ESRA DEMIR UNAL

Experienced academic neurologist whose work advances the neurophysiological understanding of neurodegenerative and cerebrovascular disorders through biomarker-oriented clinical research. As an Assistant Professor of Neurology at Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University, her research program is grounded in the integration of electrophysiological phenotyping (EEG/ERP), quantitative neuroimaging, and biochemical profiling to elucidate early cortical dysfunction in diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and ischemic stroke. Her residency thesis—awarded institutional research distinction—investigated the prognostic value of dysfunctional HDL, myeloperoxidase, and lipid hydroperoxide in acute ischemic stroke, linking oxidative burden to infarct volume and long-term disability with a high degree of predictive validity (AUC=0.87). Currently, she employs entropy-based qEEG metrics and pareidolia-evoked ERP components (e.g., N170, VPP) to detect subclinical perceptual disturbances in prodromal Parkinson’s disease, with cross-validation using machine learning classifiers and source-localized neuroelectric mapping. Her translational agenda prioritizes reproducibility, open methodology, and accessibility—reflected in her development of low-cost EEG protocols for resource-limited settings and multilingual cognitive tools for culturally diverse populations. Dr. Ünal’s work contributes to redefining early diagnostics in neurology by merging biophysical markers with computational inference, positioning her at the intersection of clinical neurology, systems neuroscience, and global health equity.Experienced researcher with a strong publication record in international refereed journals, specializing in the metabo-inflammatory syndrome, ferropathological processes, and lipid profiles in different neurological conditions. Skilled in conducting high-resolution carotid duplex analysis to offer valuable insights into atherosclerotic plaque formation and disease progression. Proficient in presenting findings at prestigious scientific meetings and contributing chapters to national/international books on advanced neurocognitive techniques and neurodegenerative diseases.

• International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Association
• European Academy of Neurology
• Huntington Study Group
• Association of Neurodegenerative Diseases
• International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology Society
• Movement Disorders Association
• Deep Brain Stimulation Association
• Turkish Parkinson’s Disease Association
• Brain Research Society (BARD)

• Journal of Acta Neurologica Belgica, Member of the Editorial Board/Editor, 2021-Present
• American Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Member of the Editorial Board/Editor, 2021-Present
• Journal of Acta Medica Nicomedia, Member of the Editorial Board/Editor, 2021-Present
• DergiPark-Journal of Medical Faculty Clinics, Member of the Editorial Board/Editor, 2023-Present

• Second Place Award – Poster Presentation, Annual Congress of the Turkish Neurological Society, 2024
• Certificate of Presentation, Global Migraine and Pain Society International Congress, Tunisia, 2024
• Third Place Award – Controversial E-Poster Session, 30th Annual Congress of the Turkish Neurological Society, 2020

Articles published in international refereed journals:

1. Demir Ünal Esra (2025). The Role Of Metabo-Inflammatory Syndrome And Ferropathological Processes İn Atherosclerotic Plaque Formation İn Parkinson’s Disease: Insights From High- Resolution Carotid Duplex Analysis. Turk Kardiyoloji Dernegi Arsivi-Archives Of The Turkish Society Of Cardiology, Doi: 10.5543/Tkda.2025.40390 (Publication No: 9623770)

2. Vural Gönül,Demir Ünal Esra,Gümüşyayla Şadiye,Eren Funda,Baraklı Serdar,Neşelioğlu Salim,Erel Özcan (2024). The Role Of The Lipid Profile And Oxidative Stress İn Fatigue, Sleep Disorders And Cognitive Impairment İn Patients With Multiple Sclerosis. Acta Medıca Okayama, 78(3), 259-270., Doi: 10.18926/Amo/67201 (Publication No: 9023957)

3. Vural Gönül,Gümüşyayla Şadiye,Eren Funda,Baraklı Serdar,Demir Ünal Esra,Neşelioğlu Salim,Erel Özcan (2024). Relationship Between Pattern Reversal Visual Evoked Potential P100 Wave Latency And Dysfunctional Hdl İn Patients With Multiple Sclerosis Subjected To An Optic Neuritis Attack: A Case-Control Study. Medicine, 103, Doi: 10.1097/Md.0000000000037115 (Publication No: 9001852)

