The procedure purges harmful substances from blood plasma by separating it, treating it, and returning it to the body.
This therapy manages MS symptoms, slows disease progression, with pills, injections, or infusions to improve quality of life.
This therapy helps manage symptoms and improve function in patients with a chronic nervous system disorder.
This therapy is a vital medication for multiple sclerosis, reducing relapse rates and slowing disease progression.
Arrival
Diagnostics
Treatment plan development
Treatment
Follow-up
Rehabilitation
Remember, only a doctor can determine the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment plan for your individual case. Other diagnostic methods such as blood tests or evoked potential tests may also be used. Additional treatment options could include alternative therapies or lifestyle changes.
| Turkey | Austria | Spain | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consultation with a neurologist | from $80 | from $331 | from $374 |
| Consultation with an ophthalmologist | from $130 | from $121 | from $388 |
| Extended analysis of blood | from $250 | - | from $1103 |
| Brain MRI with contrast | from $320 | - | - |
| OCT (Optical coherence tomography) | from $550 | - | - |
| Bone marrow biopsy | from $800 | - | - |
| Complex diagnostics of multiple sclerosis | - | - | - |
| Medication treatment for multiple sclerosis | from $882 | - | from $3860 |
| Multiple sclerosis rehabilitation | from $150 | - | from $163 |
| Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) | - | - | - |
| Urodynamics | from $275 | - | from $772 |
| Consultation with a recreation therapist | from $100 | - | from $163 |
| Plasmapheresis | - | - | - |
| Visual Evoked Potentials (VEP-test) | - | - | - |
| The total cost is calculated individually. It may range depending on your medical issue, doctor's qualification, procedure complexity and related complications (if they occur). You’ll get the exact price for a plastic surgery procedure after a consultation with a doctor. | |||
| Extended analysis of blood | $810 |
| Consultation with a neurologist | $130 - $140 |
| Medication treatment for multiple sclerosis | $3500 |
| Urodynamics | $771.94 - $1102.77 |
| Consultation with a neurologist | $374 |
| Medication treatment for multiple sclerosis | $3859.71 - $7168.02 |
Wiener Privatklinik is a private hospital in Austria. Prof. Rainer Kotz is the Medical Director of the Clinic. Wiener Privatklinik has the connection with some Nobel Prize winners. Among them Theodor Billroth, Robert Barany, Karl Landsteiner, Konrad Lorenz, Otto Loewi, Karl Ritter von Frisch. Sigmund Freud was practicing in the Clinic.
| Consultation with a neurologist | $330.83 - $441.11 |
| Bone marrow biopsy | $1500 |
| Brain MRI with contrast | $400 - $550 |
Anadolu Medical Center is a multidisciplinary facility providing American treatment standards at affordable prices in Istanbul (Turkey). Anadolu affiliates with the Johns Hopkins Hospital, one of the best medical facilities in the USA.
Oncology, hematology oncology, urology, neurosurgery, women's health, IVF, and check-up are the leading specialties in Anadolu Hospital.
The medical center is among the Top 10 hospitals in the world according to the Medical Travel Quality Alliance (MTQUA), an international organization that promotes excellent standards of health services for medical tourists.
Patients from the United States, the United Kingdom, Romania, Bulgaria, and Azerbaijan choose Anadolu Medical Center.
Summary about Anadolu from patients' reviews:
The Anadolu Clinic is a highly-regarded medical facility located on the coast of the marble sea. It is renowned for its professionalism, cleanliness, and attention to detail. The staff is polite, attentive, and responsive to patients' needs. Highly-trained and skilled doctors are available for comprehensive examinations and treatments, and the recovery room is bright and comfortable with a beautiful view. Patients have benefited from the services of an excellent translator, Elmira, and the support of coordinators Zakhida, Bakhtygul, and Amina, Gayana. The clinic also offers a transfer service from the airport to the hotel and back, as well as booking a hotel conveniently located 10-15 minutes away. Anadolu is the perfect choice for a successful treatment and recovery.
Top 5 Anadolu Advantages:
| Brain MRI with contrast | $450 |
| Consultation with a neurologist | $631 |
Policlinico San Donato is a leading Italian clinic for cardiology and cardiac surgery.
