Treatment of Spinal Atrophy in Israel

Professor Ruven Gepstein

head of the spinal surgery department

Israeli doctors have accumulated immense experience in the early diagnosis and treatment of genetic diseases, so in Israel, the diagnosis of "spinal atrophy" is far from a death sentence.

The Top Ichilov Clinic is a leading medical center in Israel, where research on the latest methods of prevention and treatment of various genetic pathologies is conducted. A dedicated team of specialists from various fields of medicine - gastroenterologists, hematologists, neurologists, orthopedists, nephrologists, etc. - helps our patients combat the clinical manifestations of genetic diseases.

5000

foreign patients undergo treatment at the Top Ichilov clinic annually

78%

successful cases of disease treatment with medications

1230

procedures using the modern "Da Vinci" system

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Treatment of Spinal Muscular Atrophy in Israel

Spinal atrophy or spinal muscular atrophy is a group of relatively common hereditary neuromuscular diseases characterized by the damage to motor neurons in the spinal cord.

The disease most often begins in the first year of life and progresses rapidly. Most patients do not live to the age of 4, while others become disabled.

The damage to motor neurons and consequently, the motor musculature leads to a variety of clinical symptoms of this disease. Patients with spinal muscular atrophy suffer from increasing muscle weakness and muscle atrophy, severe postural disorders (kyphoscoliosis), respiratory issues, and impaired motor function. Sensitivity and the mental and intellectual sphere remain completely intact.

Since the disease has a genetic nature (autosomal recessive type), it is extremely important for the parents of the patient to undergo genetic and prenatal diagnostics to ensure the future birth of a healthy child. Theoretically, each pregnancy has a 25% chance of resulting in the birth of an affected child. Fortunately, modern diagnostic methods allow for accurate determination of the fetus's genotype and the possibility of abortion for medical reasons.

Our specialists will help the family establish an accurate diagnosis, assess the severity of the condition, determine the treatment method, and plan for the birth of a healthy child.

There are clinically milder forms of spinal atrophy with a later onset of the disease. Treatment is symptomatic, and scientific research is ongoing to compensate for motor neuron damage – using factors that increase the concentration of the SMN protein, which is responsible for the preservation of nerve cells, the use of valproic acid, sodium butyrate, physiotherapy, physical exercises, and a special diet.

In our center for genetic diseases, the patient (and parents) will undergo the most modern diagnostic examination and treatment available at this time. A comprehensive, individualized, and multidisciplinary approach will ensure confident pregnancy planning, the birth of a healthy child, and the best treatment for spinal atrophy.

Diagnostic Procedures Used When Suspecting Spinal Atrophy