish Neurosurgical Society
- American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS)
- Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS)
Professor Okan Dogu
neurologist
Work experience:
over 25 years
About the Doctor
Specialization
- Neurology, Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders
- Essential tremor and dystonia
- Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) and botulinum therapy
- Genetics and epidemiology of movement disorders, sleep disorders
Education
- 1990 — Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University
- 1997 — Specialization in Neurology at Bakirkoy Hospital for Mental and Neurological Diseases
- 2005 — Associate Professor of Neurology
- 2012 — Professor at Mersin University
Clinical Experience
- Over 25 years of experience as a neurologist
- Since 2000 — Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Mersin University
- 2003, 2004 and 2006 — Research on Parkinson’s disease genetics and clinical work at NIH institutes, USA
- Since 2018 — Visiting Lecturer at Medipol and Consulting Physician at PARMER Center
Memberships
- International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
- Movement Disorders Working Group of the Turkish Neurological Society
- Parkinson’s Disease Society of Turkey: Board Member in 2008–2012, General Secretary in 2012–2014, Vice President in 2014–2018
- Board Member of the Turkish Deep Brain Stimulation Society
Basak Bolluk Kilic
neurologist
Work experience:
over 20 years
About the Doctor
Specialization
- Neurology, Parkinson’s disease and movement disorders
- Programming of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) systems
- Selection of medication and follow-up of patients after DBS
- Botulinum therapy for movement disorders
- Microelectrode recording during DBS surgeries
Education
- 1994–2000 — Ankara University Faculty of Medicine
- 2001–2005 — Specialization in Neurology at Ankara University
- 2004 — Internship in the Movement Disorders Unit of Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, under Professor Eduardo Tolosa
- 2014 — St. Jude DBS Programming Course
- 2016 — Medtronic DBS Programming Course
- 2017 — Boston Scientific DBS Programming Course
Clinical Experience
- Over 20 years of experience as a neurologist
- 2006–2008 — Neurologist at Kirsehir State Hospital
- 2008–2010 — Neurologist at Tandogan Magnet Private Hospital, Ankara
- 2010–2016 — Neurologist at Camlica Erdem Hospital, Istanbul
- 2013–2017 — Lecturer in Electroneurophysiology at Istanbul Bilgi University
- 2016–2018 — Lecturer in Neurology at Bahcesehir University Faculty of Medicine, Medical Park Goztepe Hospital
- Since 2018 — Neurologist and Movement Disorders Specialist at Medipol PARMER Center
Memberships
- International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
- Turkish Neurological Society
- Parkinson’s Disease Society of Turkey
Mustafa Yavuz Samanci
neurosurgeon
Work experience:
over 25 years
About the Doctor
Specialization
- Functional and stereotactic neurosurgery, neuromodulation
- Surgical treatment of Parkinson’s disease, tremor, dystonia, and other movement disorders
- Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), spasticity and chronic pain surgery
- MRgFUS, Gamma Knife radiosurgery, and neurosurgical methods for resistant psychiatric disorders
Education
- 2007 — Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine
- 2014 — Neurosurgery specialization, Okmeydanı Training and Research Hospital
- 2016 — TÜBİTAK research program at Temple University, USA
- 2022 — Clinical training in stereotactic and functional neurosurgery and Gamma Knife at Koç University
- 2024 — Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy program, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
- Continues doctoral program in Neurosciences at Maastricht University
Clinical Experience
- Worked at Okmeydanı, Istanbul Training and Research Hospital, Tekirdağ State Hospital, and Koç University Hospital
- Experienced in DBS system implantation, stereotactic interventions, and radiosurgery
- At PARMER, participates in the surgical treatment of patients with Parkinson’s disease and movement disorders
- Author of over 150 scientific publications; participates in international neuromodulation research