Doctors perform over 9,400 open and minimally invasive operations on the heart and blood vessels annually. It is the largest number in the country.
Сardiology, heart surgery, arrhythmology, and rehabilitation are the top specialities in San Donato Hospital.
CBC Health offers intravenous infusion of umbilical cord blood cells for ischemic stroke recovery. The CBC team has 20 years of experience in cord blood banking and now offers treatments using allogeneic cord blood. Patients from Europe, the Balkans, the USA, Canada, and Australia visit the clinic most often.
Quirónsalud Madrid is the top clinic in Spain and Europe, the largest among Quirónsalud centers by the annual number of patients served.
Specialization ― oncology, neurosurgery, heart surgery, plastic surgery, and IVF.
Quiron Madrid research team carries out studies in the treatment of cancer and neurodegenerative disorders (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's diseases). There is an opportunity to be treated for free as a participant in clinical trials in case of meeting requirements.
| Consultation with an ophthalmologist | $388 |
The Department has Certification of German Multiple Sclerosis Society and KTQ-Zertifikat (for cooperation for transparency and quality in the healthcare sector).
| Extended analysis of blood | $330.83 - $385.97 |
Ospedale San Raffaele (San Raffaele Research Hospital) in Milan is one of the largest research hospitals in Europe. It applies ad hoc methods for rare immune system and genetic diseases treatment.
Among its achievements — the world's first stem cell therapy for patients with severe combined immune deficiency disorder (ADA-SCID).
Oncology, oncohematology, neurosurgery, neurology, cardiovascular surgery, urology, and gynecology are the strongest specialities here.
Surgeons of the hospital perform over 52,000 operations annually.
| OCT (Optical coherence tomography) | $242.61 |
| Urodynamics | $264.67 |
Samsung Medical Center is a prominent multidisciplinary hospital in South Korea that has repetitively received many awards in customer satisfaction and services quality. It has a special status of “Hospital of presidential standards”. A part of Samsung Medical Complex, Comprehensive Cancer Center provides the most thorough treatment for cancer patients using state-of-the-art equipment: Novalis, IGRT (image-guided radiation therapy), Da Vinci surgical system, etc.
| Extended analysis of blood | $350 - $450 |
| Consultation with a neurologist | $55 - $65 |
Biological Medicine-Integrative Health Center is a private multi-specialty medical center in Baku, Azerbaijan. The team focuses on neurosurgery, therapy, longevity health, and wellness retreats. Biological Medicine-Integrative Health Center Baku serves both adults and children. Patients from Asia and the CIS countries visit the clinic most often.
Sourasky (Ichilov) Medical Center is a leading hospital in Israel. One of the reasons for this - the most acuity diagnostic tests within the country.
✔️400,000 medical tourists choose Sourasky Hospital annually. The Clinic is among TOP-10 world’s facilities for medical tourism according to Newsweek (authoritative American magazine).
✔️Sourasky Clinic includes the Malram Institute of Special Medical Expertise, which offers the unique programs for diagnostics and treatment. For MS patients, Malram specialists provide the brainstem evoked response audiometry (BERA) test. Its results define the treatment plan for MS patients.
| Consultation with an ophthalmologist | $850 |
| Bone marrow biopsy | $2000 |
| OCT (Optical coherence tomography) | $550 |
| Bone marrow biopsy | $3000 |
Fizyomer Terapia Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation & Aesthetic & Dental Medical Center is a private multi-specialty medical center in Eskisehir, Turkey. The team is dedicated to neurology, dental treatment, aesthetic medicine, cosmetology, and rehabilitation. The center has been implementing its intensive and integrative rehabilitation programs, which have been developed over 24 years, with a 98% success rate, especially for children with cerebral palsy and patients with stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, and orthopedic injuries.
For 24 years, international patients have chosen this medical center for treatment. Fizyomer Terapia Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation & Aesthetic & Dental Medical Center serves both adults and children. Each year, 10,438 patients choose this center for medical care. Patients from CIS countries, Europe, the Commonwealth, and Africa most frequently visit the clinic.
| Brain MRI with contrast | $320 |
| Consultation with a neurologist | $80 |
| Multiple sclerosis rehabilitation | $150 - $350 |
Group Florence Nightingale Hospitals is at the forefront of modern medicine and surgery in Turkey having been founded in 1989 as the first hospital for cardiovascular diseases in the region under the aegis of the Turkish Society of Cardiology.
