Parkinson’s Disease Treatment Cost in Turkey
Parkinson’s disease treatment in Turkey costs on average between £12,000 and £21,500. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) costs £16,300 to £21,500. In the UK, treatment is generally available through the NHS, so the cost to you depends on your referral and local commissioning arrangements.
| Brain MRI with contrast | £260 - £560 |
| Complex Parkinson’s diagnostic workup | £1,030 - £2,060 |
| MRI-guided focused ultrasound neurosurgery | £12,000 - £18,900 |
| Deep brain stimulation (DBS) | £16,300 - £21,500 |
If you are considering treatment abroad, it is worth checking what your NHS trust or private insurer covers in your situation.
Parkinson’s Disease Treatment in Turkey: the options available to improve your quality of life
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative condition that affects around 1% of people over 60 worldwide.[1] It usually presents with tremor, slowness of movement, muscle rigidity and balance problems.
Unfortunately, this disease cannot be cured. That is why patients and their families look for the best ways to improve their quality of life. This article covers everything you need to know about Parkinson’s disease treatment in Turkey and the alternatives available.
What treatment options are available for Parkinson’s disease in Turkey?
In Turkey, patients with Parkinson’s disease can access several symptomatic treatments to improve their quality of life. They can ease their symptoms through different therapeutic options such as:
- Deep brain stimulation (DBS), a surgical advance based on electrodes implanted in the brain. These send electrical impulses to specific areas. This Parkinson’s treatment is performed in Turkey to regulate normal movement and reduce motor symptoms.
- Medication, essential for managing the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Clinics in Istanbul generally prescribe levodopa (to supply dopamine to the brain and reduce slowness and rigidity), dopamine agonists (to complement levodopa) and MAO-B inhibitors (to prevent the breakdown of dopamine in the brain).
- Rehabilitation and physiotherapy, an important part of Parkinson’s disease treatment in Turkey to improve posture, motor skills and coordination.
- A full diagnostic workup followed by a personalised treatment plan. This approach is more effective at finding the best options for each patient’s specific needs. Turkish doctors carry out detailed examinations (MRI and PET) as well as other neurological tests to assess the patient’s condition.
Who is Parkinson’s disease treatment in Turkey suitable for?
Parkinson’s disease treatment in Turkey is suitable for different patient profiles. There are, however, a few main criteria that help offer tailored solutions to each case:
- The patient’s diagnosis has been confirmed, whether at an early or advanced stage.
- For surgery, particularly deep brain stimulation, trials have mainly included patients under 75, with no regulatory age limit.[2]
- Patients at a stage where medication alone no longer controls the symptoms.
In all cases, you need to be in good general health to undergo surgery.
See our special feature on stem cell therapy in Turkey.
How is the treatment carried out?
In the best clinics and hospitals in Istanbul, Parkinson’s disease treatment follows a well-structured protocol. It includes several stages, from the initial workup to post-treatment follow-up.
A preparation phase
The first step is a consultation with a neurologist and a neurosurgeon to assess the patient’s condition and discuss the possible treatment options. Detailed examinations are then carried out in the best hospitals that provide Parkinson’s disease treatment.
This allows a personalised treatment plan to be built on the basis of the diagnostic tests, according to each patient’s condition.
Choosing treatment based on the patient’s condition
On the doctor’s recommendation, the patient may:
- Undergo deep brain stimulation (DBS). For this, the patient has a pre-operative assessment to confirm they are a good candidate for DBS. For the operation, they will be under general or local anaesthesia so that electrodes can be implanted in specific areas of the brain. Once the procedure is complete, the patient remains under close medical supervision to adjust the stimulation settings.
- Receive medication with meticulous follow-up to adjust doses regularly according to the patient’s response to the drugs.
- Attend rehabilitation and physiotherapy sessions to strengthen the muscles and improve balance and coordination.
What can be expected from deep brain stimulation?
