Paediatric neurology coordination in Dubai at DRFK Turkish Medical Center is led by Op. Dr. Fatih Kırar (DHA-licensed neurosurgery specialist, 17+ years), supported by Dr. Hatiçenur Kırar (Paediatric Gastroenterologist & CEO) and Dr. Mehmet Öztürk (Specialist Paediatrics & CMO), providing specialist assessment and evidence-based management for epilepsy, autism comorbidities, ADHD, cerebral palsy, seizures, and developmental delay in infants, children, and adolescents.
DRFK Turkish Medical Center is located at Villa 2, Al Athar Street, Jumeirah 3, Dubai. The clinic is easily accessible from Jumeirah, Umm Suqeim, Al Safa, Business Bay, and Downtown Dubai within around 15 minutes via Sheikh Zayed Road, with on-site parking available.
This page focuses specifically on child brain and neurological conditions. For adult neurology services, visit our Neurology Hub.
Seek urgent assessment immediately if:
Your child has a first seizure, acute loss of consciousness, sudden regression of language or motor skills, bulging fontanelle with fever, or progressive weakness over hours to days. For life-threatening emergencies (unresponsive child, prolonged seizure), call 999.
The developing brain is not a small adult brain. From the intrauterine period through to late adolescence, the brain undergoes progressive myelination, synaptic pruning, neuronal migration, and cortical organisation, processes uniquely vulnerable to disruption that produce clinical presentations entirely distinct from adult neurological disease.
The most significant consequence of delayed specialist assessment is the loss of the critical neuroplasticity window, concentrated in the first five years of life, during which early intervention produces developmental gains that become progressively harder to achieve with increasing age.
DRFK's paediatric neurology coordination pathway integrates Op. Dr. Fatih Kırar's neurosurgical and child neurological investigation expertise with Dr. Hatiçenur Kırar's paediatric gastroenterology leadership and Dr. Mehmet Öztürk's paediatric clinical governance, the multidisciplinary environment in which complex child neurological presentations achieve an outcomes.
Epilepsy is the most common serious neurological condition of childhood, affecting approximately 1 in 200 children. Paediatric epilepsy encompasses a wide spectrum from self-limiting childhood epilepsies to severe, treatment-resistant conditions including Dravet syndrome, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, and infantile spasms (West syndrome).
Diagnosis at DRFK: Pediatric EEG is the cornerstone of epilepsy classification, standard EEG, sleep-deprived EEG, and where indicated, prolonged video-EEG telemetry. Child brain MRI identifies structural causes. Anti-epileptic drug selection is based on epilepsy syndrome, not seizure type alone.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by impaired social communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviours. The paediatric neurology coordination role at DRFK is to investigate neurological comorbidities including epilepsy (present in 20–30% of children with ASD), genetic investigations, EEG, MRI, and metabolic investigations, not to replace developmental or psychological diagnostic assessment.
Coordination at DRFK involves Op. Dr. Fatih Kırar (neurological investigation and epilepsy management) and Dr. Mehmet Öztürk (paediatric medical oversight). Communication support is coordinated with external specialists when indicated.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects approximately 5–7% of children globally by strict diagnostic criteria. At DRFK, ADHD assessment includes comprehensive rating scales, school report, developmental history, neurological examination, and management including behavioural strategies and pharmacological management with methylphenidate, lisdexamfetamine, and atomoxetine where indicated.
Lead specialist
Physiotherapy Specialist
Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation
10+ years experience
DHA License No: 90617634-002
Dr. Amina Zafar, PhysiotherapyCerebral palsy (CP) is the most common cause of physical disability in childhood. Paediatric neurology coordination in CP at DRFK includes accurate CP diagnosis and classification, spasticity management, epilepsy management (co-occurring in 30–50% of children with CP), neurodevelopmental monitoring, and physiotherapy coordination.
Not all speech delay is neurological; many children with delayed language development have normal neurology and improve with targeted support. However, speech delay associated with developmental regression, autistic features, epileptiform EEG activity, or global developmental delay requires neurological investigation to exclude Landau-Kleffner syndrome, metabolic disorders, and other treatable causes of language regression.