All facilities are JCI and ISO accredited. Additionally, Istanbul FNH was also awarded Sign of the City in 2014 and British QHA accreditation in 2015.
Today, there are 4 general hospitals, 2 medical centers, as well as Demiroglu Bilim University which has a medical faculty, a school of nursing and a vocational school of healthcare.
The Group has maintained its reputation for excellence by combining expertise with the highest caliber of staff and healthcare innovation to ensure that each and every patient receives the best care possible.
An American-based international non-profit organization that evaluates and accredits healthcare institutions has given Florence Nightingale the global “Gold seal” for inpatient care and safety of the highest level.
Memorial Atasehir Hospital is a private multidisciplinary hospital in Istanbul which belongs to the large Memorial Healthcare Group. The Memorial Atasehir specialties are organ transplant (with 99.5% success rate for liver and 99% for kidney), in vitro fertilization (65% success rate), oncology, cardio- and neurosurgery.
The hospital has Joint Commission International (JCI) certificate for the compliance with international treatment standards, quality, and safety. JCI is a global organization that controls the quality of medical services worldwide.
| OCT (Optical coherence tomography) | $550 |
| Bone marrow biopsy | $2500 |
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Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective covering of nerve fibers, called myelin, leading to inflammation, damage, and disruption of nerve signals.
In the United States, the average chance of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) is about 3 in 1,000, which is less than 1%. For close family members, like a child or sibling, the risk goes up to 3-4%.
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) is a leading organization that provides education, support, and advocacy for people with MS.
There are four main types of MS:
Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS). This is the most common form, affecting about 85% of people with MS. Symptoms come and go in flare-ups, followed by periods of recovery.
Secondary-Progressive MS (SPMS). After years of relapsing-remitting MS, some people enter this phase, where symptoms worsen steadily over time.
Primary-Progressive MS (PPMS). From the onset, this type causes a gradual worsening of symptoms without any clear relapses. Around 10-15% of people with MS have this type.
Progressive-relapsing MS (PRMS) is the rarest form, in which symptoms get progressively worse, but flare-ups still occur.
| Type of MS | Definition | Effective Treatments | Success Rates |
Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS) |
Characterized by clear episodes of new or worsening symptoms followed by periods of recovery. |
Treatments that modify the disease course to reduce flare-ups and slow progression. For example, Ocrelizumab. |
Substantial reduction in annual relapse rates. |
Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS) |
Follows RRMS, marked by steady progression, with or without relapses. |
Medications that help manage symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease. For instance, Siponimod. |
Significant management of progression and relapses. |
Primary Progressive MS (PPMS) |
Worsening neurological function from the onset without early relapses. |
The first approved medication specifically for PPMS that slows the worsening of the disease is Ocrelizumab. |
Modest reduction in progression rates. |
Progressive-Relapsing MS (PRMS) |
Steady progression from the onset, with acute relapses. |
Similar strategies as SPMS and PPMS. |
Varies, focuses on managing progression. |
It's common for people to go through several wrong diagnoses before finally finding out they have MS. Some may wait years, unsure if they will ever get a clear answer. This happens because there isn’t a straightforward test to diagnose MS, and many other conditions can show symptoms similar to MS. These conditions are known as "MS mimics."
Experienced doctors who treat multiple sclerosis will quickly rule out the following:
Fibromyalgia;
Vitamin B12 deficiency;
Muscular dystrophy (MD);
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease);
Migraine;
Hypothyroidism;
Hypertension;
Beçhet's disease;
Arnold-Chiari deformity;
Mitochondrial disorders.
Doctors aren’t sure why some people develop MS, but certain factors can increase the risk:
Genetics. The risk is higher if someone in the family has MS.
Infections. Some viruses, like the Epstein-Barr virus, have been linked to MS.
Geography. MS is more common in areas farther from the equator, suggesting a connection to lower sunlight exposure and vitamin D levels.
Gender. Women are two to three times more likely to develop MS than men.
MS symptoms vary greatly depending on which part of the nervous system is affected. Some common symptoms include:
Fatigue doesn’t improve with rest.
Numbness or Tingling is often felt in the face, body, arms, or legs.
