Neurology

We offer comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for nervous system disorders, ranging from headaches to stroke, epilepsy, and sleep disorders. Your health is in safe hands at the BHT CLINIC Neurology Department.

About the department

The nervous system is one of the most complex and vital networks in the human body. Any disorder in this extensive network, which includes the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and muscles, directly affects your quality of life. At the BHT CLINIC İstanbul Tema Hospital Neurology Department, we provide comprehensive diagnostic and follow-up services for a wide range of nervous system diseases, from headaches to stroke, and epilepsy to movement disorders. Our goal is to protect and improve your health using the most up-to-date approaches offered by modern medicine.

SCOPE OF SERVICES

EEG and EMG testing
Stroke evaluation
Headache treatment
Epilepsy follow-up
Sleep laboratory tests
Movement disorders treatment
Dementia and Alzheimer's follow-up

WHEN SHOULD YOU CONSULT?

Severe headacheNumbness and tinglingLoss of strength in an arm or legFainting and seizuresTremors and slowness of movementLoss of balance and dizzinessForgetfulness and memory issuesSleep apnea and snoring

Which Diseases Does the BHT CLINIC Neurology Department Treat?

Neurological diseases are highly diverse and can manifest differently across all age groups. The main conditions diagnosed and treated by our expert neurology team include:

  • Cerebrovascular Diseases and Stroke: A stroke, caused by a sudden interruption of blood flow to the brain or a brain hemorrhage, is a medical emergency where every second counts. We provide rapid and effective evaluation for our patients seeking stroke treatment. For detailed information, you can read our article Race Against Time: The Importance of First Response in Stroke Treatment for Brain Health.
  • Headaches: We plan personalized headache treatments for debilitating conditions such as migraines, tension-type headaches, cluster headaches, and trigeminal neuralgia.
  • Epilepsy: We provide regular follow-up and seizure control through our epilepsy outpatient services for both adult and pediatric patients.
  • Alzheimer's and Other Dementia Disorders: We offer early diagnosis and supportive treatments for processes that begin with complaints of forgetfulness.
  • Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders: We medically manage conditions characterized by tremors, muscle stiffness, and slowed movements.
  • Sleep Disorders: We diagnose conditions like sleep apnea syndrome and restless legs syndrome in our fully equipped sleep laboratory. You can read about the effects of sleep on our health in our article The Place and Importance of Quality Sleep in Our Lives.
  • Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Other Demyelinating Diseases: We meticulously conduct long-term follow-ups of these diseases, which occur when the immune system attacks nerve cells.
  • Polyneuropathy and Radiculopathy: We evaluate nerve compressions that cause neck, lower back, and back pain, hernias, as well as numbness in the arms and legs.
  • Vertigo: We investigate and treat the underlying neurological causes of dizziness and loss of balance.

Diagnostic Methods Used (EEG, EMG, Sleep Test)

Proper treatment begins with an accurate diagnosis. In our neurology clinic, advanced technology diagnostic methods are used to determine the source of diseases. The main tests performed in our hospital are:

  • EEG (Electroencephalography): This test, which measures the electrical activity of the brain, plays a critical role, especially in the diagnosis and follow-up of epilepsy. Brain waves are recorded painlessly via small electrodes placed on the scalp.
  • EMG (Electromyography): Evaluates the electrical activity of nerves and muscles. For the diagnosis of arm and leg numbness, muscle weakness, and nerve compressions, EEG and EMG can be performed together or separately depending on the physician's decision.
  • Sleep Test (Polysomnography): For a definitive diagnosis of sleep disorders like sleep apnea, our patients are hosted overnight in our specially designed sleep laboratory. Breathing pauses, brain waves, and heart rhythms during sleep are examined in detail.
  • Radiological Imaging: Advanced imaging techniques such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) are also utilized quickly and effectively in the diagnosis of neurological diseases.