4. Atalar Arife Çimen,Genç Hamit,Özçelik Ur Emel,Belen Hayrunnisa Bolay,Uludüz Derya, Ünal Çevik Işıl, Kissani Najib, Luvsannorov Otgonbayar, Toghar Mansoureh, Özge Aynur, Baykan Betül (2024). Other Primary Headache Disorders: Data From The Head-Mena-A Study İn Africa, Asia, And The Middle East. Clinical Neurology And Neurosurgery, 236, Doi: 10.1016/J.Clineuro.2023.108112 (Publication No: 9069235)

5. Vural Gönül, Demir Ünal Esra, Gümüşyayla Şadiye, Eren Funda, Baraklı Serdar, Neşelioğlu Salim, Erel Özcan (2024). The Role Of The Lipid Profile And Oxidative Stress İn Fatigue, Sleep Disorders And Cognitive Impairment İn Patients With Multiple Sclerosis. Acta Medica Okayama, 78(3), Doi: 10.18926/Amo/67201 (Publication No: 9069229)

6. Evlice Ahmet, Genç Hamit, Uludüz Derya, Baykan Betül, Belen Hayrunnisa Bolay,Ünal Çevik Işıl,Kissani Najib,Luvsannorov Otgonbayar,Toghar Mansoureh,Özge Aynur (2023). Secondary Headache Disorders İn Turkey, The Middle East, Asia, And Africa: A Cross-Sectional, Multicenter Study. Cephalalgia, 43(8), 1-10., Doi: 10.1177/03331024231194024 (Publication No: 9069183)

7. Demir Ünal Esra (2023). Clinico-Topographic Evaluation Of Anterior Versus Posterior Acute İschemic Stroke And Correlation With Early Mortality-Based Scale Prediction. Eneurologicalsci, 31, Doi: 10.1016/J.Ensci.2023.100458 (Publication No: 9069240)

8. Genç Hamit,Baykan Betül,Belen Hayrunnisa Bolay,Uludüz Derya,Ünal Çevik Işıl,Kissani Najib,Luvsannorov Otgonbayar,Toghar Mansoureh,Özdemir Asena Ayça,Özge Aynur (2023). Cross-Sectional, Hospital-Based Analysis Of Headache Types Using Ichd-3 Criteria İn The Middle East, Asia, And Africa: The Head-Menaa Study. The Journal Of Headache And Pain, 24(24), Doi: 10.1186/S10194-023-01555-8 (Publication No: 9069188)

9. Demir Ünal Esra (2022). Neuroradiologic Review Of Arnold Chiarimalformations: The Importance Of Neurophysiologic Diagnosis. World Journal Of Surgery And Surgical Research, Doi: 10.25107/2637-4625.1423 (Publication No: 9069277)

10. Demir Ünal Esra,Kaplan Hatice,Dirik Ebru Bilge (2022). Psychoradiological Evaluation Of Pla2g6 Gene Mutations: Adult-Onset Dystonia-Parkinsonism Case Report. Parkinsonism &Amp;Amp; Related Disorders, 103, Doi: 10.1016/J.Parkreldis.2022.09.004 (Publication No: 9069244)

11. Demir Ünal Esra,Vural Gönül,Eren Funda,Neşelioğlu Salim,Erel Özcan (2022). Clinicoradiological Evaluation Of Oxidative Stress Activity İn Acute Cerebral İnfarction İn The First 24 H And The Qualitative İmportance Of Dysfunctional Hdl İn Stroke. Turkish Journal Of Medical Sciences, 52(6), Doi: 10.55730/1300-0144.5539 (Publication No: 9069198)

