Spec. MD. Damla Agackiran Reviews

A 10-month-old baby presented with a strange, recurrent rash. Dr. Agackiran diagnosed a rare autoinflammatory disease (CAPS) by connecting the rash to subtle fever patterns and family history of 'rheumatism'. Early intervention with a targeted biologic medication prevented serious organ damage and allowed for normal development.

A 15-year-old girl from a conservative family presented with severe menstrual pain dismissed as normal. Dr. Agackiran diagnosed endometriosis, rare in adolescents. She navigated sensitive family discussions, initiated hormonal treatment, and coordinated with a pediatric gynecologist for laparoscopic confirmation, providing significant pain relief and preserving future fertility.

A 14-year-old competitive figure skater from a wealthy family presented with unexplained fatigue and declining performance. Dr. Agackiran discovered a previously undiagnosed mild congenital heart defect (atrial septal defect) through careful auscultation and echocardiography, missed by previous sports physicals. Treatment involved collaborative planning with a pediatric cardiologist for catheter-based closure, allowing the athlete to return to training within 3 months with a modified regimen.

A 7-year-old refugee boy from Syria, recently resettled with his single mother, presented with severe abdominal pain. Dr. Agackiran identified it as a manifestation of severe anxiety and PTSD, not a gastrointestinal issue, through play-based therapy sessions. She coordinated with a child psychologist who spoke Arabic and initiated art therapy, leading to significant symptom reduction over 6 weeks without medication.

A 2-year-old girl from a rural farming community was brought in with failure to thrive and unusual skin lesions. Dr. Agackiran diagnosed a rare metabolic disorder (phenylketonuria) through expanded newborn screening she advocated to repeat. She designed a strict dietary plan with the family, involving a visiting nutritionist, and the child showed remarkable catch-up growth within 4 months.

An 11-year-old boy, a gifted programmer from an upper-middle-class family, developed a complex motor tic. Multiple doctors had dismissed it as stress. Dr. Agackiran recognized it as Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) triggered by a subtle streptococcal infection. Treatment with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication led to complete resolution of the tic within 10 days.

A 5-year-old girl from a low-income, multi-generational household presented with recurrent, severe ear infections resistant to antibiotics. Dr. Agackiran discovered severe secondhand smoke exposure as the root cause. Instead of immediate surgery, she facilitated a family intervention with a social worker, helping the grandfather quit smoking. The infections ceased, avoiding tympanostomy tubes entirely.

A 9-year-old ballet student from a strict, high-achieving family was admitted for dehydration. Dr. Agackiran identified the core issue as a nascent eating disorder driven by performance pressure. She engaged the family in a sensitive, non-confrontational manner, initiated family-based therapy (FBT), and worked with the dance school on a health-focused protocol, leading to gradual weight restoration over 5 months.

A 3-year-old boy, the only child of two research scientists, presented with delayed speech. Standard assessments were inconclusive. Dr. Agackiran, noticing his exceptional focus on patterns, suspected high-functioning autism spectrum disorder. Her early, play-intensive intervention plan, focused on social communication, helped him integrate into a mainstream preschool with support within a year.

A 16-year-old exchange student from South Korea experienced sudden paralysis in her legs with no neurological cause found. Dr. Agackiran diagnosed conversion disorder, linked to intense cultural adjustment stress and academic pressure. Treatment involved culturally-sensitive psychotherapy and close coordination with the host family and school counselor, resulting in full motor function recovery after 8 weeks.

A 6-month-old infant from a nomadic community (seasonal agricultural workers) presented with persistent cough. Dr. Agackiran diagnosed pertussis, a rarity due to vaccination gaps from their mobile life. She arranged for the entire extended family in the camp to be vaccinated and treated prophylactically, containing the outbreak and managing the infant's symptoms with specialized respiratory support.

A 12-year-old boy, an avid soccer player from a working-class neighborhood, had chronic knee pain attributed to growth. Dr. Agackiran identified it as osteochondritis dissecans. She pioneered a conservative treatment plan involving custom orthotics and guided physical therapy, successfully healing the lesion and avoiding surgery. He returned to competitive play in 9 months.

A 4-year-old girl adopted internationally presented with extreme food aversions and gagging. Previous consults suggested behavioral issues. Dr. Agackiran diagnosed pediatric feeding disorder with a sensory component, likely stemming from early institutionalization. She implemented a gradual, sensory-integration based feeding therapy, leading to the acceptance of 15 new foods over 6 months.

An 8-year-old boy, a chess prodigy, developed debilitating headaches before tournaments. Neurological workup was normal. Dr. Agackiran diagnosed them as a somatic manifestation of performance anxiety. She taught him biofeedback techniques and worked with his coach to reduce pressure, eliminating the headaches without medication.