Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Steps Involved in IVF:
Procedure Description
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects nerve cells (neurons) in the brain and spinal cord responsible for voluntary muscle movement. ALS gradually destroys motor neurons, leading to muscle weakness and atrophy as communication between the brain and muscles is interrupted. The disease progresses over time, severely impacting patients’ ability to perform routine activities, speak, swallow, and even breathe, ultimately leading to a decline in quality of life.
Current ALS treatments mainly focus on symptom management and maintaining quality of life, as there is no cure for the disease. Several treatment approaches are available, including medication, physical therapy, respiratory support, and, more recently, innovative therapies like stem cell treatments, gene therapy, and personalized medicine approaches. Medications such as Riluzole and Edaravone have been approved to slow disease progression to some extent, while novel treatments seek to target specific genetic markers associated with ALS. Patients often benefit from an interdisciplinary approach to care, involving neurologists, pulmonologists, physical therapists, and palliative care specialists.
For ALS patients considering treatment abroad, medical tourism options often include specialized care facilities and advanced research centers that offer state-of-the-art therapies, experimental treatments, and comprehensive support services. Many of these destinations prioritize a holistic approach, integrating physical, psychological, and social care. The rise in medical tourism for ALS reflects both the appeal of accessing specialized therapies and the possibility of participating in clinical trials not readily available in one’s home country.
Procedure Duration
ALS treatment is an ongoing, lifelong process rather than a one-time procedure. However, specific treatments within the ALS care plan, such as stem cell therapy or certain medications, may follow structured schedules. For instance, intravenous or infusion-based therapies typically involve sessions lasting a few hours and may need to be repeated periodically based on the patient’s response. Similarly, physical therapy and respiratory support sessions vary in duration and frequency, depending on the patient's level of functional ability and disease progression.
For those seeking stem cell or gene therapy, the process is multifaceted, often requiring a pre-assessment phase to determine eligibility, followed by the procedure itself and a post-treatment phase to monitor the effects. Patients may be advised to stay at the treatment location for several days to a few weeks, allowing healthcare providers to assess initial responses to the therapy and adjust care plans accordingly.
Post-treatment care is crucial in managing ALS. Regular follow-up visits help track disease progression, monitor any side effects from therapies, and provide updates to the patient’s support plan. This may involve remote consultations or additional visits for adjustments to therapy and ongoing physical support, depending on the patient’s needs. Recovery from specific interventions may be relatively short, but managing ALS overall requires sustained medical and caregiver support throughout the disease course.
Benefits
- Access to Advanced Therapies: ALS patients traveling for treatment may access innovative therapies, including stem cell treatments and gene therapies that may not be available locally.
- Personalized Care Plans: Medical tourism destinations often emphasize personalized care strategies, integrating input from neurologists, physical therapists, and palliative care specialists to suit the patient’s unique needs.
- Enhanced Quality of Life: With a focus on symptom management, patients can benefit from therapies that improve mobility, reduce pain, and support respiratory function.
- Participation in Clinical Trials: Some destinations offer access to clinical trials, providing patients with potential new treatments that are at the forefront of ALS research.
- Holistic Support: Leading ALS centers often provide psychological and social support, helping patients and families manage the emotional impact of the disease.
Potential Destinations
- United States: Known for cutting-edge ALS research and therapies, the U.S. offers several specialized centers that focus on innovative treatments, including clinical trials and advanced gene therapy. Patients here benefit from a high level of research and integrated care approaches.
- Japan: Japan has become a leader in regenerative medicine and stem cell research, making it an appealing destination for ALS patients. The country’s advancements in these areas provide a promising option for patients seeking progressive treatment alternatives.
- Germany: Germany’s healthcare system is recognized for its comprehensive neurological care. Specialized centers in Germany offer advanced medical equipment, a focus on rehabilitation, and access to experimental therapies for ALS, making it a top choice for ALS medical tourism.
- South Korea: South Korea has invested significantly in neurology and regenerative medicine research, with a particular focus on personalized medicine. ALS patients can benefit from state-of-the-art facilities and specialized care programs tailored to managing neurodegenerative conditions.
- Israel: Israel has a strong reputation in medical research, particularly in neurodegenerative diseases. The country’s advanced ALS treatment centers emphasize a multidisciplinary approach, making it a valuable option for those seeking innovative therapies.
Risks & Considerations
- Treatment Side Effects: ALS medications, stem cell treatments, and gene therapies can cause side effects, such as nausea, fatigue, and infections, that need monitoring.
- Cost of Care: Specialized ALS treatments, particularly in medical tourism destinations, can be expensive. Patients should plan for initial costs and potential follow-up expenses.
- Availability of Clinical Trials: Access to clinical trials is not guaranteed and may require specific eligibility criteria, making it essential for patients to research options in advance.
- Travel Challenges: ALS patients often have mobility challenges, so traveling long distances can be physically demanding and require special accommodations and planning.
- Local Support Networks: Receiving treatment abroad may limit patients’ access to local support networks post-treatment, so building a reliable support system at the destination is advisable.
How to Choose the Right Doctor and Hospital
When selecting a doctor and hospital for ALS treatment, prioritize facilities known for their neurological research and specialized ALS care programs. Look for providers with a multidisciplinary team that includes neurologists, physical therapists, respiratory specialists, and palliative care professionals. The hospital or clinic should also have a strong track record in neurodegenerative research and access to the latest technologies and therapies.