12. Demir Ünal Esra,Bektaş Hesna,Bayındır Hasan,Kurşun Oğuzhan (2021). Bio-Clinical Evaluation Of Collateral Score İn Acute Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion. Turkısh Journal Of Medıcal Scıences, 52(1), Doi: 10.3906/Sag-2103-301 (Publication No: 9069194)

B. Papers presented at international scientific meetings and published in proceedings :

1. Bilen Şule,Demir Ünal Esra (2021). Ocular Myasthenia Graves İn A Patient With Covıd-19; Neurological Overview Of Autoimmune Complications Of Covıd-19. 25th World Congress Of Neurology, 429(1), 33-33., Doi: 10.1016/J.Jns.2021.118849 (Abstract/Poster) (Publication No: 9064897)

2. Demir Ünal Esra (2023). Comparison Of The Hfnc And Nımv Usage On Covıd-19 Severity Scales With Neuroinflammatory And Neurocognitive Aspects. 9th European Academy Of Neurology, 30(1), 392-392., Doi: 10.1111/Ene.15950 (Abstract/Poster) (Publication No: 9064903)

3. Evlice Ahmet,Demir Ünal Esra,Genç Hamit,Uludüz Derya,Baykan Betül,Belen Hayrunnisa Bolay,Ünal Çevik Işıl,Özge Aynur,Toghar Mansoureh,Kissani Najib,Luvsannorov Otgonbayar (2023). Secondary Headache Disorders İn Turkey, The Middle East, Asia, And Africa-A Cross-Sectional Multicenter Study. 6th Mena Meeting, 4th Turkish African Meeting Of Headache And Pain Management, 43(1), 158-158., Doi: 10.1177/03331024231189112 (Abstract/Oral Presentation) (Publication No: 9064913)

4. Demir Ünal Esra,Belen Hayrunnisa Bolay,Genç Hamit,Uludüz Derya,Baykan  Betül, ÜnalÇevik Işıl,Özdemir Asena Ayça,Özge Aynur,Toghar Mansoureh,Luvsannorov Otgonbayar,Kissani Najib (2023). Headache Profiles Of Patients Who Were Referred To Neurology Clinics: A Subgroup Analysis Of The Head-Menaa Study. 6th Mena Meeting, 4th Turkish African Meeting Of Headache And Pain Management, 43(1), 151-152., Doi: 10.1177/03331024231189112 (Abstract/Poster) (Publication No: 9064915)

5. Demir Ünal Esra,Genç Hamit,Atalar Arife Çimen,Ur Özçelik Emel,Belen Hayrunnisa Bolay,Uludüz Derya,Özge Aynur,Baykan Betül,Kissani Najib,Luvsannorov Otgonbayar,Toghar Mansoureh (2023). Other Primary Headache Disorders: Data From The Head- Mena-A Study İn The Africa, Asia And, Middle East. 6th Mena Meeting, 4th Turkish African Meeting Of Headache And Pain Management, 43(1), 275-275., Doi: 10.1177/03331024231189112 (Abstract/Poster) (Publication No: 9064931)

6. Demir Ünal Esra (2024). Multidimensional Analysis of Advanced-Stage Huntington’s Disease from Neurocognitive and Psychofunctional Perspectives with Morphometric Correlations: Case Series. 2nd International Electronic Conference on Clinical Medicine, Doi: 10.3390/msf2024028001 (Abstract/Poster) (Publication No: 9499133)

7. Unal, E. D. (2025, May 4–7). Exploring the connection between metabo‑inflammatory disturbance and steno‑occlusive pathologies in Parkinson’s disease: Intercorrelation analyses of peripheral ferropathologic processes [Abstract no. Virtual‑018]. In Pathogenesis of Atherosclerosis / Imaging (AS01.07), 93rd Congress of the European Atherosclerosis Society, Glasgow, UK.

8. Unal, E. D. (2025, May 4–7). Cardıo-Atherogenıc Rısk Analysıs In Early-Stage Idıopathıc Parkınson’s Dısease Usıng Machıne Learnıng Models Based On Radıologıcal And Bıochemıcal Varıables [Abstract no. Virtual‑019]. In Pathogenesis of Atherosclerosis / Imaging (AS01.07), 93rd Congress of the European Atherosclerosis Society, Glasgow, UK.

