Best Headache neurologists in Istanbul: TOP 25 doctors

Dr. Baris Metin is an experienced Neurologist with over 7 years of experience in Turkey and Belgium. He specializes in Memory Disorders, Functional Neuroimaging, Epilepsy, Electroencephalography, Headaches and Sleep Disorders, and has numerous research papers in national and international scientific journals.

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. 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.

He was born in 1978 in Prizren (Kosovo). After graduating from "Prizren Science High School" in 1996, he started his education at Pristina University Faculty of Medicine in 1996 and graduated from Kocaeli University Faculty of Medicine between 1999-2005. Between 2006-2011, he completed his specialty training in Neurology at Marmara University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology. During her training, she was especially interested in electrophysiology, dementias and movement disorders. Between 2012-2013, she worked as a lecturer at Üsküdar University. Since 2013, she has been working as a Neurology specialist at NPIstanbul Brain Hospital. She has ongoing scientific studies in the field of neurology. He speaks fluent English, Serbian and Bosnian. In his free time, he is engaged in classical Turkish music.

Publications:

• Bilateral Thalamic Anaplastic Glioma: Case Report. Ibrahim Sun, Celal Salcini , Ayca Sun, Baran Yılmaz, Kadriye Agan. Marmara Medical Journal 2008, Volume 21, Issue 3, Page(s) 257-260
• Electrophysiology and Pathology Findings in a Case of Lafora. Ağan K, Erbaş B, Şalçini C, Uluç K, Günal D, Aktan S. 42nd National Neurology Congress, 2006
• Tumefactive MS: A Case Report. Deniz Borucu, Celal Şalçini, Betül Özdilek, Kayıhan Uluç, Neşe Tuncer Elmacı, Dilek İnce Günal. 43rd National Neurology Congress, 2007
• Creutzfeldt-Jacob Disease; Case Report with Radiologic and CSF Findings. Orhan Yılmaz, Celal Şalçini, Mesrure Köseoğlu, Kayıhan Uluç, İpek Midi, Neşe Tuncer,Önder Us, 43rd National Neurology Congress, 2007
• A Case of Tardive Dystonia Secondary to Low Dose Risperidone. Celal Şalçini, Kadriye Ağan, Dilek İnce Günal, 8th National Parkinson and Movement Disorders Congress, 2009
• Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in a Patient With Schizoaffective Disorder Manic Episode. Gökben Hızlı Sayar, Celal Salcini, Ali Bayram, Gaye Kağan, Nevzat Tarhan, 2012
• Chapter XVI "SPINAL CORD DISEASES" of Merrit's Neurology Handbook, p:493-502 Uz.Dr. Kayıhan Uluç, Dr. Celal Şalçini, Translation editor O. Doğu, Güneş Tıp Kitapevleri, ISBN No: 978-975-277-207-6, Ankara 2009
• Neurophysiologic Approach to the Complex Organization in Spine: A study on F-wave duration and Cutaneous Silent Period in Primary Restless Legs Patients, İşak B., Uluç K., Şalçini C., Clinical Neuorphysyology, 2010

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.

2002-2007 Istanbul University Istanbul Faculty of Medicine Department of Brain and Nerve Surgery

1988-1995 Trakya University Faculty of Medicine

2015- Atlas University Medicine Hospital

2014-2015 Private Pendik Yüzyıl Hospital Brain and Neurosurgery Clinic

2009-2014 Medicine Hospital Brain and Neurosurgery Clinic

2009-2009 Nisa Hospital Brain and Neurosurgery Clinic

2007-2009 Mardin State Hospital Brain and Neurosurgery Clinic

2002-2007 Istanbul University Istanbul Faculty of Medicine Brain and Neurosurgery

1997-2001 Enez Health Center and Enez State Hospital

Cervical, Thoracic and Lumbar Disc Surgery (endoscopic/microsurgery)

Far lateral (non-canal) lumbar disc surgery (lateral microsurgical approach)

Neurovascular surgery

Cerebrovascular diseases (vascular diseases of the brain)

