Patient Experience
A 72-year-old retired fisherman from the Black Sea coast presented with trigeminal neuralgia that had resisted all medication. Dr. Yilmaz performed a microvascular decompression, discovering an aberrant arterial loop compressing the nerve. The patient, who spoke only Lazuri, communicated recovery through his granddaughter, reporting his first pain-free meal in seven years.
A 19-year-old university chess champion developed sudden-onset hemiplegic migraines mimicking stroke. Advanced imaging revealed a rare developmental venous anomaly. Dr. Yilmaz opted for conservative management with targeted neuro-modulation therapy instead of intervention. The patient returned to tournament play within three months with a new prophylactic regimen.
A 34-year-old Syrian refugee and former carpenter presented with progressive hand weakness. Imaging showed a C6-C7 disc herniation with spinal cord compression. Dr. Yilmaz performed an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion using a novel biodegradable implant. The patient regained full hand function and found work in a furniture workshop.
An 8-year-old girl from a rural village with untreated hydrocephalus since infancy was brought by a charitable foundation. Dr. Yilmaz performed an endoscopic third ventriculostomy, avoiding shunt dependency. The child, previously bedridden, began walking with support and started special education six months post-op.
A 58-year-old wealthy industrialist with recurrent glioblastoma sought a fourth opinion. Dr. Yilmaz proposed an awake craniotomy with intraoperative mapping to preserve language centers while maximizing resection, combined with convection-enhanced delivery of chemotherapy. The patient maintained executive function for 14 months post-procedure.
A 41-year-old professional freediver developed decompression sickness with spinal cord involvement. Dr. Yilmaz coordinated with hyperbaric specialists and performed a limited laminectomy to relieve pressure. The diver regained bladder control and partial leg movement, transitioning to coaching.
A 27-year-old pregnant woman (22 weeks gestation) presented with a rapidly growing meningioma causing visual disturbances. Dr. Yilmaz collaborated with obstetricians to perform a supine-position craniotomy with fetal monitoring. Both mother and baby recovered well, with delivery at term.
A 66-year-old retired calligraphy master developed essential tremor threatening his craft. Dr. Yilmaz performed deep brain stimulation with intraoperative microelectrode recording while the patient attempted calligraphy strokes. Post-calibration, his tremor reduced by 92%, allowing him to resume teaching.
A 12-year-old boy with neurofibromatosis type 2 presented with bilateral vestibular schwannomas threatening hearing. Dr. Yilmaz staged surgeries six months apart, using auditory brainstem implants. The patient preserved hearing in one ear and gained environmental sound awareness through the implant.
A 49-year-old long-haul truck driver developed drop foot from a lumbar synovial cyst. Dr. Yilmaz performed a minimally invasive resection through a tubular retractor. The patient returned to driving within three weeks, using a temporary ankle brace until nerve recovery completed.
An 81-year-old grandmother with Parkinson's disease suffered a fall causing chronic subdural hematoma. Dr. Yilmaz used a twist-drill craniostomy at bedside under local anesthesia. Her Parkinson's symptoms temporarily improved post-drainage due to reduced mass effect, surprising her neurologist.
A 30-year-old professional violinist developed a cavernous malformation near the motor cortex controlling her bowing hand. Dr. Yilmaz used intraoperative MRI and neuro-navigation for complete resection. After six months of intensive neuro-rehabilitation, she returned to performing with minor adaptive techniques.
A 55-year-old diabetic farmer with a pituitary macroadenoma developed apoplexy during harvest season. Dr. Yilmaz performed an endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal resection, preserving pituitary function. The patient's diabetes management simplified post-recovery as hormone levels normalized.
A 3-year-old toddler from a multi-generational household presented with a rare posterior fossa arachnoid cyst causing developmental delay. Dr. Yilmaz performed cyst fenestration via a retro-sigmoid approach. The child's speech and motor skills showed dramatic improvement within a year, documented by family videos.
A 44-year-old imam with a thoracic spinal ependymoma presented with progressive gait difficulty. Dr. Yilmaz performed a total resection via costotransversectomy, preserving spinal stability without fusion. The patient returned to leading prayers standing within four months, using a decorative cane initially.