C. Authored national/international books or chapters in books

1. Unal, E. D. (in press). Decoding neurodegeneration with advanced deep learning: EEG biomarkers, frameworks, and translational pathways in neurodegenerative diseases. In S. Dogan, T. Tuncer, İ. Taşcı, G. Taşcı, & B. Taşcı (Eds.), Advanced deep learning techniques for fNIRS and EEG signal classification (pp. [123-138]). Springer.

2. Practical Applications of Machine Learning and AI: Medicine, Environmental Science,Transportation, and Education, Chapter name:(Current Neuroinnovative Techniques With Machine Learning Algorithms in the Diagnosis and Classification of Neurodegenerative Diseases) (2025)., DEMİR ÜNAL ESRA, IGI Global Publishing, Editor:Arya Adarsh Kumar, Mzili Toufik, Edition no:1, Pages 448, ISBN:9798337313993, English (Scientific Book) (Publication No: 9499097)

3. Convergence of Population Health Management, Pharmacogenomics, and Patient-Centered Care, Chapter name:(Dietary Interventions in Neurodegenerative Diseases: Neuroinflammatory Mechanisms and Implications) (2025)., DEMİR ÜNAL ESRA, IGI Global Publishing, Editor:Moumtzoglou Anastasius S., Edition no:1, Pages 578, ISBN:9798369332603, English (Scientific Book) (Publication No: 9499085)

4. Multiple Sclerosis - Pathways, Diagnosis and Therapeutic Targets, Chapter name:(The Genetic   and  Environmental Determinants of Multiple Sclerosis: Unraveling the Complex  Interactions in Disease Onset and Progression) (2025)., DEMİR ÜNAL ESRA, Intechopen,  Editor:Chen Liam, Edition no:1, Pages 356, ISBN:ISSN 3050-2985, English (Scientific Book) (Publication No:9530815)

5. DEMİR ÜNAL ESRA. Current-Debates-in-Health-Sciences-8, Chapter name:(Current Debates in Huntington's Disease with Neuro-Radio-Pathologic and Neuropsychiatric Approaches) (2023), Bilgin Kültür Sanat Yayın Dağıtım Pazarlama, Editor:BİLGİLİ ALİ, HANEDAN BAŞAK, Edition no:1, Pages 417, ISBN:978-625-6925-25-0, English (Scientific Book) (Publication No: 9069288)

6. Current-Debates-in-Health-Sciences, Chapter Name:(Current Debates İn The Management Of Acute İschemic Stroke) (2022)., DEMİR ÜNAL ESRA, Bilgin Kültür Sanat Yayın Dağıtım Pazarlama, Editor:AKKAYA RECEP, Edition no:1, Pages 102, ISBN:978-625-7799-58-4, English (Scientific Book) (Publication No: 9069282)

D. Articles published in national refereed journals :

1. Demir Ünal E. (2024). Migraine Causality İn Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency. Düzce Tıp Fakültesi  Dergisi, 26, Doi: 10.18678/Dtfd.1447131 (Control No: 9111984)

2.  Demir Ünal E., Gümüşyayla Ş. (2021). Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension And Central  Diabetes  Insipidus Coexistence: Neuroradiological View. Turkish Journal Of  Neurology. 10.4274/Tnd.2021.58701

3.  Demir E., Bektaş H., Bayındır H., KURŞUN O. (2021). Bio-Clinical Evaluation Of Collateral Score In Acute Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion. Turkısh Journal Of Medıcal Sciences. Doi:10.3906/Sag- 2103-3012103301

4.  Özyürek H.,Demir Ünal E.,Tandır Artan Ö., Değerliyurt A. (2021). Review Of Hot Water Epilepsy   With Case Reports.Turkiye Klinikleri Journal Of Pediatrics, 30, Doi: 10.5336/Pediatr.2021-81824