Gulay Kenangil
neurologist
Work experience:
over 30 years
About the Doctor
Specialization
- Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders
- Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias
- Headache, stroke, epilepsy, and sleep disorders
Education
- 1994 — Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University
- 1996–2001 — Neurology specialization at Şişli Etfal Training and Research Hospital
- 2011 — Associate Professor of Neurology
- 2013 — Clinical observation in movement disorders at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London
- 2018 — Professor title
Clinical Experience
- Worked as an assistant and senior assistant in the Neurology Clinic of Şişli Etfal
- From 2012–2017, responsible for training and management of the Erenköy Neurology Clinic
- From 2018–2022, headed the Department of Neurology at Bahçeşehir University
- Since 2024, treats PARMER patients with Parkinson’s disease, movement disorders, and dementia
Memberships
- Movement Disorders Working Group
- Cognitive Neurology Working Group
- National Parkinson’s Disease Association
Nesrin Helvaci Yilmaz
neurologist
Work experience:
over 25 years
About the Doctor
Specialization
- Parkinson’s Disease and Parkinson Plus Syndromes
- Tremor, Dementia, and Neurostimulator Programming
- Personalized Medication Therapy Selection and Post-DBS Follow-up
Education
- 2000 — Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine
- 2006 — Neurology Specialization, Ankara University
- 2015 — Honorary Clinical Observer for Parkinson’s Disease and DBS at UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London
- From 2013–2022, completed a series of deep brain stimulation training programs
- 2021 — Associate Professor Title
Clinical Experience
- Worked at Nusaybin State Hospital, Gaziantep 25 Aralık State Hospital, Biyofiz Nilüfer Medical Center, and Universal Aksaray Hospital
- Since 2012, works at the Department of Neurology, Istanbul Medipol University
- Headed the Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Unit and planned DBS in collaboration with neurosurgeons
- Since December 2022, develops treatment plans and manages PARMER patients
- Participated in 5 TÜBİTAK projects; author of 30 clinical studies and about 80 scientific reports
Buse Cagla Ari
neurologist
Work experience:
About the Doctor
Specialization
- Parkinson’s Disease and other Movement Disorders
- Migraine and other Headaches, Sleep Disorders
- Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, and Epilepsy
- Botulinum Toxin Therapy for Movement Disorders and Headaches
Education
- 2011 — Kocaeli University Faculty of Medicine
- 2018 — Neurology Specialization, Erenköy Mental and Neurological Diseases Training and Research Hospital
- Dissertation focused on genetic predisposition and dyskinesia development in Parkinson’s disease
- 2024 — Associate Professor Title
Clinical Experience
- 2019–2021 — Neurologist at Siirt State Hospital
- 2021–2024 — Neurologist at Pendik Medical Park Hospital
- Worked as a lecturer and head of the Department of Neurology at Bahçeşehir University
- Since 2024, conducts diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson’s disease and other neurological conditions at PARMER
- Focuses on assessing motor and non-motor symptoms, personalizing therapy, and long-term patient follow-up
Gulnar Ibrahimova
neurologist
Work experience:
over 15 years
About the Doctor
Specialization
- Parkinson’s Disease and Parkinson Plus Syndromes
- Essential Tremor, Dystonia, and Ataxia
- Restless Legs Syndrome and Dementia
Education
- 2008 — Azerbaijan Medical University Faculty of Medicine
- 2010 — Clinical Observer at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London
- 2017 — Completed Neurology Specialization at Istanbul University
- Attended specialized courses in Turkey and abroad
Clinical Experience
- 2008–2009 — Intern Doctor at the 4th City Clinical Hospital of Azerbaijan
- Specializes in Parkinson’s disease and movement disorders
- At PARMER, provides medical supervision and works to improve patients’ quality of life
- Author of publications in national and international medical journals
Memberships
- Turkish Neurological Society
