Prof. Dr. Ersoy Kocabicak

World-Leading Expertise in Deep Brain StimulationNow Accessible in Istanbul

Advanced neuromodulation treatment for movement disorders and neurological conditions, led by an internationally recognised functional neurosurgeon with over 20 years of experience.

schoolRector, Atlas University
menu_book100+ International Scientific Publications
groupsFounding Member, International DBS Association
Prof. Dr. Ersoy Kocabicak
psychologyTreatment

What is Deep Brain Stimulation?

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is an advanced neurosurgical treatment used to manage neurological and movement disorders that cannot be adequately controlled with medication. The procedure involves implanting thin electrodes into specific areas of the brain and connecting them to a small neurostimulator device that sends controlled electrical signals to regulate abnormal brain activity. Unlike many other surgical treatments, DBS is adjustable, reversible, and personalised, allowing physicians to optimise therapy according to each patient's condition.

01
Minimally invasive functional neurosurgery procedure
02
Adjustable stimulation parameters for personalised treatment
03
Reversible and programmable therapy
04
Proven effectiveness in treating movement disorders
05
Improves symptoms and quality of life in appropriately selected patients
neurologyDBS

Conditions Treated with DBS

Deep Brain Stimulation is used to treat several neurological and movement disorders, particularly when symptoms can no longer be adequately controlled with medication.

Movement Disorders

Parkinson's Disease

DBS significantly improves tremor, rigidity, and motor fluctuations in Parkinson's patients, often reducing the need for high-dose medications.

Essential Tremor

The most common cause of hand tremor. DBS effectively controls tremor symptoms that do not respond to medication.

Dystonia

DBS helps manage involuntary muscle contractions and abnormal postures caused by dystonia, improving functional ability.

Tourette Syndrome

For medication-resistant cases, DBS has been shown to be highly effective in controlling severe vocal and motor tics.

Neurological & Psychiatric Conditions

Epilepsy

Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) and DBS offer relief for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

DBS is an emerging treatment for severe, treatment-resistant OCD, targeting specific brain circuits.

Emerging Research Areas

Major Depression
Alzheimer's Disease
Chronic Pain
Tinnitus
Addiction Disorders
trending_upOutcomes

Clinical Outcomes & Benefits

Ensuring the highest standards of patient safety, surgical precision, and clinical quality throughout the DBS treatment process.

01

Symptom Reduction

Significant improvement in tremor, rigidity, and motor symptoms.

02

Medication Reduction

Decreased need for high-dose neurological medications.

03

Improved Quality of Life

Better daily functioning and patient independence.

04

Long-Term Symptom Control

Sustained symptom improvement with adjustable stimulation therapy.

05

Reversible & Adjustable

Therapy parameters can be adjusted according to patient response.

06

Evidence-Based Therapy

Clinically proven treatment supported by international scientific studies.

Thousands of patients worldwide benefit from DBS therapy every year.

videocamPatient Stories

Real Patient Outcomes

Clinical improvement after Deep Brain Stimulation — real patients treated by Prof. Dr. Kocabicak and the Atlas Neuromodulation Centre team.

Parkinson's Disease

Mr. Nuri — Before & After DBS

You are watching footage of our patient Nuri, who has been suffering from Parkinson's disease for approximately 10 years with tremor as the predominant complaint, before and after the deep brain stimulator surgery. Tremor in Parkinson's disease can be brought under control with deep brain stimulator treatment. Additionally, the amount of medication used can be reduced after surgery, and side effects that develop due to high-dose medication use — such as involuntary movements (dyskinesias) and hallucinations — improve following the procedure.

Essential Tremor

Mrs. Ayten — Stimulator OFF vs ON

Contrary to popular belief, the most common cause of hand tremor is not Parkinson's disease but essential tremor. You are watching the post-surgery video of our patient Ayten, whose symptoms have been brought under control with deep brain stimulator treatment, with the stimulator off and on.

Tourette Syndrome

Büşra — Before & After DBS

You are watching footage of Büşra, who has been suffering from vocal and motor tics for many years, before and after deep brain stimulator surgery. Tourette syndrome (tic disorder) is a neuropsychiatric condition that causes patients to make sudden movements or sounds that they cannot control. It is treated by psychiatry specialists. In medication-resistant cases, deep brain stimulator surgery is highly successful in bringing tics under control.

Parkinson's Disease

Mr. Kadir — Stimulator OFF vs ON

Freezing, gait disturbance and slow movement (bradykinesia) are among the most important complaints of Parkinson's disease that impair the quality of life. It is possible to control these symptoms with deep brain stimulation. You can see the difference in the way patient Kadir walks in stimulation on and off conditions, in this video.