At DRFK, assessment involves neurological examination, EEG, brain MRI, metabolic investigations, and hearing assessment. External speech and language specialists are coordinated when indicated, in-house SLP is not available at DRFK.
Global developmental delay, significant delay across two or more developmental domains, always requires specialist assessment to identify the underlying cause. At DRFK, developmental assessment includes standardised instruments, neurological examination, chromosomal microarray and gene panel analysis, metabolic investigations, brain MRI, and EEG.
Op. Dr. Fatih Kırar and Dr. Mehmet Öztürk provide specialist multidisciplinary assessment that accurately differentiates these conditions.
| ADHD | Autism | Epilepsy | Learning Disability | Developmental Delay | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core features | Inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity | Social communication deficit, restricted interests | Seizures ± developmental impact | Specific academic difficulty | Delay across ≥2 developmental domains |
| Neurological investigation | Yes (to exclude alternatives) | Yes (epilepsy comorbidity) | Yes (EEG + MRI) | Rarely | Always |
| Genetic testing | Sometimes | Yes (ASD panel) | Sometimes | Yes | Yes |
| Medication | Yes (stimulants, atomoxetine) | Sometimes (comorbidities) | Yes (AEDs) | No | Depends on cause |
| Therapy | Behavioural, educational | OT, behavioural support | None specific | Educational | Multi-domain |
| Overlap | Common with ASD | Common with ADHD | Common in CP, ASD | Common with ADHD | May include all above |
Clinical pathway: Diagnosis → Early Intervention → Development Monitoring → Long-Term Management. Every week of delayed diagnosis in the first five years represents lost neuroplasticity.
| Diagnostic Tool | Paediatric Neurological Application |
|---|---|
| Pediatric EEG | Epilepsy classification, encephalopathy assessment, Landau-Kleffner evaluation |
| Child Brain MRI | Structural abnormality, cortical dysplasia, periventricular leukomalacia, CP aetiology, tumour |
| CT Brain (urgent only) | Acute haemorrhage, acute hydrocephalus, emergency presentation |
| Developmental Assessment | Standardised milestone evaluation, Bayley, Griffiths, WPPSI, standardised developmental screening tools, CARS |
| Chromosomal Microarray | Recommended first-line genetic investigation for global developmental delay and autism |
| Gene Panel | Targeted single-gene disorders, epilepsy gene panel, autism gene panel |
| Metabolic Investigations | Amino acids, organic acids, lysosomal enzymes, mitochondrial markers |
| Nerve Conduction Study | Peripheral neuropathy, Guillain-Barré, hereditary motor-sensory neuropathy |
| Blood Panel | Metabolic screen, inflammatory markers, thyroid, nutritional status |
Lead specialist
Specialist Radiology
Diagnostic Imaging & Interventional Radiology
25+ years experience
DHA License No: 00219919-003
Diagnostic Imaging, Dr. Vivek KapoorEarly intervention, therapeutic and educational support initiated within the critical neuroplasticity window of the first 5 years, is the most important concept in paediatric neurology.
Lead specialist
Specialist Paediatrics
Pediatrics
10+ years experience
DHA License No: 11385836-001
Paediatrician, Dr. Mehmet ÖztürkDRFK delivers paediatric neurology coordination within an integrated multidisciplinary structure, the model that produces comprehensive outcomes for children with complex neurodevelopmental and neurological conditions.
Lead specialist
Neurosurgeon, neurospine
Brain & Spine Surgery
17+ years experience
DHA License No: 20305968-001
Op. Dr. Fatih Kırar, Full ProfileNeurological assessment, epilepsy management, developmental neurology investigation, and paediatric neurosurgical coordination. Leads the neurological investigation pathway.
Lead specialist
Pediatrician and Pediatric Gastroenterologist
Pediatric Gastroenterology
10+ years experience
DHA License No: 88835524-001
Dr. Hatiçenur Kırar, Full ProfileGastrointestinal management, feeding difficulties, and gut-related conditions in children with neurological conditions. Does not contribute to neurological assessment.
