JCI-accredited neurosurgical teams in Istanbul. Dedicated coordination including full clinical liaison, medical interpretation, and post-operative documentation.
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an established neurosurgical procedure in which electrodes are implanted into specific areas of the brain to modulate abnormal neural activity. It is most commonly used for Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, and dystonia, and is typically considered when symptoms are no longer adequately controlled by medication.
Ocean Health & Travel coordinates DBS procedures at JCI-accredited hospitals in Istanbul with experienced neurosurgical teams. We are a medical coordination service — not a medical provider. All clinical decisions, including patient selection, surgical planning, and post-operative management, rest with your treating neurosurgical team.
DBS works by delivering continuous electrical impulses to targeted brain regions — most commonly the subthalamic nucleus (STN) or globus pallidus interna (GPi) for Parkinson's disease. These impulses modulate the abnormal neural circuits responsible for motor symptoms such as tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia.
The procedure does not destroy brain tissue and is reversible — the stimulator can be adjusted or switched off. This distinguishes it from older ablative procedures such as thalamotomy.
DBS surgery is typically performed in two stages:
Hospital stay following DBS surgery is typically 5–10 days. Most patients remain in Istanbul for 2–3 weeks before flying home. Post-operative follow-up and stimulator programming will continue with your UK neurologist after return.
Deep brain stimulation at UK private neurosurgical centres typically starts at around £30,000, depending on the device manufacturer, surgical complexity, and length of inpatient stay. The same procedure at JCI-accredited hospitals in Istanbul starts from £23,700 — a saving of roughly 20% or more depending on the device and case. Device costs (Medtronic, Abbott, Boston Scientific) are a significant component of total cost and vary by patient.
Complete the free pre-assessment — no referral required upfront. Our neurosurgical team will review your case and come back to you within 48 hours.
What to know before you travel and after you return.
Most patients remain in Istanbul for 2–3 weeks before flying home, subject to surgical team clearance. Ask your surgeon about compression stockings and moving regularly on the flight.
Operative notes, the discharge summary and any results are provided in English and forwarded to your UK GP on request. The treating hospital remains responsible for agreed follow-up. If you need urgent care at home, seek local medical help straight away. We can help coordinate communication with the hospital, but we do not provide post-operative medical care. Read what to do if something goes wrong.
You pay no coordination fee. We are paid by the hospital you are treated at, and we tell you this upfront. Deposits, payment schedules and refund terms are set by the hospital and confirmed in writing in your quote before you pay anything. Cancellation terms are in your coordination agreement — see the brokerage agreement.
Standard travel policies often exclude planned treatment and its complications, so check your cover and its exclusions before you travel. If you would like, we can introduce you to an FCA-authorised insurance provider offering medical-travel cover. We may receive a commission if you take out a policy. You are free to choose any provider, there is no obligation, and we do not give insurance advice.