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Istanbul man dies after unlicensed neck cracking procedure
A 42-year-old man, Berat Topay, died in Istanbul's Beyoğlu district following an unlicensed neck cracking and massage procedure. The incident occurred on May 21 at the home of Şenol Karataş, an acquaintance who had been performing massage and cupping therapy for several years.
During the session, Karataş applied a neck cracking maneuver. Topay immediately felt unwell, lost consciousness, and was rushed to Okmeydanı Prof. Dr. Cemil Taşçıoğlu City Hospital. Medical professionals determined that five blood clots had traveled to his brain. Despite intensive care and resuscitation efforts, he passed away.
Karataş has been arrested and charged with “causing death by negligence” and violating laws regarding the practice of medicine. In his defense, Karataş claimed he possessed a massage course certificate and had no intent to cause harm.
In response to the tragedy, the Turkey Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Association (TFTR) issued a warning regarding unauthorized medical interventions. Experts noted that sudden, forceful movements on the neck area can cause vascular injuries, brain hemorrhages, strokes, or sudden death, particularly when performed by individuals without formal medical or physiotherapy training.
Entities
Berat Topay · Beyoğlu · Okmeydanı Prof. Dr. Cemil Taşçıoğlu Şehir Hastanesi · Turkey Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Association · Şenol Karataş
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Şenol Karataş was arrested and sent to prison. www.haber3.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The victim, Berat Topay, was a 42-year-old truck driver. www.haber3.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The suspect is also charged with violating Law No. 1219.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Berat Topay died after five blood clots formed in his brain. www.haber3.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The victim suffered five blood clots in the brain following the neck manipulation. www.haber3.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The victim's family reportedly did not file a formal complaint against the suspect.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The suspect claimed to possess a massage therapist course certificate. www.haber3.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Karataş faces charges of causing death by negligence. www.haber3.com