Multiple sclerosis treatment in Turkey, Prices of Istanbul Clinics 2024

What is Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative disease that has an influence on the central nervous system. It is complex and unpredictable, but it is neither contagious nor fatal.

Benign multiple sclerosis affects about 20-25% of cases, it doesn't lead to a total nerve damage. This form of MS does not show a progressive course. This means that it does not generally worsen over time and patients do not have serious deficits or disabilities.

What Causes Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis is among the autoimmune diseases in which several elements may be involved in its onset. The search for causes and mechanisms is still ongoing. However, at the moment, studies indicate factors related to the environment, a genetic predisposition and other infectious agents.

The inflammatory process that is triggered by the immune system can damage both the myelin sheath and oligodendrocytes. This demyelination can cause the loss or injury of the myelin sheath, which are referred to as plaques. They can take place in a number of places such as the brain, spinal cord, cerebellum, or optic nerves.

Plaques can evolve from an initial inflammatory phase to a chronic one. Depending on the extent and location of the lesion in the central nervous system, very different symptoms may occur.

What are the Signs & Symptoms?

People with multiple sclerosis have different symptoms based on the different possible location of lesions in the central nervous system. The frequency of signs can generally increase with the severity and duration of the disease.

Common Signs of MS in Women

Among the common signs of MS in women, we can mention:

• Vision problems: the optic neuritis, diplopia, or nystagmus are particularly frequent at the beginning.
• Sensory disorders: decreased sensitivity or altered and painful sensations.
• Cognitive problems: attention or memory disorders, difficulty in maintaining concentration, problems in making calculations or planning complex activities.
• Spasticity: patients may feel muscle stiffness that makes movements difficult.
• Speech disorders: weakness and lack of coordination of the tongue. The oral and facial muscles involved in the production of sounds and words. 

Less common Signs of MS in Women

Other signs can rarely be noticed in women, which are:

• Headache: pain that can involve any part of the head, including the scalp and the face.
• Hearing loss: very rare disorder that occurs due to injury of the central auditory pathways.
• Bowel problems: bladder dysfunction, constipation, loss of control of the bowels, and diarrhoea.
• Dysphagia: it is a difficulty in swallowing that is present only in the most severe forms of MS.
• Breathing problems: they are present in very rare and serious cases.
• Vascular disorders: they occur as a result of poor mobilization. They may be present in the form of venous oedema, lymphedema, and deep vein thrombosis.

The best doctors in Turkey, Istanbul, Bursa, and Izmir will help you manage and deal with the symptoms of this disease. 

Multiple Sclerosis: the Diagnosis before the Treatment

Most of the symptoms of MS can be successfully addressed and treated through specific and non-pharmacological therapies. The treatment can also include rehabilitation that plays a fundamental role. 

Before the multiple sclerosis treatment, the neurologists consider three elements in the diagnosis of demyelinating disease. The latter includes:

Medical history

All relevant information gathered during the interview with the person concerning his or her:

• Clinical situation;
• Symptoms;
• Other family diseases.

Other indications that may serve as an overview for the doctor to rule out certain hypotheses or confirm them.

Neurological examination

A clinical exam carried out by the neurologist with the aim of analysing different functions such as:

• Movement;
• Speech;
• Coordination;
• Sensitive system;
• Sense of balance;
• Eye reaction to visual stimuli. 

Specific instrumental and physical examination

To dismiss other pathologies, the doctor may employ other tests such as:

• Magnetic resonance imaging, MRI;
• An evoked potential test;
• Blood tests.

Rehabilitation and treatment of multiple sclerosis

Rehabilitation has an important place in the treatment of multiple sclerosis. This treatment aims to optimize the autonomy and functions of the patient according to the neurological level. It can be used at all stages of the disease to help the patient manage fatigue and rehabilitate him under exertion.

Rehabilitation is usually done in case of:

• If the person experiences one of these genes: writing disorders, clumsiness, lameness, falls ...
• Annoying fatigue.
• Disabling spasticity.
• For regular support.

How does rehabilitation work?

Rehabilitation can be done through three specialities, each targeting well-defined parts or functions of the body. These specialities are:

• Physiotherapy: Rehabilitation is done by alternating activity and passivity while taking breaks. This method is based on several exercises such as the use of anti-static cryotherapy, regular stretching that targets specific muscle groups or even stress-training techniques.
• Occupational therapy: It allows the evaluation of autonomy, grip, spinal prophylaxis. The specialist also advises technical aids. This method of rehabilitation is based on action on the deficit and then on disability when the disease is at an early stage.
• Speech therapy: This type of rehabilitation mainly targets memory. She also works on problems with attention, concentration, and swallowing.