Lead specialist
Specialist Paediatrics
Pediatrics
10+ years experience
DHA License No: 11385836-001
Dr. Mehmet Öztürk, Full ProfileGeneral paediatric clinical governance and medical management coordination, ensuring the whole-child clinical picture informs every neurological management decision.
Lead specialist
Specialist Radiology
Diagnostic Imaging & Interventional Radiology
25+ years experience
DHA License No: 00219919-003
Dr. Vivek Kapoor, Full ProfileChild brain MRI, EEG coordination support, and paediatric neuroimaging with radiation-minimised protocols.
Lead specialist
Physiotherapy Specialist
Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation
10+ years experience
DHA License No: 90617634-002
Dr. Amina Zafar, Full ProfilePaediatric neurological physiotherapy and rehabilitation, cerebral palsy, developmental motor delay, post-surgical paediatric rehabilitation.
You notice a developmental difference, movement abnormality, seizure, or behavioural pattern that concerns you.
Dr. Mehmet Öztürk assesses overall health, development, and the specific concern with initial investigations.
Where indicated, seizure, developmental regression, global delay, suspected autism or ADHD with complicating features, Op. Dr. Fatih Kırar provides specialist assessment.
EEG, brain MRI, genetic and metabolic investigations completed within the DRFK pathway with family consultation.
Physiotherapy and external specialists initiated alongside neurological management where indicated.
Scheduled developmental review, treatment adjustment, and complication monitoring.
Developmental, pregnancy and birth, and family history reviewed. Structured paediatric neurological examination adapted to age. Parents involved throughout.
Targeted investigations agreed with clear purpose, process, and timeline. Same-day investigations when urgent.
Results reviewed in plain language with step-by-step management plan and written information.
Therapy referrals initiated at diagnosis consultation where indicated, not deferred.
Cost depends on assessment complexity, investigations, and whether ongoing developmental management is required. Personalised estimate after initial consultation.
Most UAE plans cover specialist paediatric neurology consultation, EEG, brain MRI, and clinically indicated investigations. Genetic testing may require pre-authorisation. Our team manages pre-authorisation directly.
Structured history, examination, and investigation planning by Op. Dr. Fatih Kırar with paediatric team input.
In-house EEG with paediatric protocols for epilepsy, regression, and encephalopathy.
Paediatric-protocol MRI with Dr. Vivek Kapoor reporting within 24 hours where indicated.
Chromosomal microarray, gene panels, and metabolic screening for developmental delay and syndromic presentations.
Physiotherapy via Dr. Amina Zafar; external specialists coordinated when indicated.
Bring all previous EEG, MRI, and blood test reports on USB or paper
Record short video of seizures or unusual movements on your phone
Prepare a written timeline of developmental milestones and concerns
Confirm insurance pre-authorisation before genetic testing
Ask about device-specific protocols before any future MRI if your child has implants
Experiences shared by patients after consultation or treatment.
“Our son had his first seizure at 18 months. The team at DRFK assessed him the same day, ran the EEG, and started treatment immediately. Op. Dr. Fatih Kırar explained everything clearly and patiently. He has been seizure-free for six months.”
Layla M. — Verified Google Review, paediatric epilepsy
“We had concerns about our daughter's developmental progress from 18 months. At DRFK our concerns were taken seriously, ran a proper assessment, and gave us a clear diagnosis and plan. The early intervention coordination has made a remarkable difference.”
James T. — Verified Google Review, developmental assessment
“My son had speech and developmental delay. At DRFK we received a comprehensive diagnosis and an integrated programme from paediatrics, physiotherapy, and neurological follow-up. Improvement was clear from the first months.”
Fatima A. — Verified Google Review, Arabic
Medical & surgical services | Patient-centered care
Medically reviewed by Op. Dr. Fatih Kırar, Dr. Hatiçenur Kırar & Dr. Mehmet Öztürk | DRFK Turkish Medical Center, Jumeirah 3, Dubai | Last updated: April 2026
Every day: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Villa 2 Al Athar Street, Jumeirah 3, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