Aneurysms

Arteriovenous malformations

Cavernomas

Neuro-oncological surgery

Brain tumors

Glial tumors

Meningiomas

Pituitary gland tumors

Metastatic brain tumors

Skull base tumors

Pontocerebellar angle tumors

Pineal tumors

Intraventricular tumors

Spinal disease surgery

Cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine fractures

Spine and spinal cord tumors

Scoliosis

Degenerative spine diseases

Peripheral nerve disease surgery

Peripheral nerve tumors

Entrapment neuropathies

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Ulnar groove syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome

Functional neurosurgery and pain surgery

Trigeminal neuralgia

Microvascular decompression

Epilepsy surgery

Spasticity surgery

Epiduroscopic interventions

Hydrocephalus surgeries

Endoscopic 3rd ventriculostomy

VP shunt surgeries

LP shunt surgeries

Developmental anomalies

Meningomyelocele

Tethered cord syndrome

Arachnoid cyst

Craniosynostosis surgeries

Chiari malformation

Head trauma

Subdural hematomas

Intracerebral hematomas

Article published in internationally refereed journals

Cansever T, Civelek E, Sencer A, Karasu A, Kiris T, Hepgül K, Can H, Canbolat A: Spinal cavernous malformations: a report of 5 cases. Surg Neurol Jun 69 

Effects of combined and individual use of N-methyl-D aspartate receptor antagonist magnesium sulphate and caspase-9 inhibitor z-LEDH-fmk experimental spinal cord injury. A.Sencer, A.Aydoseli, Y.Aras, M.Osman Akçakaya, C.Gömleksiz, H.Can, A.Canbolat. Turkısh Joumal of Trauma&Emergency Surgery 2013

Aydoseli A, Can H, Aras Y, Sabanci PA, Akcakaya MO, Unal OF. Memantine and Q-VD-OPh Treatments in Experimental Spinal Cord Injury: Combined Inhibition of Necrosis and Apoptosis. Turk Neurosurg. 2016

Can H, Kircelli A, Kavadar G, Civelek E, Cansever T, Aydoseli A, Onal MB, Yilmaz C. Lumbosacral Conjoined Root Anomaly: Anatomical Considerations of Exiting Angles and Root Thickness. Turk Neurosurg. 2017

Kırcelli A, Özel Ö, Can H, Sarı R, Cansever T, Elmacı İ. Is the presence of linear fracture a predictor of delayed posterior fossa epidural hematoma? Ulus Travma Acil Cerrahi Derg. 2016 Jul

Kavadar G, Demircioğlu DT, Can H, Emre TY, Civelek E, Senyigit A. The clinical factors associated with benefit finding of complementary medicine use in patients with back pain: A cross-sectional study with cluster analysis. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil. 2017

Ozer AF, Suzer T, Can H, Falsafi M, Aydin M, Sasani M, Oktenoglu T. Anatomic Assessment of Variations in Kambin’s Triangle: A Surgical and Cadaver Study. World Neurosurg. 2017 Apr

Can H, Aydoseli A, Gömleksiz C, Göker B, Altunrende ME, Dolgun M, Sencer A. Combined and individual use of pancaspase inhibitor Q-VD-OPh and NMDA receptor antagonist riluzole in experimental spinal cord injury. Ulus Travma Acil Cerrahi Derg. 2017

Gomleksiz C, Erbulut DU, Can H, Kodigudla MK, Kelkar AV, Kasapoglu E, Ozer AF, Goel VK. A new lumbar fixation device alternative to pedicle-based stabilization for lumbar spine: In vitro cadaver investigation. J Spinal Cord Med. 2018 Jul 16:1-8.

Aydoseli A, Özgen U, Akgül T, Orhan EK, Adıyaman AE, Can H, Karadağ C. Subacute Traumatic Ascending Myelopathy in a 28-year-old man: A rare case. World Neurosurg. 2019 Apr 28

Article published in national refereed journals

1) Intracranial Hemangioblastomas: Clinical Evaluation of 32 Patients T. Cansever, A. Karasu, K. Hepgül, H. Can, A. Sencer Turkish Neurosurgical Journal 2007, Volume:17 

2) Halil Can, Müge Dolgun, Utku Özgen, Cengiz Gömleksiz, Furkan Diren, Aydın Aydoseli, Yavuz Aras, Altay Sencer. Microsurgical Results in Vestibular Schwannoma Patients; Retrospective Clinical Study. JAREM 2019

