NeuroLab: Medipol Acıbadem hosts international neurology forum on Parkinson's in Istanbul

2026-02-19 - 14:42

NeuroLab Istanbul 2026, hosted by Medipol Acıbadem District Hospital Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center (PARMER), convened as a major scientific forum. Leading neurologists and neurosurgeons specializing in movement disorders from 14 countries assembled in Istanbul. Conducted for the second time and attended by more than 150 delegates, the summit—organized under the theme “How I Do”—fostered a practice-oriented, interactive educational environment that transcended purely theoretical instruction in diagnostic and therapeutic workflows. Medipol Health Group provided institutional support for an event that integrated science, technology, and clinical expertise. Organized by PARMER, NeuroLab Istanbul 2026 addressed a broad spectrum of topics, including Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery and advanced programming methodologies; objective assessment of gait, balance, and tremor; applications of Magnetic Resonance–guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS); and emerging technologies including artificial intelligence–assisted strategies. Through the “How I Do” theme, the summit sought to communicate not only which interventions are employed in the diagnosis and management of movement disorders, but the procedural nuances, implementation practices, and experiential foundations that inform clinical decision-making. Dizzying Speed in Treatment and Diagnosis: On behalf of the NeuroLab Istanbul Organizing Committee, Associate Professor Dr. Ali Zırh (Department of Neurosurgery, Medipol Acıbadem District Hospital) provided an evaluative overview of recent developments in the field. He emphasized that the diagnosis and management of movement disorders are progressing at a markedly accelerated rate both globally and within the country. He attributed these advances to the introduction of novel diagnostic modalities, increased disease awareness, and the concurrent evolution of technologies and therapeutic options. According to Dr. Zırh, these combined developments have yielded substantive progress in the management broad spectrum of movement disorders, with particular impact on Parkinson’s disease. Dr. Zırh further characterized NeuroLab Istanbul 2026 as an event that convenes leading international experts devoted to movement disorders for educational purposes. With robust participation from domestic faculty, the meeting functions not only as a training forum but also as a scientific platform for knowledge exchange, hardware and device development, and the strategic planning of future therapeutic approaches. Technology-Supported New Approaches In Movement Disorders Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zırh said, "with Deep brain stimulation, MR-Guided Focused Ultrasound—and the introduction of robotic surgery into current treatments, together with the rollout of device-supported applications developing in parallel, the field has now become a structure where multidisciplinary discussions are necessary, and different and innovative treatment methods specific to each patient are applied. At NeuroLab 2026, experts in the field share their knowledge and experience and carry out a solid and high-quality knowledge sharing with the aim of guiding young physicians with the lessons learned and experiences gained from previous experiences.” Multidimensional Perspectives On Movement Disorders Dr. Alfonso Fasano, a member of the NeuroLab Istanbul Organizing Committee, consultant physician for PARMER, and faculty member in the Department of Neurology at the University of Toronto, was among those who contributed to the summit. Describing the event as a scientific meeting aimed at examining different aspects of movement disorders from a practical perspective, Dr. Fasano said, “To offer our participants the best possible program, we invited highly respected expert colleagues in their fields. All speakers address different facets of the movement disorders field. Presentations cover a wide spectrum, from the diagnosis of various diseases to the treatment of advanced-stage Parkinson’s disease. More specific topics, such as functional movement disorders, are also explored in depth. The field of movement disorders is growing fast and almost exponentially; technology plays a major role in this development. In particular, new techniques used in deep brain stimulation and the ability to create lesions in the brain with MR-guided focused ultrasound without opening the skull — that is, without making an incision — are among the important innovations. We also make use of pump systems for medication delivery,” he said. We Are Going Through an Exciting Period. “At the meeting that features a ‘course of excellence in the treatment of movement disorders,’ there is a highly respected, international lineup of speakers in the field, and participants presented top-level scientific content,” said Prof. Dr. Andres Lozano, a Neurosurgeon at the University of Toronto and an expert in neurosurgery. He stated, “There are quite remarkable advances in the treatment of movement disorders. New application techniques in deep brain stimulation are available. Additionally, new methods