Parkinson's Disease

Mrs. Ayşe — Stimulator OFF vs ON

With brain pacemaker (deep brain stimulation) treatment, it is possible to control the main symptoms of Parkinson's disease: tremor, slowness of movement (bradykinesia), and joint stiffness (rigidity). You are watching a video of our patient, AyÅŸe, who came to us from Cyprus, showing her condition with the brain pacemaker turned off and turned on after the surgery.

micPatient Interviews

In-depth conversations with patients and their families after deep brain stimulation treatment.

Nur Beyan — Patient Story

Nur Beyan shares her experience with Parkinson's disease and her journey through deep brain stimulation treatment.

Ecem — Her Mother's Story

Ecem shares her perspective on her mother's battle with Parkinson's disease and the impact of deep brain stimulation treatment on their family.

verifiedCredentials

Why Prof. Dr. Kocabicak

An internationally recognised specialist in functional neurosurgery and Deep Brain Stimulation with extensive clinical and academic experience.

Prof. Dr. Ersoy Kocabicak
science
PhD in Neuroscience & Deep Brain Stimulation — Maastricht University, Netherlands
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Professor of Neurosurgery
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Rector of Atlas University (Current)
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Director, Neuromodulation Centre — Atlas University Hospital
menu_book
100+ International Scientific Publications
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Editorial Board Member, Deep Brain Stimulation Journal

Professional Affiliations

check_circleFounding Member & Board Member, International Deep Brain Stimulation Association
check_circleFunctional Group Committee Member, European Association of Neurosurgery (EANS)
check_circlePresident & Founding Member, National Deep Brain Stimulation Association (Turkey)
check_circleMember, World Society for Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery (WSSFN)
check_circleMember, International Neuromodulation Society (INS)
check_circleMember, International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society (MDS)

International Academic Collaboration

Strategic partnership with Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+) and Prof. Dr. Yasin Temel, strengthening the scientific and clinical foundations of the Atlas Neuromodulation Centre.

handshakeProfessional Collaboration

Referral Partnership Programme

If you are a neurologist, psychiatrist, or medical institution with patients who may benefit from Deep Brain Stimulation, we welcome the opportunity to collaborate. Prof. Dr. Kocabicak and the Atlas Neuromodulation Centre team offer a structured referral pathway for international colleagues.

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Patient Evaluation

Comprehensive pre-surgical assessment by a multidisciplinary team of over 20 specialists across neurosurgery, neurology, psychiatry, and allied health.

neurology

Surgical Expertise

Over 1,500 DBS electrode implantations performed by Prof. Dr. Kocabicak, supported by international academic credentials and ongoing research.

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Post-operative Protocol

Structured follow-up and stimulator programming support, with detailed reporting and communication to the referring physician.

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International Coordination

Dedicated patient coordination for travel logistics, accommodation, language support, and seamless communication between care teams.

groupsTeam

Multidisciplinary DBS Team

Deep Brain Stimulation requires the collaboration of multiple medical specialities. At Atlas University Hospital, every patient is evaluated and managed by a coordinated team of over 20 professionals.

Neurosurgery

Prof. Dr. Ersoy Kocabicak
Asst. Prof. Ali Osman Mucoglu
Prof. Dr. Yasin TemelMUMC+ Collaboration

Neurology

Assoc. Prof. Demet Aygun
Asst. Prof. Meltem Can Ike
Dr. Seda Bostan
Asst. Prof. Zeynep Tufekcioglu
Prof. Dr. Okan DoguMUMC+ Collaboration

Psychiatry

Prof. Dr. Hasan Belli
Asst. Prof. Zuhal Dogan Bektas
Asst. Prof. Filiz Karalar
Asst. Prof. Talat Sarikavak

Neuropsychology

Asst. Prof. Fatma Gorel

Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation

Asst. Prof. Aghalar Javadov
Asst. Prof. Mehmet Serif Onen
Assoc. Prof. Hilal Denizoglu Kulli
Asst. Prof. Merve Alokten

Speech & Language Therapy

Asst. Prof. Merve Savas
Dkt. Burak Manay

Dietician

Nilay Cansever

Occupational Therapy

Ayca Sultan Koroglu

Nurse & Coordination

Nurse Nurbanu Senel
Ruhsan Konacoglu
Erhan Ozdemir
apartmentFacility

Where You'll Be Treated

Your DBS treatment takes place within a modern academic medical ecosystem — from a research-focused university to a high-capacity hospital to a specialised neuromodulation centre.

Atlas University

Founded in 2018 in Istanbul, Atlas University is a rapidly growing higher education institution focused on medical sciences, research, and international collaboration.

  • checkFounded in 2018 in Istanbul, one of the world's major international hubs
  • check110,000 m² modern campus with advanced medical infrastructure
  • check6 faculties including Medicine, Dentistry, and Health Sciences
  • checkMember of PHA — Johns Hopkins Patient Safety & Quality Network
  • checkMember of the European University Association (EUA)

Atlas University Hospital

A modern tertiary care hospital designed to support advanced medical treatments, complex surgical procedures, and multidisciplinary patient care.