Patients should inquire about the availability of post-treatment support services, as ALS requires ongoing care. Consider facilities offering comprehensive follow-up plans and options for remote consultations. Lastly, researching patient reviews and testimonials can provide insight into the quality of care, the responsiveness of the medical staff, and overall patient satisfaction at the destination.
To receive a free quote for this procedure please click on the link: https://www.medicaltourism.com/get-a-quote
Patients are advised to seek hospitals that are accredited by Global Healthcare and only work with medical tourism facilitators who are certified by Global Healthcare Accreditation or who have undergone certification from the Certified Medical Travel Professionals (CMTP). This ensures that the highest standards in the industry are met. GHA accredits the top hospitals in the world. These are the best hospitals in the world for quality and providing the best patient experience. Click the link to check out hospitals accredited by the Global Healthcare Accreditation: https://www.globalhealthcareaccreditation.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What actually happens during hyperstimulation of the ovaries?
The patient will take injectable FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) for eight to eleven days, depending on how long the follicles take to mature. This hormone is produced naturally in a woman’s body causing one egg to develop per cycle. Taking the injectable FSH causes several follicles to develop at once, at approximately the same rate. The development is monitored with vaginal ultrasounds and following the patient’s levels of estradiol and progesterone. FSH brand names include Repronex, Follistim, Menopur, Gonal-F and Bravelle. The patient injects herself daily.
What happens during egg retrieval?
When the follicles have developed enough to be harvested, the patient attends an appointment where she is anesthetized and prepared for the procedure. Next, the doctor uses an ultrasound probe to guide a needle through the vaginal wall and into the follicle of the ovary. The thin needle draws the follicle fluid, which is then examined by an embryologist to find the eggs. The whole process takes about 20 minutes.
What happens to the eggs?
In the next step, the harvested eggs are then fertilized. If the sperm from the potential father, or in some cases, anonymous donor, has normal functionality, the eggs and sperm are placed together in a dish with a nutrient fluid, then incubated overnight to fertilize normally. If the sperm functionality is suboptimal, an embryologist uses Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection to inject a single sperm into a single egg with an extremely precise glass needle. Once fertilization is complete, the embryos are assessed and prepared to be transferred to the patient’s uterus.
How are the embryos transferred back to the uterus?
The doctor and the patient will discuss the number of embryos to be transferred. The number of successfully fertilized eggs usually determines the number of eggs to be placed in the uterus. Embryos are transferred to the uterus with transabdominal ultrasound guidance. This process does not require anesthesia, but it can cause minor cervical or uterine discomfort. Following transfer, the patient is advised to take at least one days bed rest and two or three additional days of rest, then 10 to 12 days later, two pregnancy tests are scheduled to confirm success. Once two positive tests are completed, an obstetrical ultrasound is ordered to show the sac, fetal pole, yolk sac and fetal heart rate.
Embryoscope©
Built into this technology there is a microscope with a powerful camera that allows the uninterrupted monitoring of the embryo during its first hours of life. In this way, we can keep a close eye on the embryo, from the moment when the oocyte is inseminated and begins to divide into smaller and smaller cells, until it can be transferred to the uterus.
Orthopedics Stem Cell
Knee
Research on mesenchymal stem cells regenerative properties in knee osteoarthritis. In these studies, researchers suggest that Stem Cell Therapy has the potential to regenerate lost cartilage, stop and reverse cartilage degeneration, provide pain relief, and improve patient mobility.
Shoulder
Stem Cell Therapy as an Alternative to Rotator Cuff & Shoulder Replacement Surgery. Stem cell therapy may offer an excellent alternative for patients looking to avoid shoulder joint replacement surgery, as well as many other surgical treatments for shoulder pain.
Ankle
If you suffer from chronic or acute ankle pain or instability due to arthritis, cartilage loss, ligament strain or tear, or tendon damage, then you may benefit from non-surgical stem cell treatments or stem cell-enhanced surgery.
Back Pain
Patients now have a minimally invasive option. Stem cell therapy for back pain and disc herniations can potentially repair the damaged disc or facet joint, restore function, rehydrate the disc, and ultimately alleviate chronic pain.
Anti-Aging Stem Cell
Hair Loss
Stem cell therapy and PRP therapy have been shown to be most effective for: Those in the early stages of hair loss, patients who are not viable candidates for surgery and women who prefer to avoid hair surgery.
Facial Anti-Aging
Aesthetic Anti-Aging. The Aesthetic Stem Cell Localized Treatment is a non-surgical minimally invasive procedure to enhance the appearance of aging skin and hair restoration. This all-natural technique combines dermal injections of bone marrow or adipose tissue derived stem cells and growth factors.
Fertility Stem Cell
Endometrial PRP
The stem cells used for treatment of a thin endometrium include mesenchymal stem cells. In addition, successful repair of the endometrium in pregnancy with stem cells has been reported previously.
Low Ovarian Reserve (PRP)
The treatment uses PRP (Platelet-Rich-Plasma), which with stem cell therapy is the novel therapeutic approach for restoring the quality of the ovarian reserve.Your PRP will contain a physiologic balance of platelets, growth factors and white blood cells tailored specifically for you.
Punta Mita Hospital
Mexico
Punta Mita Hospital - Genesis Cell
Mexico
