Best Brain MRI diagnosticians in Istanbul: TOP 42 doctors

Dr. Sinan Çomu is a Turkish neurologist with 20+ years of experience treating movement, behavioral, genetic, metabolic, epilepsy, headache, and developmental delay disorders in infants, children, and adolescents. He received his medical degree from Istanbul University and specialty training in pediatrics, children’s neurology and American treatment approaches from Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, the University of Pittsburgh, and Memorial Şişli Hospital. He is a member of the Turkish Neurological Society and the Child Neurology Society.

Award-winning stereotactic and functional neurosurgeon from Turkey, working for over 30 years. 

Expert in deep brain stimulation (DBS). Has provided over 850 successful DBS procedures and more than 1,350 neurosurgery procedures. Broke a Guinness World Record for the biggest number of patients after DBS gathered in one place. Was trained in Germany, Spain, Great Britain, Israel, Belgium, and the USA. Cooperates with Bookimed from 2018 and regularly trains and educates the Bookimed’s team for training and education in neurology.

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Gülümser Kızıltaş Tokmak, M.D., graduated from Cerrahpaşa School of Medicine, Istanbul University in 2002 and completed residency at Neurology Clinic, Okmeydanı Teaching and Research Hospital in 2008. She holds a master’s degree in Electrophysiology from Istanbul University, and has studied and worked in fields such as EMG, EEG, PSG, Dementia, Headache, and Vertigo. She has worked at Ağrı State Hospital Neurology Clinic, Hisar Intercontinental Hospital, and Medical Park Hospitals.

Dr. Nejat Akalan is a leading neurosurgeon specializing in brain and nerve surgeries, with over 35 years of experience. His areas of expertise include epilepsy, glioma, skull injuries, movement disorders, spine tumors, herniations, and other nervous disorders. He uses advanced techniques in his surgeries and has published 117 scientific papers and a book.

Dr. Tamer Atasever is a Nuclear Medicine Specialist with 39 years of experience, speaking English and Turkish. He is a professor in Gazi University and has been a director of the Department of Nuclear Medicine in Ankara Order Laboratory. He is a member of the Turkey Association of Nuclear Medicine and the European Association of Nuclear Medicine.

Medical Area of Interest and Activities 

Functional Neurosurgery (Parkinson’s, Deep Brain Stimulation) 

Brain and Spinal tumors 

Spinal degenerative diseases Education 

Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine 

Trakya University Faculty of Medicine Brain and Nerve Surgery

Experience 

Ankara Gülhane Military Medical Academy Brain and Nerve Surgery 

Osmaniye State Hospital 

Bolu State Hospital 

Private Taksim German Hospital 

Taksim Training and Research Hospital 

Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine Brain and Nerve Surgery 

Liv Hospital Ulus

Memberships 

Turkish Neurosurgery Society 

Turkish Medical Association

Work and Interest Areas

• Peripheral Arterial Diseases
• Neurovascular Interventions
• Oncologic Interventions
• Nonvascular Interventions

Education

• (2004 – 2011), Faculty of Medicine, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey
• (2011 – 2015), Department of Radiology, Bagcilar Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey

Experience

• (2016 – 2020), Diagnostic and Interventional Radiologist, Mus State Hospital, Mus, Turkey
• (2020 – 2022), Assistant Professor of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Sakarya University Training and Research Hospital, Sakarya, Turkey
• (2023 – 2024), Associate Professor of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Sakarya University Training and Research Hospital, Sakarya, Turkey
• (2024 - Present), Associate Professor of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Medipol University Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey

Memberships in Scientific Organizations

• TSIR (Turkish Society of Interventional Radiology)
• TSR (Turkish Society of Radiology)
• CIRSE (Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe)
• ESR (European Society of Radiology)
• ESNR (European Society of Neuroradiology)

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.

Assoc. Prof. Ali Zirh is a world renowned neurosurgeon from Turkey. He was born on October 8, 1960 in Ankara, Türkiye and completed his primary and secondary education in the same city. He graduated from Ankara Atatürk High School with first place, and he entered the Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine. He graduated from Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine on August 31st, 1983 as a medical doctor. Between the years 1983 and 1985, he carried out his state service obligation in Gaziantep and was rewarded with a commendation by the Provincial Authority for his work in this period. He completed his military service in Istanbul in 1987 and was discharged.

In 1988, he started his specialization at Marmara University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery. In 1990, he attended the British Council in Glasgow and Edinburgh; the European Neurosurgery Association (EANS) in Warnemünde, Germany in 1989; Zaragoza, Spain in 1991; Jerusalem, Israel in 1992; Brudge, Belgium in 1993; and in 1994, he attended the World Neurosurgery Association (WFNS) training courses in Antalya, Turkey.

Glasgow Institute of Neurological Sciences in 1990, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pittsburg in 1992, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Virginia in 1992, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Washington in 1992, Division of Neurosurgery, Toronto Western Hospital in 1994, Department of Neurosurgery, The Johns Hopkins Hospital in 1994 he visited and participated in clinical studies.

He became a neurosurgeon in February 1994. He completed his master's degree in neurophysiology at Marmara University Health Sciences Institute in March 1994. In September 1994, he completed the fifth of the European Neurosurgery Association's (EANS) training courses in Izmir, took the exams, and received his EANS diploma. On the same date, he participated in the European Board of Neurosurgery Primary Examination, passed successfully and certified.