  • check400 inpatient beds
  • check19 operating rooms, including 1 hybrid operating room
  • check400,000+ outpatient visits annually
  • check30,000+ surgical procedures per year
  • checkInternational patient services and multidisciplinary medical teams

Neuromodulation Centre

A specialised clinical unit at Atlas University Hospital focused on the diagnosis, surgical treatment, and long-term management of neurological disorders with Deep Brain Stimulation and other neuromodulation therapies.

  • check_circleSpecialised centre for DBS and neuromodulation therapies
  • check_circle15+ years of clinical experience in neuromodulation
  • check_circleAdvanced surgical and neuroimaging technologies
  • check_circleMultidisciplinary evaluation and treatment planning
  • check_circleComprehensive pre-operative and post-operative patient care
routeJourney

Your DBS Journey

From initial evaluation to long-term follow-up — a structured, multidisciplinary process designed for safety and optimal outcomes.

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Step 1

Initial Contact

You or your referring physician contacts our centre. We review your medical reports, imaging studies, and clinical history to determine candidacy.

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Step 2

Multidisciplinary Evaluation

Comprehensive neurological examination, medication response assessment (ON-OFF testing), neuropsychological evaluation, psychiatric assessment, and brain imaging.

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Step 3

Patient Selection

The full multidisciplinary team reviews your case — disease type, medication response, cognitive and psychiatric status, surgical risks, and expected benefit from DBS.

radiology
Step 4

Pre-Surgical Planning

Brain MRI and CT imaging, identification of the optimal brain target, surgical trajectory planning, and preparation of stereotactic guidance systems.

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Step 5

DBS Surgery — Electrode Implantation

Thin electrodes are placed into specific target areas of the brain using stereotactic guidance and intraoperative monitoring to confirm correct placement.

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Step 6

Neurostimulator Implantation

A small neurostimulator (brain pacemaker) is implanted under the skin in the chest area, connected to the brain electrodes via extension wires.

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Step 7

Post-Operative Recovery

Hospital monitoring including neurological status checks, pain management, surgical site assessment, and post-operative care instructions.

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Step 8

DBS Programming

Several weeks after surgery, the DBS system is activated. Neurologists adjust stimulation parameters over multiple sessions for optimal symptom control.

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Step 9

Long-Term Follow-Up

Periodic programming adjustments, medication optimisation, and neurological follow-up. Can be performed remotely or in your home country with local neurologist support.

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Treatment in Turkey, follow-up in your home country — our team supports your local neurologist remotely or provides teleconsultation directly.

flightServices

International Patient Services

Atlas University Hospital provides dedicated support to ensure a seamless medical journey for international patients.

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Airport Reception & Private Transfers

Meet-and-greet at Istanbul airport with private transportation between airport, hotel, and hospital.

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Accommodation Arrangements

Hotel bookings coordinated for patients and accompanying family members.

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Multilingual Interpretation

Professional medical interpreters available in Arabic, English, French, and Russian.

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Pre-Operative Remote Evaluation

Online medical consultations before travel, including review of medical records and imaging studies.

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Post-Operative Remote Follow-Up

Teleconsultation support, digital reporting, and coordination with your local neurologist.

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Visa Support & Documentation

Assistance with visa paperwork and medical invitation letters for your trip to Turkey.

support_agent24/7

A dedicated patient coordinator manages the entire process — single point of contact from first enquiry to long-term follow-up. 24/7 communication via WhatsApp, phone, and email.

paymentsCost

Treatment Cost

DBS treatment is offered through a structured package model with transparent pricing.

DBS treatment packages typically range between USD 30,000 – 35,000, including pre-operative evaluation, surgery, device, hospital stay, and initial programming sessions.

check_circleWhat's Included

checkPre-operative medical evaluation
checkDBS surgery and operating room costs
checkDBS device (brain stimulator and electrodes)
checkHospital stay and postoperative care
checkInitial DBS programming sessions

infoWhat's Not Included

removeInternational travel costs
removeAccommodation outside the hospital
removeAdditional unrelated medical treatments

Compared to the USA and Western Europe, where DBS treatment can exceed USD 100,000, Turkey offers the same level of clinical expertise at a fraction of the cost.

Contact us for a personalised cost estimate based on your condition.

MEDICTE—Authorised Representative

Contact Us for DBS Treatment with Prof. Dr. Ersoy Kocabicak

Medicte is the authorised Canadian representative of Prof. Dr. Ersoy Kocabicak and the Atlas Neuromodulation Centre. For consultations, referrals, or any enquiries about Deep Brain Stimulation treatment, please contact our team directly.