like MR-Guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) are being developed that allow lesioning in the brain without surgery. In the coming period, many innovations are on the agenda, such as studies involving the transplantation of dopamine-producing cells into the brains of Parkinson’s patients, gene therapies, and brain–machine interfaces. In short, we are going through an exciting era in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders.” Important Progress Has Been Recorded. Neurology expert Prof. Dr. Alberto Espay, who serves as Professor and Emeritus Chair of the James J. and Joan A. Gardner Parkinson’s Disease Center at Cincinnati University, expressed that he was quite impressed by the scientific level of the presentations at the meeting. He stated, “The meeting was truly very successful. I particularly appreciate the diversity of topics in the program. I believe this is extremely valuable for participants in daily neurology practice. In recent years, many new treatment options have emerged for Parkinson’s disease. While there is still work to be done in disease-modifying therapies, substantial progress has been made in symptomatic treatments. In particular, surgical therapies have shown remarkable developments in terms of the magnitude of their benefits.” On One Hand Evaluation, On The Other Hand Education Highlighting the excitement around NeuroLab Istanbul 2026, Prof. Dr. Francesca Morgante, Neurology Expert at ST. George‘s, University of London, Chair of the Eleanor Peel Aging Studies and Head of the Department of Neuromodulation and Motor Control, said, “We addressed the phenomenology of movement disorders; we conducted training sessions on how these diseases should be evaluated and examined, including conditions such as tremor and abrupt jerk movements. We also shared practical recommendations for the treatment of complex symptoms such as orthostatic hypotension seen in Parkinson’s disease and for managing motor complications.” Reciprocal Collaboration Opportunity Highlighting notable developments in the field of movement disorders in recent years, Prof. Mohammad Rohani, Neurologist at Rasoul Akram Hospital in Iran, stated, “New technologies and new treatment methods have been developed. Deep brain stimulation can provide miraculous results for some movement disorder patients. It can be effective in both dystonia and Parkinson’s patients. Turkey is one of the leading countries in the Middle East and the region in this field. I believe opportunities for mutual collaboration will grow even more in the future.” Important Gains Made Neurologist Prof. Dr. Murat Emre, one of the leading experts of movement disorders and cognitive impairments in Turkey, commenting on the summit, said, “Technological developments will have significant and lasting effects on neurological diseases in both diagnostic and treatment processes. The meeting was a highly productive scientific organization that comprehensively addressed movement disorders, with international faculty delivering presentations. I hope these kinds of meetings continue to provide important gains for young trainees, residences, and specialists.” Support For Young Researchers Young researchers were not forgotten within NeuroLab Istanbul 2026. Within the program, awards for “Best Case Presentation,” “Best Research Project,” and the “Dr. Alfonso Fasano Fellowship” were announced. What is MRgFUS (MRI-guided Focused Ultrasound) Treatment? MRgFUS is a non-invasive treatment method used for movement disorders, performed under MRI guidance and does not require incisions. The treatment is based on focusing ultrasound waves, directed with millimetric precision to the brain’s target region responsible for the disease, especially tremor. Before treatment, the patient undergoes a preparatory process. The head is fixed and a stereotactic frame is placed to ensure accurate targeting. Local anesthesia is administered at this stage. At the same time, a special cooling system is used around the head to balance heat that may arise during the procedure. After preparation, the patient is taken into the MRI machine with the frame on the head. During treatment, the patient remains awake and communicates with the physicians. Using high-resolution MRI images, the brain regions responsible for the disease, including the tremor, are identified with millimetric precision. During application, ultrasound waves are first sent to the target region at low energy. Temperature changes are monitored via MRI, and the clinical effect is assessed. Once the target accuracy and the response obtained are confirmed, controlled energy is applied to create a permanent lesion. The entire process proceeds with coordinated imaging and clinical assessment. This ensures that both targeting accuracy and safety are prioritized. The procedure typically lasts a few hours, and patients are often discharged on the same day. MRgFUS requires careful planning and patient selection. When evaluated in suitable patients, it can offer a meaningful option to reduce tremor’s impact on daily life or to lessen leading symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. The treatment decision should always be made after a thorough neurological assessment and individualized planning.