Multiple Sclerosis & Autoimmune Disorders
Steps Involved in IVF:
Procedure Description
Multiple sclerosis (MS) and autoimmune disorders are challenging, often life-altering conditions that require specialized care. MS is a progressive neurological disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the central nervous system, damaging nerve cells and resulting in various physical and cognitive symptoms. Autoimmune disorders encompass a wide range of diseases, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Crohn’s disease, all marked by the immune system attacking healthy body tissues. Treatments aim to suppress this immune response, reduce symptoms, and improve the patient’s quality of life.
Advances in medical science have expanded treatment options, including disease-modifying therapies, targeted biological therapies, and emerging regenerative therapies, such as stem cell transplants. Treatments vary widely depending on the specific autoimmune disorder, with MS therapies focused on halting disease progression, reducing relapses, and managing symptoms like fatigue, muscle spasms, and pain. For other autoimmune conditions, treatments may involve immunosuppressive drugs, anti-inflammatory agents, or biologic therapies targeting specific immune system components.
For those seeking medical care abroad, it’s essential to be informed about the latest treatment options and advancements in managing autoimmune conditions. While autoimmune diseases are complex and often incurable, treatment can offer a significant reduction in symptoms and, for some patients, the possibility of long-term remission. Patients traveling for care should work closely with specialists to ensure a comprehensive treatment plan that includes pre-treatment assessments, procedural therapy, and post-treatment support.
Procedure Duration
The duration of treatment for multiple sclerosis and autoimmune disorders depends on the specific condition, treatment approach, and the patient's response. However, patients can generally expect these phases:
- Initial Evaluation and Diagnosis
Patients undergo comprehensive diagnostic tests, such as MRI scans, blood tests, and neurological assessments, to confirm their condition and pinpoint the extent of autoimmune activity. This initial phase usually requires several days, especially if the diagnosis requires complex testing or further clarification from specialists.
- Treatment Phase
Treatment for MS may involve a series of infusions of disease-modifying therapies or biologics over days, weeks, or months, depending on the medication schedule. Some autoimmune therapies, like stem cell transplants, may necessitate hospital stays for several weeks, where patients receive immunosuppressive drugs, blood stem cells, and post-transplant monitoring. Other autoimmune treatments, such as those for rheumatoid arthritis, may involve regular outpatient visits over weeks or months.
- Recovery and Post-Treatment Care
Recovery varies greatly by procedure. Patients undergoing stem cell transplants or intense immunosuppressive treatments may need extended periods for their immune systems to regain strength, which can span from a few weeks to several months. Rehabilitation may include physiotherapy, dietary adjustments, and ongoing monitoring to manage any side effects or potential relapses, with some patients needing annual follow-ups.
Understanding the time commitment required for each stage is crucial when considering treatment abroad, as recovery might require temporary residency or follow-up visits for continued monitoring.
Benefits
- Symptom Management: Treatment can significantly reduce debilitating symptoms, improving the patient’s overall quality of life.
- Slowed Disease Progression: Disease-modifying therapies can slow the advancement of MS and some autoimmune diseases, extending functional independence.
- Potential for Remission: Some treatments offer the possibility of long-term remission for autoimmune disorders, reducing or eliminating the need for daily medication.
- Improved Mobility and Functionality: Physical and cognitive therapies associated with MS and autoimmune treatment often improve mobility and mental clarity.
- Access to Advanced Therapies: Medical tourists can access treatments, such as stem cell therapy, that may not be widely available in their home country.
Potential Destinations
- Germany
Known for its advanced medical infrastructure and emphasis on neurological research, Germany offers specialized facilities for MS and autoimmune disorder treatment, equipped with leading-edge technologies and extensive rehabilitation support.
- Switzerland
With an impressive focus on patient care and medical innovation, Switzerland has state-of-the-art hospitals that cater to autoimmune treatment. The country’s healthcare standards are exceptionally high, and it boasts numerous facilities experienced in advanced biologic and immunotherapy options.
- Mexico
Mexico is gaining recognition for its cost-effective and accessible healthcare, particularly in regenerative medicine and stem cell therapy for autoimmune disorders. Major cities like Mexico City and Monterrey have reputable hospitals that welcome international patients.
- India
Known for its comprehensive treatment packages and world-renowned medical professionals, India is a top destination for autoimmune and neurological care. With an array of facilities specializing in neurology, India offers an affordable yet high-quality option for patients seeking treatment.
- South Korea
South Korea’s advancements in medical technology and its commitment to neurological research make it an ideal destination for MS and autoimmune treatment. The country offers specialized care in immunotherapy and stem cell research, with medical facilities providing tailored care to international patients.
Risks & Considerations
- Immune System Suppression: Many treatments require immunosuppressive drugs, which increase susceptibility to infections and necessitate careful post-procedure monitoring.
- Adverse Reactions to Medications: Disease-modifying therapies can cause side effects, such as nausea, headaches, and, in rare cases, life-threatening allergic reactions.
- Long-Term Recovery Needs: Some treatments, like stem cell therapy, involve prolonged recovery, requiring patients to follow strict health protocols.
- Potential Relapse: Although treatment can slow progression, autoimmune conditions like MS may still relapse, necessitating further medical intervention.
- Cost of Ongoing Therapy: Treatment costs can be high, especially if multiple therapy sessions, follow-up appointments, and extended stays are needed.
How to Choose the Right Doctor and Hospital
Selecting a healthcare provider for autoimmune treatment is paramount to achieving positive outcomes. Patients should seek specialists with extensive experience in autoimmune and neurological conditions, as these diseases require specialized knowledge. Researching the provider’s track record with autoimmune treatments, looking for international accreditations, and reading patient testimonials can help determine the facility’s suitability.
When choosing a hospital, international patients should prioritize hospitals with comprehensive care facilities that offer multidisciplinary teams, including neurologists, immunologists, and rehabilitation specialists. Confirming the availability of translation services, access to supportive care, and adherence to international healthcare standards is equally essential for a seamless treatment experience abroad.
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
