Neurology in general is a branch of science that studies diseases of the brain, brainstem, spinal cord, peripheral nervous system, and muscles, including non-surgical treatment methods. Neurology deals with disorders such as epilepsy, headaches, movement disorders, cerebrovascular diseases, dementia, and sleep disorders.
In our Neurology Outpatient Clinic;
- Electrophysiology
- Epilepsy
- Cerebrovascular diseases (Strokes)
- Dementia (Alzheimer’s)
- MSLT Test
- Multiple sclerosis
- Low back and neck pain
- Vertigo (Dizziness)
- Headache
- Botox treatments
- EEG - EMG
- Alzheimer’s (Dementia)
- Vertigo (Dizziness)
- Mental development
- Paralysis
- Headaches
- Movement disorders
- Low back and neck pain
- MS (Multiple Sclerosis)
- Sleep disorders and snoring treatments are performed.
EEG EMG
Electroencephalography (EEG):
It enables the examination of brain activities through the scalp. It is most commonly used in the diagnosis and treatment evaluation of patients with seizures. In addition, it is also used in the evaluation of diagnosis and treatment in brain tumors, head traumas, sleep disorders, degenerative diseases, dementia, and certain psychiatric disorders.
It is a painless and risk-free procedure that can be applied to outpatients. After the electrodes are attached to the scalp with the help of adhesive, the patient is asked to lie down or sit still without moving the head. Electrodes are devices that conduct electricity and allow electrical activity to be monitored. During recording, the patient is asked to take deep breaths and open and close the eyes. In addition, brain activity changes may be evaluated using light, sound, or sometimes certain medications.
Routine recordings are performed for about 30 minutes, and the patient is asked to be well-fed beforehand. In some cases, a longer recording including sleep periods, called a “sleep-deprivation EEG,” is planned. In such cases, the patient may be asked to sleep for only 2–3 hours the night before and come for the recording without sleep.
Electromyography (EMG):
It is used to evaluate muscle, nerve, and spinal cord diseases. It records the electrical activity of the nerves that control muscle contraction.
In nerve conduction studies (NCV), electrodes are placed on the muscle or skin area related to the nerve being examined (for sensory nerve studies), and the nerves leading to the muscle are electrically stimulated to obtain recordings. The procedure may take about one hour.
In EMG, fine needle electrodes that conduct electricity are inserted into the muscle, and the muscle is examined both at rest and during contraction.
Patients may usually find the procedure uncomfortable and slightly painful.
Before EMG, it is recommended to avoid caffeine and smoking for 2–3 hours and ensure that the body temperature is within normal limits.
Sleep Laboratory
Our internationally accredited Sleep Laboratory assists patients with sleep apnea and sleep disorders. While our guests spend one night sleeping in our center, their heart rate and breathing are monitored throughout the night, along with video and audio recordings. The data are reviewed on the following day using a computer to identify problems and determine appropriate treatments. In addition, EEG and EMG examinations are also performed in our unit.
Sleep Apnea: Sleep apnea usually occurs in people who snore. It is defined as a temporary cessation of breathing during sleep (usually lasting 20–30 seconds).
Snoring: Snoring is the sound that occurs when there is a narrowing in the airway behind the mouth and nose.
At least 45% of normal adults snore occasionally, and 25% snore regularly. The problem of snoring is most common among overweight men and tends to increase with age.
Diseases Treated:
- Sleep Behavior Disorder
- Narcolepsy
- Insomnia
- Hypersomnia and Nightmare Disorder
TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation)
What is TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation)?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a technique that uses a stimulating coil to create a strong magnetic field that induces small and temporary electrical currents in the cerebral cortex.
Why TMS?
- Antidepressant medications are systemic, meaning they can cause numerous side effects.
- TMS can be applied when antidepressants fail or when their side effects become intolerable.
- With TMS therapy, patients do not experience issues such as sexual dysfunction or weight gain, which are common with antidepressant use.
What Does a Person Feel During TMS Application?
- During the procedure, the device emits a "click" sound at certain intervals. This sound is not disturbing and does not cause any pain.
- The person remains awake throughout the procedure.
Treatment Areas
TMS is used when standard treatments such as medication or self-help techniques are ineffective, or when drug side effects are too severe. In many European countries, TMS has been approved for the treatment of several common conditions, including:
- Anxiety disorders such as OCD
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Stroke rehabilitation
- Schizophrenia
- Parkinson’s disease
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Chronic pain
- Nicotine addiction
- Depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Eating disorders
- Neuropathic pain
TMS has also shown promising results in the off-label treatment of conditions such as fibromyalgia, autism spectrum disorder, and multiple sclerosis.
Who Cannot Receive TMS Treatment?
Because TMS uses magnetic energy, it cannot be applied to individuals who have metal implants in their head or neck areas.
Examples of metallic objects that may prevent TMS treatment include:
- Aneurysm clips
- Stents
- Deep brain stimulators
- Metallic ear or eye implants
- Shrapnel or bullet fragments
- Pacemakers
Common Side Effects
- Headache
- Scalp discomfort at the stimulation site
- Tingling, spasms, or twitching of facial muscles
- Dizziness
Number and Duration of Sessions
The number of sessions is planned individually for each patient. The average session lasts between 30 and 40 minutes.
Recovery Process
After the treatment, patients can immediately return to their daily activities.
Symptoms may completely disappear or subside for a long period after TMS treatment. Genetic predisposition and environmental factors play a significant role in the recovery process.
Newborn Hearing Test
What is a hearing screening?
A hearing screening is an examination designed to determine whether a baby’s or individual’s hearing organ is functioning properly using a simple test. It is a quick and brief procedure that can show whether there is a problem or not. In cases where a problem is suspected, more comprehensive examinations are required. Hearing loss, which occurs in about 1 out of every 1000 babies, can lead to learning difficulties and communication problems with peers. Hearing loss, which significantly affects social and physical development, may slow down development if not diagnosed and managed early.
When should hearing screening be performed in newborns?
Hearing screening for newborns should be performed while the baby is still in the hospital. If, for any reason, the baby leaves the hospital before the test is performed or is born outside of a hospital, the test should be done before the baby reaches 3 months of age. Babies or children who do not pass the screening test or are suspected of having hearing loss should be examined regardless of their age, and, if necessary, undergo BEAP and audiometry hearing tests.
The most commonly used hearing screening test is the OAE (Otoacoustic Emission) test. This test is performed while the baby is asleep. A probe is placed at the entrance of the external ear canal to deliver sound into the ear, and the returning echo is measured. If a response is received, it means the baby “passed the test” and has normal hearing.
Performing these tests early is crucial for diagnosing disorders and deciding on the appropriate treatment.
In addition to newborns, periodic hearing evaluations should also be conducted during early childhood.
- Certain illnesses experienced during childhood,
- medications used,
- and genetic conditions associated with progressive hearing loss
For various reasons such as these, hearing loss may also occur after the newborn period. Since parents may not notice hearing loss in infants and children immediately, regular check-ups are important for monitoring the child’s development.