Treatment Methods and Applications in Neurological Diseases

The treatment methods applied in our department are fully personalized according to the patient's general health, age, and the stage of the disease. Medication is the most frequently used method in the management of neurological diseases. Preventive drugs for migraine attacks, antiepileptics to stop epilepsy seizures, or treatments replacing dopamine deficiency in Parkinson's disease are successfully applied.

For patients diagnosed with sleep apnea, CPAP device treatments are planned to keep the airways open during sleep. In emergencies like stroke, clot-dissolving treatments (thrombolytic therapy) administered in the first few hours are vital to minimize damage to brain cells. For chronic pain and muscle spasms, various medical applications can also be added to the treatment plan when deemed necessary.

Our Technology and Expert Team

For patients seeking neurology services, BHT CLINIC stands out with its modern medical infrastructure and fully equipped expert staff. Dr. Reyhan Başak GÜRPINAR, a specialist in our department, provides confidence to our patients with her deep knowledge and experience in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological diseases.

Our in-house Sleep Laboratory provides a major advantage in detecting sleep disorders, while our stroke evaluation system, integrated with our emergency department, allows for interventions within minutes for patients experiencing a stroke. When necessary, we work in coordination with other departments such as neurosurgery, physical therapy and rehabilitation, or cardiology to ensure you feel safe at every stage of your treatment.

When Should You See a Neurologist?

Many neurological diseases can be managed much more easily and permanently when detected early. You should pay attention to certain important signals your body gives you. If you experience one or more of the following symptoms, you should see a neurology specialist without delay:

  • Sudden onset of a headache of unprecedented severity
  • Sudden numbness and loss of strength in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
  • Speech impairment, inability to formulate words, or difficulty understanding
  • Unexplained fainting (syncope) or experiencing a seizure
  • Involuntary tremors, contractions, and slowness in the hands or different parts of the body
  • Difficulty walking, sudden loss of balance, and severe dizziness
  • Forgetfulness, memory loss, and confusion affecting daily life
  • Breathing pauses during sleep (along with snoring) or a feeling of restlessness in the legs

Appointment and Examination Process

Taking a step to protect your neurological health and find solutions to your current complaints is very easy. The examination process in our hospital is planned with your comfort in mind. During the examination, our specialist physician will listen to your complaints in detail, perform a neurological examination, and request blood tests or imaging studies if deemed necessary.

To avoid delaying your health and to consult with our specialist physicians, you can call our contact center at 0850 811 34 00, available 24/7. Additionally, you can quickly complete your transaction and start your treatment immediately via our online appointment page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between neurology and neurosurgery?

Neurology deals with the treatment of nervous system diseases using medication and medical devices. Neurosurgery (brain and nerve surgery), on the other hand, deals with conditions requiring surgery, such as brain tumors, severe herniated discs in the lower back and neck, or surgical interventions for brain hemorrhages.

How long does an EMG take, and does it hurt?

An EMG (Electromyography) procedure generally takes between 20 and 45 minutes, depending on the area being examined. During the procedure, a mild electrical stimulus is applied, and fine needles are used. While this may cause a slight feeling of discomfort, it generally does not produce unbearable pain.

How is a migraine treated?

Migraine treatment involves medications aimed at stopping the pain during an attack and preventive treatments aimed at reducing the frequency of attacks. Additionally, lifestyle changes, regular sleep, and avoiding triggers are crucial parts of the treatment.

Do I need to stay in the hospital for a sleep test (Polysomnography)?

Yes, for a sleep test, our patients are hosted overnight in our sleep laboratory. Brain waves, breathing, heart rate, and muscle movements during sleep are recorded with special devices and examined by our specialist physicians.

Why is first response important in the event of a stroke?

In patients experiencing a stroke, brain cells are deprived of oxygen and begin to rapidly sustain damage within minutes. Medical interventions (clot-dissolving drugs, etc.) performed in the first few hours are vital to prevent or minimize permanent paralysis. Therefore, you should immediately go to the emergency room when stroke symptoms are observed.

Physicians in this department