In line with his field of interest, Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, he attended training courses on "Stereotactic Target Calculation" and "Neurostimulation for Pain" in Çeşme İzmir in September 1994. "Stereotactic Neurosurgery Hands-On" in New-Orleans USA in November 1994, "Augmentitative Procedures for Pain" in San Francisco USA in October 1995, "Stereotactic Neurosurgery Hands" in New Orleans-USA in November 1995 , "Deep Brain Stimulation for Treating Parkinson's Disease" in Minneapolis-USA in May 1996, "Interventional Therapies Workshop: Implantable Spinal Cord Stimulation and Drug Infusion Systems" in Washington-USA in May 1996, "Surgical Treatment for Movement Disorders" and" Interventional Therapies in Chronic Pain Management" in Montreal-Canada in October 1996, "Management of Patients with Deep-Brain Stimulators, Expert Course and Workshop"  in Kiel-Germany in June 2001.

Dr. Ali ZIRH returned from the United States in 1997 and started to work at the VKV American Hospital, performing functional neurosurgery interventions and DBS insertion with the Microelectrode Recording and Stimulation technique at the single cell level, which is available in only a few centers in the world.

He started to work at Medicalpark Bahçelievler Hospital as of January 2009 and implemented these initiatives in a health institution where Social Security Institution patients could also benefit. He continues his surgical interventions at Medipol Bağcılar Hospital as of January 2015.

As of September 2018, he continues his academic and clinical studies at Medipol University's Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorder Center (PARMER).

Over 30 years of clinical and surgical experience in the field of functional neurosurgery, more than 1900 surgical interventions for Parkinson’s and other movement disorder diseases and more than 1400 DBS surgeries that he has successfully performed, made Dr. Ali ZIRH the first name that comes to mind in movement disorder surgery in Turkey and the adjacent geography. He enabled the center where he performs these surgeries to become a Training and Reference Center in the international arena.

Dr. Ali ZIRH is a member of the Turkish Neurosurgery Association, Parkinson's Disease Association, European Society of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, American Academy of Advancement of Science, World Federation of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, International Association for the Study of Pain, American Pain Society, World Neuromodulation, American Neuromodulation Society, American Society of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, The Movement Disorder Society, American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS). At the international congresses and symposiums of these organizations held in different parts of the world at least 4-5 times a year, Dr. Zirh shares his experiences with other colleagues at these meetings, and also follows the progress and developments in his field of expertise day by day.

Dr. Ali ZIRH has many publications published in international journals, eight book chapters, more than 150 congress papers and various national / international awards.

Experience

2021 - 2022

Clinical Manager of Radiation Oncology, Medicana International Istanbul Hospital

2021 - 2022

Department of Radiation Oncology, Biruni University Faculty of Medicine

2020 - 2021

Clinical Manager of Radiation Oncology, Medicana International Istanbul Hospital

2017 - 2020

Clinical Manager of Radiation Oncology, Neolife Medical Center

2016 - 2017

Department of Radiation Oncology, Eskişehir Osmangazi University Faculty of Medicine

2011 - 2016

Department of Radiation Oncology, Eskişehir Osmangazi University Faculty of Medicine

2010 - 2011

Department of Radiation Oncology, Eskişehir Osmangazi University Faculty of Medicine

2008 - 2010

Radiation Oncology Clinic, Samsun Training and Research Hospital (Education Coordinator)

2006

Medical Faculty, Dokuz Eylül University

2006 - 2008

Radiation Oncology Clinic, Samsun Mehmet Aydın State Hospital (Compulsory Service)

2000 - 2006

Medical Faculty, Dokuz Eylül University

Education

2022

Biruni University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Oncology, Faculty Member, Professor Doctor

2022

Anadolu University Open Education Faculty Undergraduate Program, Cultural Heritage and Tourism

2021

Feyziye Schools Foundation Işık University Health Services Vocational School, Faculty Member, Associate Professor Doctor

2017

Eskişehir Osmangazi University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Oncology, Faculty Member

2017

Eskişehir Osmangazi University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Oncology, Associate Professor Doctor

2006

Samsun Training and Research Hospital, Specialist Doctor, Compulsory Service

2006

Dokuz Eylül University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical Specialization

1998

Ege University, Faculty of Medicine

Education and Career

2011 – 2015, (Internal Medicine Specialist) Istanbul University Istanbul School of Education and Career

Medicine Department of Internal Medicine

2015 – 2016, (Internal Medicine) Specialist Istanbul Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital

2016 – 2019, (Medical Oncology) Istanbul University Istanbul School of Medicine Department of Medical Oncology

2019 – 2021, (Medical Oncology Specialist) - Istanbul Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital

2021 – 2024, (Associate Professor) Marmara University School of Medicine Department of Medical Oncology

Memberships in Scientific Organizations

ASCO

ESMO

TTOD 

AVOD 

Publications

In the field of oncology, he has published over 30 peer-reviewed articles at both international and national levels.

Awards Received

EAACI The European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 2019 Best Poster Award

"The top 3rd verbal presentation, IGICC (11th International Gastrointestinal Cancers Conference – IGICC2021)"

Speeches Delivered at National Congresses, Conferences, and Symposia:

Courses, Meetings, and Certificates

ESMO certified Medical Oncologist since 2019