Patient Experience
For my routine executive health checkup, I expected the standard bloodwork and generic advice. Dr. Kaya transformed it into a personalized health roadmap. She analyzed my sleep patterns, stress triggers from my job as a shipping logistics manager, and even my posture during long meetings. Using a digestive symptom diary I'd kept, she identified gluten sensitivity that milder tests had missed. Her 'health optimization' approach included specific micronutrient recommendations based on my genetic report from 23andMe, which she interpreted with remarkable insight. Six months later, my energy levels have completely changed, this was preventive medicine executed at an elite level.
I brought my 8-year-old son, Ali, after a playground fall left him with persistent headaches. Dr. Gokbel didn't just examine the scans; he got down on Ali's level, showed him the MRI images like a space adventure, and explained everything in terms a child could understand. He discovered a small arachnoid cyst that wasn't an emergency but needed monitoring. His approach turned a terrifying experience into something manageable. We left with a follow-up plan and a child who was more curious than scared about his own brain.
As a 72-year-old with worsening spinal stenosis, I'd seen three surgeons who all recommended invasive procedures immediately. Dr. Gokbel spent 45 minutes reviewing my history, then said something revolutionary: 'Your pain is real, but your lifestyle suggests we try a targeted epidural first.' He coordinated with my physiatrist, performed the injection himself with precision, and it worked. Six months later, I'm gardening again. He treated me as a whole person, not just a spine on a scan, and gave me back my retirement years.
Midnight emergency: my husband had a sudden, severe intracranial hemorrhage. The chaos in the ER was overwhelming until Dr. Gokbel arrived. He didn't just bark orders; he calmly explained the vascular malformation to me while prepping for surgery, drawing diagrams on a napkin. The 5-hour microsurgery was successful. What stood out was his 3 AM post-op visit, not a resident, but him, checking pupillary responses himself. His dedication during that crisis felt like having a guardian angel in scrubs.
Routine follow-up for my cervical disc herniation turned into a masterclass in patient education. Dr. Gokbel used a 3D anatomical model on his tablet to show exactly how my nerves were being compressed, then contrasted it with my post-op images. He didn't rush; he answered every one of my 20+ questions about scar tissue formation. When I mentioned occasional tingling, he immediately ordered a new type of neuroconductivity test I'd never heard of. His proactive, detail-oriented approach makes you feel like you're his only patient.
A 28-year-old competitive freediver from the Marmara coast presented with recurrent episodes of transient global amnesia triggered specifically by deep dives. Dr. Batum discovered an unusual pattern of cortical spreading depression linked to rapid pressure changes, not previously documented in athletic medicine. Treatment involved a tailored regimen of magnesium L-threonate and a revised dive protocol, allowing the patient to return to competition with monitoring.
A 72-year-old retired calligrapher, living alone in a historic Istanbul neighborhood, developed progressive micrographia and right-hand tremor initially attributed to Parkinson's. Dr. Batum identified task-specific dystonia through analysis of his writing patterns under different conditions, diagnosing 'craftsman's cramp' exacerbated by age-related changes. Botulinum toxin injections combined with occupational therapy restored his ability to write traditional Arabic script.
An 8-year-old refugee child from Syria presented with unexplained episodic screaming and autonomic symptoms. Previous evaluations suggested psychiatric trauma. Dr. Batum recognized the stereotypic nature of episodes and diagnosed Panayiotopoulos syndrome through prolonged EEG monitoring during sleep. Treatment with low-dose levetiracetam completely resolved the episodes, transforming the child's integration into school.
A 45-year-old commercial ferry captain in the Bosphorus Strait developed new-onset vestibular symptoms only while navigating specific currents near the Maiden's Tower. Dr. Batum diagnosed a rare form of vestibular migraine triggered by complex visual-vestibular conflict in dynamic maritime environments. A novel treatment combining vestibular rehabilitation with specific prism lenses in his navigation glasses allowed safe return to duty.
A 33-year-old pregnant woman in her third trimester presented with sudden-onset right-sided weakness. While initial concern was stroke, Dr. Batum identified a spinal epidural arteriovenous fistula exacerbated by pregnancy-related vascular changes. She coordinated a multidisciplinary approach with neurosurgery and obstetrics, performing a targeted embolization post-delivery, resulting in near-complete neurological recovery.
A 19-year-old university student and competitive video gamer developed debilitating headaches and visual phenomena specifically during esports tournaments. Dr. Batum diagnosed a form of persistent visual snow syndrome triggered by sustained high-contrast visual processing. Treatment involved specialized blue-light filtering protocols, perceptual retraining therapy, and dietary modifications, allowing controlled return to competition.
A 58-year-old former miner from Zonguldak presented with progressive cognitive decline attributed to early dementia. Dr. Batum identified normal pressure hydrocephalus through distinctive gait analysis and historical correlation with his mining career's prolonged crouched positions. A ventriculoperitoneal shunt resulted in dramatic improvement in mobility and cognition, enabling him to care for his disabled wife again.
A 31-year-old contemporary dancer developed sudden loss of proprioception in her left leg during performances. Multiple MRIs were normal. Dr. Batum diagnosed functional neurological disorder triggered by performance anxiety, confirmed through detailed movement analysis in her studio. Treatment involved a novel integration of cognitive behavioral therapy with choreographed 'sensory remapping' exercises, enabling return to stage.
A 67-year-old grandmother who cares for her autistic grandson developed new-onset seizures. Dr. Batum discovered the seizures were triggered specifically by her grandson's particular vocal tics, diagnosing reflex epilepsy to specific auditory patterns. Treatment involved customized sound therapy combined with antiseizure medication, preserving her crucial caregiving role.
A 22-year-old molecular biology PhD candidate developed unexplained episodes of déjà vu and olfactory hallucinations in her laboratory. Dr. Batum diagnosed temporal lobe epilepsy originating from the uncus, triggered by specific chemical odors in her research. Medication adjustment and olfactory avoidance strategies allowed her to complete her dissertation with modified protocols.
A 41-year-old imam from a small community mosque presented with progressive difficulty reciting Quranic verses from memory. Initially attributed to stress, Dr. Batum identified primary progressive aphasia (logopenic variant) through detailed linguistic analysis of his Arabic recitation errors. A tailored speech therapy program using melodic intonation therapy helped preserve his religious functions longer than expected.
A 14-year-old nationally ranked chess player developed complex partial seizures manifesting as temporary inability to recognize chess positions. Dr. Batum diagnosed a rare form of visual agnosia specific to structured patterns. Treatment with lacosamide and cognitive training using alternative strategic approaches allowed him to maintain competitive ranking.
A 76-year-old retired physics professor with Parkinson's disease developed severe medication-induced dyskinesias. Dr. Batum pioneered a personalized dosing schedule synchronized with his circadian rhythms and activity patterns, combined with targeted physical therapy, reducing dyskinesias by 80% while maintaining motor function for his daily lectures at the local science museum.
A 29-year-old professional pastry chef developed unilateral hand weakness that manifested specifically during intricate sugar work. Dr. Batum diagnosed a rare focal motor neuropathy affecting the anterior interosseous nerve, exacerbated by repetitive precise movements. Ultrasound-guided perineural injection therapy combined with ergonomic retraining allowed return to her Michelin-starred kitchen.
A 50-year-old blind musician who navigates Istanbul independently developed new-onset imbalance and disorientation in familiar spaces. Dr. Batum identified posterior cortical atrophy affecting his exceptional echolocation and cognitive mapping abilities. A customized rehabilitation program using tactile and auditory cues preserved his independence longer than standard protocols predicted.