Polyneuropathy is a group of pathologies characterized by damage to the peripheral nerves. The characteristic signs of the disorder include disturbances in limb sensitivity and progressive impairment of motor function. Treatment of polyneuropathy in Israel is conducted according to international protocols, using progressive medical, physiotherapeutic, and surgical methods. Medical centers in the country often receive patients from the former CIS countries, who have not received effective help for a long time in their homeland. This is due to the fact that in these countries, polyneuropathy is not considered a disease requiring a serious approach to treatment; patients are prescribed ineffective medications, and the methods used do not yield positive results or improve prognosis.
To develop an adequate therapeutic program, it is necessary to accurately determine the cause of the disorder. To make an accurate diagnosis, comprehensive examinations of the patient are conducted within a few days at clinics in Israel using high-precision modern equipment. The success of treatment is also due to a multidisciplinary approach, according to which the diagnosis and selection of therapeutic methods are carried out by a medical council consisting of doctors from various specialties. The procedures included in the treatment program are distinguished not only by their effectiveness but also by maximum safety for patients, as evidenced by patient reviews. Foreign patients are also attracted by the moderate cost, which corresponds to the level of services provided and is accessible for medical tourists.
Treatment Methods for the Disease
The basis of the disorder lies in the damage to the axons of peripheral nerve cells and the destruction of the myelin sheath of the nerve fiber, caused by an autoimmune reaction to myelin components, exposure to toxins, and a number of other factors. Pathologies of hereditary nature, metabolic (for example, diabetic or hepatic polyneuropathy), toxic, and autoimmune are distinguished. The most common factors provoking the development of the disease include diabetes, alcohol consumption, vitamin deficiency (especially group B), and autoimmune disorders.
The pathological process affects different types of nerve fibers, and the degree of damage to these fibers determines the symptoms of polyneuropathy. Common manifestations of the disease include skin and nail pathologies, cramps, limb paresis, tremors, swelling, tachycardia, and speech disturbances. In the absence of effective treatment, symptoms worsen, gradually leading to muscle atrophy, loss of work capacity, and disability.
The treatment program is developed depending on the cause of the disease and aims to eliminate pain syndrome and restore the impaired functions of the nerves involved in the pathological process.
Medication Therapy
To eliminate the cause of the pathology, various types of medications are indicated.
- Corticosteroids — are most often used in cases of autoimmune forms of the pathology; in the first months of treatment, daily oral intake is prescribed, after which the dosage is gradually reduced. The action of the medications is aimed at normalizing the functioning of peripheral nerves.
- Immunoglobulins — indicated for autoimmune polyneuropathy caused by demyelination of peripheral nerve fibers; they are safe and practically do not cause side effects. The principle of action is based on inactivating the antibodies involved in the destruction of myelin. It is noted that after treatment with immunoglobulins, approximately 65% of patients experience improved well-being and achieve stable remission. Recently, an innovative method of intravenous immunoglobulin injections has been used in Israeli clinics.
- Nootropics.
- Neurotrophic medications.
- Neuro-metabolic medications.
- Neuroprotectors.
- Alpha-lipoic acid medications (antioxidants that stimulate the restoration of nerve functions).
- Medications that lower glucose levels.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Anticonvulsants.
- Hepatoprotectors.
- Vitamin and mineral complexes.
Physiotherapy
To stimulate blood circulation, increase muscle tone and plasticity, and relieve pain, the following physiotherapeutic methods are included in the treatment scheme:
- electrophoresis;
- laser therapy;
- magnetotherapy;
- darsonvalization;
- therapeutic physical education;
- massage;
- mud therapy using Dead Sea mud;
- acupuncture;
- balneotherapy.
In cases of acute polyneuropathy caused by intoxications, plasmapheresis has a positive effect — blood is taken from the patient, cleaned, and returned to the bloodstream. Donor plasma is also used to replace the patient's plasma. These procedures help normalize metabolic processes, detoxify, and increase the effectiveness of drug therapy.
To alleviate pain syndrome and restore impaired motor functions, electrodes are implanted into the patient's spinal cord to stimulate nerve endings.
Send your records — an Ichilov physician will reply within 1–2 days, free of charge.
Diagnostic Methods for the Pathology
Clinics in Israel pay great attention to accurate diagnostics, during which the cause of the pathology is established. Modern equipment, high qualifications, and experience of diagnostic physicians allow for comprehensive examinations, diagnosis, and development of a treatment strategy, on average, within three days.
On the first day of their stay at the clinic, the patient visits the treating neurologist. During the appointment, the doctor reviews the medical history, thoroughly questions the patient about their complaints, concomitant diseases, medications taken, possible contact with toxic substances, and frequency of alcohol consumption. The specialist also collects family history and conducts a physical examination. At the final stage of the initial consultation, the necessary examinations are prescribed to the patient.
On the next day, the examinations listed in the prescriptions are performed:
- visualization studies — to obtain the necessary information, a radiographic examination of the chest organs, limb bones, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain are conducted;
- ultrasound examination (US) of the thyroid gland;
- angiography;
- electroneuromyography — this method studies the process of electrical signal transmission along the fibers of peripheral nerves;
- complete blood count and biochemical analysis of blood and urine;
- determination of specific tumor markers (CA-125) in the blood;
- detection of autoimmune antibodies to myelin.
The results of the examinations are sent to the medical council, which includes a neurologist and narrow-profile specialists. The doctors analyze the obtained information, determine the diagnosis, and prescribe treatment.
What is the Cost of Treatment for the Disease
The price of the treatment course is one of the most interesting questions for medical tourists. When undergoing therapy in Israel, foreign patients have the opportunity to save about 30% of the amount required for treatment in Western Europe and approximately 50% of the funds that would have to be spent in the USA.
Advantages of Treatment in Israel
- Achieving positive results through comprehensive treatment programs.
- Highly qualified doctors.
- Personalized approach to treatment.
- Use of modern therapeutic methods and the latest medications.
- Reasonable prices.
Timely comprehensive therapy for polyneuropathy will allow you to forget about the disease and return to your usual life. Therefore, do not waste time, contact the chosen clinic, and undergo treatment under the guidance of highly qualified doctors.