Neurology care in Istanbul for patients from South Africa
Istanbul is one of the most accessible cities in the world for medical travel. Patients from South Africa visit Dr. Sevinç Ümit for headache and migraine treatment, Botox for chronic migraine and full overnight sleep studies, with the consultation and tests planned into as few days as possible.
Because the journey from South Africa is long, we plan your visit carefully so that all assessments and treatment fit into a single trip.
What can be done during your visit
- Neurology consultation and second opinion — a detailed review of your symptoms, scans and previous treatment
- Migraine treatment — acute and preventive treatment, including newer CGRP-targeted options where appropriate
- Botox for chronic migraine — 31 standard injection points on the head and neck, 15–20 minutes, often on the same day as the consultation
- Nerve blocks — occipital nerve blocks for migraine, cluster headache and occipital neuralgia
- Sleep study (polysomnography) — an overnight test for sleep apnea, insomnia, restless legs and narcolepsy
- CPAP / BiPAP check and titration — bring your own device for a review of pressure and mask fit
Travelling from South Africa to Istanbul
Typical flight time: about 10–11 hours from Johannesburg, Cape Town. Turkish Airlines and other carriers operate frequent services to Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW).
The practice is in Küçükçekmece on the European side of Istanbul, close to the E-5 (D-100) highway, the Cennet Mahallesi Metrobus stop and the Marmaray Küçükçekmece station. From Istanbul Airport the journey usually takes 35–60 minutes by taxi or transfer, depending on traffic.
Visa requirements depend on your nationality; many visitors can apply for a Turkish e-Visa online. Please check the official requirements before booking your trip.
How your visit is planned
- Send your information: WhatsApp or email us from South Africa with your symptoms, reports and a list of medicines.
- Online pre-consultation: if useful, a short video call to decide which tests may be needed and how many days to plan.
- Scheduling: consultation, tests and treatment are booked on consecutive days.
- In Istanbul: everything is explained in English; you receive written results and a treatment plan.
- Back home: follow-up, results and dose adjustments continue online; an English summary can be prepared for your doctor.
How long should you stay?
- Consultation or second opinion: 1 day
- Consultation + migraine Botox: 1 day
- Consultation + EEG or EMG: 1 day
- Sleep study (polysomnography): 2 days; with CPAP titration: 3 days
- Narcolepsy assessment (sleep study + MSLT): 2–3 days
Your personal schedule is confirmed during the pre-consultation, so you can book flights and accommodation with confidence.
Questions from patients in South Africa
Can I see an English-speaking neurologist in Istanbul if I travel from South Africa?
Yes. Dr. Sevinç Ümit speaks English fluently, as well as German, Bulgarian, Russian and Turkish, so the consultation, results and treatment plan are discussed directly without an interpreter.
Can I have migraine Botox on the same day as my consultation?
Yes, if the consultation confirms chronic migraine and Botox is suitable for you. Bring a headache diary from the last one to three months and a list of the preventive medicines you have tried.
How do I continue treatment after returning to South Africa?
Most follow-up, result reviews and medication adjustments can be done by video call. Migraine Botox is repeated every 12 weeks — either in Istanbul or by a trained doctor at home, using the written summary we provide.
How many days do I need for a sleep study?
Usually two days: the consultation and an overnight polysomnography. If CPAP titration is needed, a third night can be added.
Where should I stay in Istanbul?
Hotels in Florya, Bakırköy, Yeşilköy and Beylikdüzü are within a short ride of the practice. We can share practical suggestions when planning your visit.
This page is for general information only and does not replace a medical consultation. Please consult a physician for diagnosis and treatment. Results vary from person to person.