Neurology care in Istanbul for patients from the UAE
Dr. Sevinç Ümit is a neurologist in Istanbul with a special interest in headache, sleep disorders and geriatric neurology. Patients from the UAE come to her for an expert assessment of migraine and chronic headache, Botox for chronic migraine, sleep apnea and other sleep disorders, as well as memory problems, seizures, numbness and dizziness.
Patients from the UAE — including the large expatriate community — can consult in English, with flexible scheduling around a short stay in Istanbul.
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 the UAE to Istanbul
Typical flight time: about 4–4.5 hours from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah. 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 the UAE 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 United Arab Emirates
Can I see an English-speaking neurologist in Istanbul if I travel from the UAE?
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 United Arab Emirates?
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.
Will I get my reports in English?
Reports are issued in Turkish; an English summary can be prepared on request for your doctor at home.
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.