WhatsApp: +90 551 348 09 11 | Medical Park Göztepe Liv Hospital

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)

More than 1700 deep brain stimulation procedures for Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, dystonia and epilepsy.

About This Treatment

Deep brain stimulation regulates abnormal neural activity through electrodes placed with millimeter precision in specific brain targets. The procedure is carried out in two stages. In the first, the patient is awake under local anesthetic while the electrodes are positioned, and microelectrode recording is used to listen to the electrical signature of the brain tissue in real time, confirming the target before the electrode is fixed. In the second stage, under general anesthetic, the pulse generator is implanted below the collarbone. Prof. Dr. Akın Akakın has performed more than 1700 DBS procedures. He completed advanced training at the University of Florida Movement Disorders Center and at reference centers in Germany, organized Turkey's first DBS cadaver course in 2014, and is a founding member of the Turkish chapter of the International Neuromodulation Society. His h-index of 17 reflects sustained academic work in functional neurosurgery and microelectrode recording. In a procedure where accuracy is measured in millimeters, operative volume is not a marketing statistic; it is the most meaningful thing a patient can ask about.

Conditions Treated

Parkinson's Disease
Essential Tremor
Dystonia
Epilepsy
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Tourette Syndrome
Cerebral Palsy

Surgical Techniques Used

Stereotactic Frame
Microelectrode Recording (MER)
Awake Electrode Placement Under Local Anesthetic
Pulse Generator Implantation Under General Anesthetic

Prof. Dr. Akakın's Experience

1700+
DBS Procedures
100+
International Publications
20+
Years of Experience

Trained at the University of Florida and at reference centers in Germany, and one of the leading figures in functional neurosurgery in Turkey.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. The first stage is performed under local anesthetic while you are awake, and the brain itself has no pain receptors. The scalp is fully numbed. The second stage, implanting the pulse generator, is performed under general anesthetic.

Being awake allows the surgical team to test the effect of stimulation directly and to confirm the electrode is in the correct target before it is fixed in place. Combined with microelectrode recording, this is what makes millimeter accuracy achievable.

Typically between five and fifteen years, depending on the device and the stimulation settings required. When it is depleted, the generator is replaced in a straightforward procedure that does not involve the brain electrodes.

Yes. Deep brain stimulation is reversible, which distinguishes it from older lesioning procedures that permanently destroyed the target tissue. Stimulation can be adjusted or stopped, and the hardware can be removed if necessary.

Programming sessions are needed in the months after surgery, and this should be planned before you travel. Discuss your location during the evaluation so that follow-up arrangements, whether in Istanbul or with a neurologist near you, are agreed in advance rather than improvised afterwards.

Enquiries and Appointments

For detailed information about this treatment, or to arrange an appointment, message our WhatsApp line. Enquiries in English are welcome.

Message on WhatsApp Free Scan Evaluation

Our Hospitals

Medical Park Göztepe

Göztepe, Istanbul

Liv Hospital Bahçeşehir

Bahçeşehir, Istanbul

Discuss Your Case With a Specialist

Get in touch for information about your treatment options or to arrange a consultation.