Prof. Atilla Yilmaz, MD
Stereotactic & Functional Neurosurgeon
I am a specialist in stereotactic and functional neurosurgery, based in Istanbul, Turkey. For more than two decades, my practice has been built around a single purpose: offering patients with Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, dystonia, and related movement disorders access to the most advanced, personalised surgical care available anywhere in the world.
More than 800 patients from 56 countries have trusted me with their surgery. Each one has reinforced my belief that world-class DBS surgery should not be a privilege of geography or wealth.
Medical Education and Training
I completed my medical degree in 2006, followed by a residency in neurosurgery between 2006 and 2012. My specialist training in stereotactic and functional neurosurgery was developed through intensive clinical focus, where I developed my foundational expertise in deep brain stimulation, neuronavigation, and intraoperative neurophysiology.
Career Timeline
Neurosurgery Resident, Mustafa Kemal University
Specialist & Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery, University of Health Sciences
Founder and Lead Neurosurgeon, Neuromodulation in Turkey, Istanbul - Building an internationally recognised centre for DBS surgery.
Surgical Expertise and Specialisations
I perform both awake DBS surgery (with microelectrode recording) and asleep DBS surgery (with intraoperative MRI/CT guidance).
Brain targets I work with:
DBS device systems I use:
- Medtronic Percept PC / Percept RC (BrainSense technology)
- Abbott (St. Jude Medical) Infinity with directional leads
- Boston Scientific Vercise Genus with 8-contact control
Research and Academic Contributions
I have authored and co-authored over 50 peer-reviewed publications in international neurosurgery and neuromodulation journals.
International Patients - A Personal Commitment
When I began my career, I noticed that patients in the US or UK had access to DBS that patients in other regions simply could not access - not because the surgery was technically unavailable, but because of cost and waiting lists. That became the foundation of what I do today.
My team and I have now treated patients from 56 countries. We communicate in English, Arabic, Russian, and Turkish. We coordinate every detail: visa guidance, airport transfers, accommodation, and remote telemedicine follow-up.
Professional Memberships
A Message From Prof. Yilmaz
"I know that the decision to travel abroad for brain surgery is not made lightly. Every patient I meet deserves an honest assessment of whether surgery can help them. Not a sales pitch. An honest, expert opinion - delivered personally by me."
If you reach out to my team, I will personally review your case. I will tell you clearly whether I believe DBS surgery can help you, which approach I would recommend, and what results you might realistically expect. There is no charge for this initial assessment.
— Prof. Atilla Yilmaz, MD