5.  Demir Ünal E., Bektaş H., Kurşun O. (2020). Acute ischemic stroke patient with cardiac involvement of light chain amyloidosis. Annals of Medical Research, 27, Doi: 10.5455/annalsmedres.2020.03.223

E. Papers presented at national scientific meetings and published in

1. Demir Ünal, E., & Gümüşyayla, Ş. (2019). A case report of spontaneous intracranial hypotension co‑occurring with central diabetes insipidus. In Proceedings of the 55th National Neurology Congress (p. 258). (Abstract/Poster) (Publication No: 9069418)

2. Demir, E., Baraklı, S., Varan, E., Gündoğan, E., Vural, G., & Gümüşyayla, Ş., Yön, M.İ., & Orhan, D. (2020). Clinical course and electrophysiological features of an anti‑MuSK myasthenia gravis case. 1st National Clinical Neurophysiology EEG‑EMG Virtual Congress. (Abstract/Poster) (Publication No: 9000081)

3. Demir Ünal, E., & Gümüşyayla, Ş. (2020). Electrophysiological findings in patients with Arnold–Chiari type I malformation. 1st National Clinical Neurophysiology EEG‑EMG Virtual Congress, pp. 42–42. (Abstract/Oral Presentation) (Publication No: 9069422)

4. Demir Ünal, E., & Arlı, B. (2020). Mild encephalitis/encephalopathy with reversible splenial lesion associated with COVID‑19: first case report in an adult patient in Turkey. 56th National Neurology Congress. (Abstract/Poster) (Publication No: 9069426)

5. Demir Ünal, E., Tarhan, G., Maldar, B., & Arlı, B. (2020). Neurological approach to acute large‑vessel occlusion related to COVID‑19: evaluation of hypercoagulable complications. 56th National Neurology Congress, pp. 177–178. (Abstract/Poster) (Publication No: 9069424)

6. Demir Ünal, E., Bektaş, H., Bayındır, H., & Kurşun, O. (2020). Factors affecting collateral score in patients with acute middle cerebral artery occlusion. 4th Turkey Stroke Academy, 26(1), 31–32. (Abstract/Oral Presentation) (Publication No: 9069427)

7. Demir Ünal, E., Arlı, B., & Tarhan, G. (2021). High‑flow nasal cannula versus noninvasive mechanical ventilation in the management of COVID‑19 patients: effects on severity scales, acute‑phase reactants, cognitive system, and central versus peripheral complications. 57th National Neurology Congress, pp. 14–15. (Abstract/Oral Presentation) (Publication No: 9069431)

8. Demir Ünal, E., & Subutay Öztekin, Z.N. (2021). Immunopathological evaluation of the coexistence of ankylosing spondylitis and multiple sclerosis: a case report. 57th National Neurology Congress, pp. 159–160. (Abstract/Poster) (Publication No: 9069442)

9. Demir Ünal, E. (2021). Neurological perspective on small‑vessel vasculitis: evaluation of peripheral neuropathic complications in a case of Wegener’s granulomatosis. 57th National Neurology Congress, pp. 157–158. (Abstract/Poster) (Publication No: 9069441)

10. Demir Ünal, E. (2021). Neurological evaluation of patent foramen ovale and inherited thrombophilia coexistence: cerebrovascular complications and neuroradiological assessment in a patient with PFO, Factor V Leiden, Factor VIII, and MTHFR mutations. 57th National Neurology Congress, pp. 161–162. (Abstract/Poster) (Publication No: 9069443)

11. Demir Ünal, E., & Gümüşyayla, Ş. (2021). Neurophysiological perspective on the relationship between non‑Hodgkin lymphoma and peripheral neuropathy: a case report. 57th National Neurology Congress, pp. 165–166. (Abstract/Poster) (Publication No: 9069446)

12. Demir Ünal, E., Vural, G., Eren, F., Neşelioğlu, S., & Erel, Ö. (2021). Dysfunctional HDL, myeloperoxidase, and lipid hydroperoxidase levels in acute ischemic stroke patients: relationship with stroke severity and infarct volume and prognostic value for disability determination. 57th National Neurology Congress, pp. 90–91. (Abstract/Oral Presentation) (Publication No: 9069435)