In carefully selected patients at an advanced stage, deep brain stimulation improves motor symptoms without curing the disease: 4.6 hours a day of good mobility without troublesome dyskinesia gained, against 0 hours on medication alone.[3]
This benefit comes at a cost: 13% of serious adverse events against 4% on medication alone, including a fatal brain haemorrhage.[2] The eligibility workup therefore comes before planning a medical trip to Turkey.
Why choose Turkey for Parkinson’s disease treatment?
Many international patients choose Turkey to treat Parkinson’s disease, simply because this destination offers a number of advantages.
Competitive costs compared with other countries
Medical treatment in Turkey, including for Parkinson’s disease, is often far more affordable than in countries such as the United States or Western Europe. This price difference mainly concerns patients who pay for their medical care themselves.
So how much does Parkinson’s disease treatment in Turkey cost? It varies depending on the method chosen, but as a guide, deep brain stimulation ranges between £16,300 and £21,500.
In the UK, the NHS generally provides this treatment, but waiting times and access vary by region.[4][5] You can also obtain a personalised treatment plan, including a precise diagnosis, from £1,030 to £2,060.
Well-equipped clinics with cutting-edge technology
Clinics and hospitals in Turkey, particularly in Istanbul, have state-of-the-art medical equipment. Advanced technologies used for diagnosis and treatment, such as MRI and positron emission tomography (PET), are used for diagnosis and patient follow-up.
No compromise on quality of care
Despite competitive costs, the quality of medical care in Turkey is very high. The clinics are accredited by international medical organisations and treatments follow global healthcare standards. No published data, however, compares the outcomes achieved in Turkey with those in other countries.
Frequently Asked Questions about Parkinson’s disease
Is Parkinson’s disease treatment painful?
Parkinson’s disease treatment, including medication and therapies, is usually painless. Deep brain stimulation, however, is neurosurgery, with a risk of brain haemorrhage.[2] Side effects vary from person to person.
What are the main Parkinson’s disease treatment centres in Turkey?
Deep brain stimulation is performed mainly in the neurosurgery departments of the large hospitals in Istanbul. Before choosing, ask how many implantations the team performs each year and who will manage the stimulator settings after you return home.
Are translation services available for international patients?
Yes, several medical facilities in Istanbul offer translation services for international patients. These services make communication between patients and health professionals easier, ensuring better understanding.
How long is recovery after deep brain stimulation?
Recovery after deep brain stimulation usually takes a few weeks. Patients can return to their normal activities, with regular medical follow-up to adjust the device settings.
Can patients continue their usual medication in Turkey?
Yes, patients can continue their usual medication under the supervision of Turkish doctors. Bring your prescriptions and the list of your medicines, with their doses and timings: the team on site needs them to adapt the treatment.
How far in advance should you plan treatment in Turkey?
It is advisable to plan treatment in Turkey several weeks in advance, with your neurologist’s file. This allows time to organise appointments, the necessary medical preparations and the logistics of the trip.
What is the price of a Parkinson’s operation by deep brain stimulation?
In Turkey, deep brain stimulation costs £16,300 to £21,500 and ultrasound surgery £12,000 to £18,900. In the UK, the operation is generally available through the NHS. A neurological workup decides whether it is indicated.[5]
Sources & References
- Tysnes OB, Storstein A. Epidemiology of Parkinson’s disease. Journal of Neural Transmission. 2017;124(8):901-905. View source
- Deuschl G, Schade-Brittinger C, Krack P, et al. A randomized trial of deep-brain stimulation for Parkinson’s disease. New England Journal of Medicine. 2006;355(9):896-908. View source
- Weaver FM, Follett K, Stern M, et al. Bilateral deep brain stimulation vs best medical therapy for patients with advanced Parkinson disease: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2009;301(1):63-73. View source
- Assurance Maladie. Qu’est-ce que le dispositif appelé Affection Longue Durée (ALD) ? ameli.fr. 2026. View source
- Assurance Maladie. À quoi sert la prise en charge en Affection Longue Durée (ALD) exonérante ? ameli.fr. 2026. View source