Muscle Weakness, which makes it difficult to walk or hold objects.
Vision Problems, such as blurred or double vision, are common, especially during a flare-up.
Dizziness and Balance Issues. Difficulty in maintaining balance or feeling lightheaded.
Some people also experience memory problems and depression due to the effects multiple sclerosis has on the brain.
According to the National MS Society, the risk of developing MS is higher for:
Ages 20-40;
Women (2-3 times more likely than men);
Family history of MS;
Living far from the equator (less sunlight/vitamin D);
Viral infections like Epstein-Barr;
Smokers;
People with autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes.
These factors can increase the chance of developing MS but aren't a 100% guarantee of getting the disease.
Diagnosing MS can be challenging, as symptoms can mimic other conditions. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society advice several tests to confirm MS:
MRI scans are performed to see any brain or spinal cord lesions.
A lumbar puncture (Spinal Tap) checks the fluid around the brain and spinal cord.
Evoked Potentials Tests measure how quickly the brain responds to visual or electrical stimuli, helping detect nerve damage.
There is no targeted cure for MS, but treatments can help manage symptoms and slow the disease's progression. Treatment depends on the type and severity of MS. Here are some standard options:
💊Medications. Drugs like interferons (e.g., Avonex) or monoclonal antibodies (e.g., Ocrevus) can reduce relapses and slow disease progression. Oral medications like Tecfidera also help control the immune system.
🏋🏻♀️Physical Therapy. This helps strengthen muscles, improve balance, and maintain mobility. A physical therapist will work with patients to create a plan that suits their needs.
🏵Corticosteroids. These drugs help reduce inflammation during flare-ups, speeding up recovery from an attack.
🩸Plasma Exchange (Plasmapheresis) is used when other treatments don’t work. It removes harmful substances from the blood, helping control severe symptoms.
| Treatment Strategy | Description | Success Rate |
Disease-Modifying Therapies (DMTs) |
Modulate or suppress immune response to prevent damage to the nervous system. |
Reduces relapse rates by 30-70% and slows progression in many patients. |
Corticosteroids |
Reduce inflammation quickly to manage acute MS flare-ups. |
Effective in reducing the duration and severity of relapses during acute flare-ups. |
Symptomatic Treatments |
Target and alleviate specific MS symptoms like spasticity and pain. |
Effective in managing specific symptoms, significantly improving quality of life. |
Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation |
Use exercises to enhance mobility, function, and manage day-to-day symptoms. |
Significantly aids in maintaining mobility and daily functioning, improving patients' quality of life. |
Plasma Exchange (Plasmapheresis) |
Remove and replace blood plasma to eliminate harmful elements from the blood that impact MS symptoms. |
Improves outcomes in about 40-45% of cases, particularly those unresponsive to other treatments. |
Emerging Therapies |
Investigate novel approaches like stem cell therapies and targeted immunotherapies. |
Still under research; early results show potential but require more extensive clinical trials to confirm efficacy. |
Cognitive symptoms, or issues related to thinking and memory, are common in multiple sclerosis (MS). About half of the people with MS (50-66%) experience changes in how they think, process information, or remember things. These symptoms range from mild forgetfulness to more noticeable difficulty concentrating or multitasking.
Here are some common cognitive symptoms and their examples:
Memory Problems. People with MS may struggle to remember details, such as appointments, names, or where they left their keys. For instance, they might forget what they went to the store for or miss an important meeting.
Difficulty Focusing. A patient with MS might find it challenging to follow a conversation in a noisy room or stay focused on reading a book.
Slower Thinking (Processing Speed). Simple tasks may take longer to complete because processing information becomes slower. For instance, following a recipe might feel overwhelming because understanding and following each step takes more time.
Problem-Solving Challenges. MS makes it difficult to think through complex tasks or make quick decisions. This might be as simple as having trouble figuring out how to organize a busy day or deciding the best route to take when driving.
Trouble Multitasking. Doing multiple things simultaneously, like talking on the phone while cooking or managing several projects at work, becomes overwhelming. It may feel easier to focus on just one thing at a time.
Bookimed has picked the top hospitals specializing in MS treatment based on our Smart Ranking System:
Medipol Mega University Hospital in Turkey is the first private complex in the country offering a comprehensive treatment of neurological disorders.