13. Demir Ünal, E. (2021). Neurological overview of alpha‑1 antitrypsin deficiency: investigation of migraine causality in a patient with alpha‑1 antitrypsin deficiency. 57th National Neurology Congress, pp. 132–132. (Abstract/Poster) (Publication No: 9069437)

14. Demir Ünal, E., Vural, G., Eren, F., Neşelioğlu, S., & Erel, Ö. (2021). Dysfunctional HDL, myeloperoxidase, and lipid hydroperoxidase levels in acute ischemic stroke patients: relationship with stroke severity and infarct volume and prognostic value for disability determination. 57th National Neurology Congress. (Abstract/Oral Presentation) (Publication No: 9031474)

15. Baraklı, S., Demir, E., Varan, E., Yıldız, R., Gümüşyayla, Ş., & Vural, G. (2020). A case of Sjögren’s syndrome presenting initially as longitudinal extensive myelitis. 56th National Neurology Congress. (Abstract/Poster) (Publication No: 9000403)

16. Baraklı, S., Demir Ünal, E., Varan, E., Yıldız, R., Gümüşyayla, Ş., & Vural, G. (2020). Initial presentation of longitudinal extensive myelitis in a case of Sjögren’s syndrome. 56th National Neurology Congress. (Abstract/Poster) (Publication No: 9030849)

17. Baraklı, S., Garanti, İ., Varan, E., Demir, E., Yıldız, R., & Vural, G. (2020). Recurrent optic neuropathy: multiple sclerosis or neuromyelitis optica? 56th National Neurology Congress. (Abstract/Poster) (Publication No: 9030830)

18. Baraklı, S., Yıldız, R., Varan, E., Demir Ünal, E., Gümüşyayla, Ş., & Vura 18. Baraklı, S., Yıldız, R., Varan, E., Demir Ünal, E., Gümüşyayla, Ş., & Vural, G. (2020). Secondary parkinsonism due to glial tumor: a case report. 56th National Neurology Congress. (Abstract/Poster) (Publication No: 9000238)

19. Baraklı, S., Yıldız, R., Varan, E., Demir Ünal, E., Gümüşyayla, Ş., & Vural, G. (2020). Secondary parkinsonism due to glial tumor: a case report. 56th National Neurology Congress. (Abstract/Poster) (Publication No: 9030868)

20. Demir, E., Gümüşyayla, Ş., Vural, G., & Orhan, D. (2020). A case of acute demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy following a bee sting. 1st National Clinical Neurophysiology EEG‑EMG Virtual Congress. (Abstract/Poster) (Publication No: 9000071)

Technical Notes, Case Reports, Research Notes, etc.

1. Short Communication, DEMİR ÜNAL ESRA (2024).ultidimensional Analysis Of Advanced Stage Huntington's Disease From Neurocognitive And Psychofunctional Perspectives With Morphometric Correlations: Case Series Multidimensional Analysis Of Advanced Stage Huntington's Disease. NEUROLOGY LETTERS, 3(1), 37-42., Doi: 10.61186/nl.3.1.37 (Publication No: 9069271)

2. Case Report, DEMİR ÜNAL ESRA (2024). Coexistence Of Anti-Musk-Positive Bulbar Myasthenia Gravis And Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1: The First Case Report from Turkey. Pamukkale Medical Journal, Doi: 10.31362/patd.1434678 (Publication No: 9111990)

3. Case Report, DEMİR ÜNAL ESRA,ARLI BERNA (2024). Mild Encephalitis with Reversible Splenial Lesion Associated with COVID-19. Türk Nöroloji Dergisi, 27(3), 327-329., Doi: 10.4274/tnd.2021.24022 (Publication No: 9069210)

TRAINING OF TRAINERS CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

(Note: The whole publications and projects can be reached from universiy's webpage)