Deep Brain Stimulation
in Turkey.
From £23,700.

Deep brain stimulation in Turkey — what to expect

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.

How does DBS work?

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.

The DBS procedure — what happens

DBS surgery is typically performed in two stages:

• Stage 1 — Electrode implantation: Performed under local anaesthesia with the patient awake, allowing the surgical team to map brain activity and confirm electrode placement in real time. Duration: 4–6 hours.
• Stage 2 — Pulse generator implantation: The implantable pulse generator (IPG) is placed under the collarbone under general anaesthesia. Duration: 1–2 hours. Typically performed 1–2 days after Stage 1.
• Programming: Initial stimulator programming begins 2–4 weeks post-operatively. Fine-tuning continues over several months with your neurologist.

Recovery and post-operative care

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.

• Days 1–10: Hospital stay, wound healing, initial recovery
• Weeks 2–3: Remaining in Istanbul, clinic follow-up
• Week 3–4: Flight home (subject to surgical team clearance)
• Months 1–6: Stimulator programming and optimisation with UK neurologist

DBS cost in Turkey vs. UK

Deep brain stimulation at UK private neurosurgical centres typically costs between £40,000 and £60,000+, 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 40–60%. Device costs (Medtronic, Abbott, Boston Scientific) are a significant component of total cost and vary by patient.

Documentation required

• Referral letter from neurologist or movement disorder specialist
• Recent MRI brain (within 12 months)
• Current medication list and symptom history
• Details of any previous neurosurgical procedures
• UPDRS assessment scores (if available)