Asklepios Hospital Barmbek in Germany is a multidisciplinary medical center, part of Asklepios Kliniken, the most significant German hospital network.
Sourasky Medical Centerin Israelis among the Top 10 most popular clinics in the world, according to Newsweek.
Stem cells are the ones that turn into different kinds of cells in the human body. Some doctors use a type of stem cell treatment called hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) to treat RRMS. However, they need more research to know how well HSCT works against it.
One trial of 24 people with RRMS found that 69% who had stem cell therapy didn't have a relapse in MS symptoms or new brain lesions, which are caused by MS, 5 years after treatment.
Stem cell therapy has serious risks. During HSCT, the immune system isn't at full strength. This means patients are at higher risk of infection with bacteria or viruses.
MS is different for everyone, but many people with the condition experience periods of relapse and remission, especially in the early stages. Over time, MS may become more progressive, with symptoms becoming more constant and severe.
For example, someone with RRMS might notice long periods with no symptoms at all, followed by sudden flare-ups. As MS progresses into SPMS, symptoms may gradually worsen, even between relapses.
Treatment costs can vary depending on the type of care, the country, and the length of treatment. Here is a general idea of what to expect:
Turkey: $15,000-$30,000 for similar services, including access to advanced therapies.
Germany: $30,000-$50,000 for high-end care and personalized treatment plans.
Israel: $20,000-$40,000 for comprehensive care, including medications and rehabilitation.
Recent advancements in multiple sclerosis (MS) research and treatment include:
Disease-Modifying Therapies (DMTs). New medications, such as siponimod (Mayzent) and ozanimod (Zeposia), offer improved efficacy and fewer side effects than older treatments. These drugs help reduce the frequency of relapses and slow disease progression.
Stem Cell Therapy. Research into hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is showing promising results. Studies indicate that HSCT can potentially halt disease progression in some patients with aggressive forms of MS.
Biomarkers and Imaging. Advances in MRI technology and identifying new biomarkers improve early diagnosis and disease progression monitoring. Techniques like advanced MRI scans can now detect subtle changes in brain lesions that were previously undetectable.
Genetic Research. Ongoing research is uncovering genetic factors linked to MS, which may lead to personalized treatments tailored to individual genetic profiles.
Neuroprotective Strategies. New studies are focusing on protecting nerve cells from damage. Treatments aimed at reducing inflammation and repairing myelin damage are showing promise in clinical trials.
Finding a neurologist specializing in MS is essential, as this condition requires specialized care. When selecting a doctor, consider:
Experience with MS. Choose a doctor with a track record of treating MS patients successfully.
Access to the Latest Treatments. Specialists involved in research or clinical trials can offer newer, more effective treatments.
Patient Reviews. Look for positive feedback from other MS patients, which can give insight into the doctor’s communication and care quality.
If you're in a hurry and don't have much time to browse reviews, contact Bookimed, and we'll find the best option based on your needs.
Empowering people affected by MS to live their best lives. National Multiple Sclerosis Society. URL: https://www.nationalmssociety.org/understanding-ms/what-is-ms (date of access: 16.09.2024).
Grey H. Multiple Sclerosis Cure: How Close We Are and New Treatments. Healthline. URL: https://www.healthline.com/health/multiple-sclerosis/new-research-treatments (date of access: 16.09.2024).
Multiple Sclerosis Foundation - Diseases That Mimic MS. Multiple Sclerosis Foundation - Home. URL: https://msfocus.org/Magazine/Magazine-Items/Posted/Diseases-That-Mimic-MS (date of access: 16.09.2024).
Stem Cell Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis (MS). WebMD. URL: https://www.webmd.com/multiple-sclerosis/stem-cell-therapies (date of access: 16.09.2024).
VA.gov | Veterans Affairs. VA.gov Home | Veterans Affairs. URL: https://www.va.gov/MS/Veterans/symptoms_of_MS/Understanding_How_Multiple_Sclerosis_Can_Affect_Your_Cognition.asp (date of access: 16.09.2024).
Who Gets Multiple Sclerosis | MSAA. MSAA. URL: https://mymsaa.org/ms-information/overview/who-gets-ms/ (date of access: 16.09.2024).
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