- General Medical Council, United Kingdom
Ozgun Koksal
neurologist
Work experience:
over 10 years
About the Doctor
Specialization
- Parkinson’s disease, Parkinson Plus syndromes, essential tremor, and dystonia
- Botulinum toxin therapy and neurostimulator programming
- MRgFUS and medical treatment of movement disorders
- Dementia
Education
- 2015 — Mersin University Faculty of Medicine
- 2019 — Specialization in Neurology, Ege University
- Additional training in EEG, EMG, botulinum toxin therapy, DBS, and TMS
- Trained in neuro-otology and neuro-ophthalmology
Clinical Experience
- 2019–2022 — Neurologist at Sivas State Hospital and Sivas Numune Hospital
- Since November 2022 — works at PARMER
- Develops individualized treatment plans, provides medical supervision, and DBS programming
- Manages patients with tremor, dystonia, and various forms of parkinsonism
Gülce Coşku Yılmaz Çakan (Gulce Cosku Yilmaz Cakan)
neurologist
Work experience:
over 10 years
About the Doctor
Specialization
- Parkinson’s disease, Parkinson Plus syndromes, dystonia, and tremor
- Ataxia and balance disorders
- Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias
- Headache, dizziness, and stroke
Education
- 2015 — Dokuz Eylül University Faculty of Medicine
- 2021 — Specialization in Neurology, İzmir Kâtip Çelebi University Atatürk Training and Research Hospital
- Currently pursuing a clinical master’s degree in behavioral neurology and movement disorders at Istanbul University
Clinical Experience
- 2015–2016 — Physician at Derince Training and Research Hospital
- Completed mandatory service at Torbalı State Hospital
- Worked as a neurologist at İzmir Medical Point Hospital and as a lecturer at İzmir University of Economics
- Experienced in medical and device-based treatment of late-stage Parkinson’s disease: apomorphine pump, levodopa/carbidopa intestinal gel, and DBS
- Since December 2025 — sees patients at PARMER
- Author of scientific articles, book chapters, and presentations at medical congresses
Gokhan Ozkocak (Gokhan Ozkocak)
physical medicine and rehabilitation physician
Work experience:
over 10 years
About the Doctor
Specialization
- Physical medicine, neurological and robotic rehabilitation
- Rehabilitation for Parkinson’s disease, stroke, spinal cord injuries, and multiple sclerosis
- Cerebral palsy, postural disorders, and musculoskeletal diseases
- Ultrasound-guided injections and botulinum toxin therapy
Education
- 2014 — Uludağ University Faculty of Medicine
- 2019 — Specialization in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Istanbul Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Training and Research Hospital
Clinical Experience
- 2019–2021 — Physician at Gümüşhane State Hospital
- Since 2021 — involved in clinical and academic work in Istanbul
- Worked at Medicana Bahçelievler, Acıbadem Bakırköy, and Memorial Bahçelievler
- In 2024 — established the Medipol Acıbadem Physical and Robotic Rehabilitation Center
- Collaborates with PARMER to develop recovery programs for patients with Parkinson’s disease and movement disorders
Burak Berber (Burak Berber)
psychiatrist
Work experience:
about 25 years
About the Doctor
Specialization
- General psychiatric diagnosis, treatment, and counseling
- Neuropsychiatry, neuromodulation, and psychopharmacology
- Anxiety, affective, and psychotic disorders
- Geriatric psychiatry, sleep disorders, and psychosomatic conditions
- Dynamic psychotherapy based on analytical psychology
Education
- 1997 — Ege University Faculty of Medicine
- Specialization in Psychiatry at Bakırköy Mental and Neurological Diseases Hospital
Clinical Experience
- Approximately 25 years of experience in outpatient and inpatient psychiatric departments
- According to Medipol, performed over 100,000 psychiatric evaluations, treatment courses, and long-term follow-ups
- Taught psychopathology and symbolism at Istanbul Kültür University
- Since November 2024, works at PARMER and develops individualized psychiatric support plans for patients
- Evaluates biological, psychological, and social factors within the framework of comprehensive treatment
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Published 14.10.2026, Updated 14.09.2026