3) Furkan Diren , Özcan Gayretli , Halil Can , İlke Ali Gürses , Orhan Barlas. Examination of Pons-Cerebellum Cisterna Anatomy with Endoscopic Retrosigmoid Suboccipital Approach: Cadaver Study. JAREM 2019

Education: 

Degree                       Program                                             University                   Year

Bachelor                     Medical Sciences                               İstanbul University     1995

Master Degree           Medical Sciences                               İstanbul University     1997

Doctorate and expertise in medicine

Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology     İstanbul University     2004

Assistant professor     

İstanbul Bilim University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology İstanbul Bilim University        2009

Associate professor

İstanbul Bilim University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology İstanbul Bilim University        2011

Clinical Neurophysiology Subspecialty          

İstanbul Bilim University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology İstanbul Bilim University        2011

PhD Thesis:

INVESTIGATION OF ANTI-GANGLIOSIDE AND ANTI-GLUTAMIC ACID DECARBOXYLASE ANTIBODIES IN JUDICIAL MYOCLONIC EPILEPSY AND INVESTIGATION OF SUBCLINIC ANTERIOR HORN INVOLVEMENT BY ESTIMATE MOTOR UNIT COUNT METHOD-2002

Experience

Research Assistant 

Department of Neurology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University        1998-2004

Specialist

Şişli Florence Nightingale Hospital, Department of Neurology       2004-2009

Assistant Professor

Istanbul Bilim University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology 2009-2011

Assoc. Prof.     

Şişli Florence Nightingale Hospital Department of Neurology 

İstanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital 

Memberships to Scientific Organizations:

Turkish Medical Association

Turkish Neurology Association

Turkish Association for Combating Epilepsy

Turkish Clinical Neurophysiology EEG-EMG Association

Association of Child Neurology and Neuroimmunology

Awards:

Clinical Neurophysiology Congress (Antalya-2013): First prize for the poster paper titled "Continuous Video-EEG Monitoring Findings and Clinical, Laboratory and Imaging Characteristics of Patients Monitored in the Neurology Intensive Care Unit Due to Alertness Defect"

National Epilepsy Congress (Muğla-2012): "Does Semiology Tell Us the Origin of Seizures Consisting Mainly of Alteration of Consciousness?" Kenan Tükel publishing award for his publication

National Epilepsy Congress (Izmir- 2008): First prize in the field of epilepsy congress publications with the publication titled "Reduced axon number in Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy demonstrated by motor unit number estimation analysis"

National Epilepsy Congress (Ankara- 2004): First prize in the field of epilepsy congress publication with the publication titled "No association of anti-gm1 and anti-gad antibodies with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy"

Turkish Clinical Neurophysiology EEG-EMG Association, 19th National Clinical Neurophysiology EEG-EMG Congress (Trabzon-2002): Congress publication award for the publication titled "Epileptic seizures in Behçet's disease".

Turkish Scientific and Technical Research Council scientific publications incentive award-2002: (With the publication titled "Epileptic Seizures In Behçet's Disease")

Turkish Neurology Association, 38th National Neurology Congress - 2002: Second prize for the oral presentation titled "Investigation of subclinical anterior horn involvement in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy with the estimated motor unit number method".

Turkish Epilepsy Association and Sanofi Pharma Scientific Research Project Support Award - 2001: "Investigation of anti-ganglioside antibodies in juvenile myoclonic epilepsies" thesis project.

General Information and Presentation

He completed his primary education at Şenlikköy Primary School and his secondary education at the Istek Foundation Florya Bilge Kagan High School. He graduated from Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine in 2001. He completed his specialist education in Istanbul Medical Faculty Neurology Department in 2006. In 2006 he worked at the Neurology Clinic and the PharmaZentrum Research Center of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Basel, Switzerland. Between 2007 and 2011, Bakırköy Prof. Dr. He worked at Mazhar Osman Mental Health and Neurological Diseases Training and Research Hospital in the 3rd Neurology Clinic and in the Dementia and Movement Disorders policlinics. Since October 2011, he has been working at Istanbul University of Science, Faculty of Medicine, Neurology, USA.

Experience

İstanbul Bilim University Faculty of Medicine Neurology, 

Şişli Florence Nightingale Hospital 

Kadıköy Florence Nightingale Hospital Neurology Clinics, 

Gayrettepe Metropolitan Florence Nightingale Hospital PET department.