Spinal cord injury treatment and diagnostics abroad

A spinal injury, with or without damage to the spinal cord, is a serious medical problem with consequences for patients and their families — medical, psychological, social and financial. Many patients need surgery and long-term rehabilitation, and more of them now seek treatment abroad.

Below are orthopedic, spine surgery and rehabilitation clinics: compare their capabilities, doctors and prices.

What is a spinal injury

A spinal injury is any damage to the structure of the spine caused by an external force. By region, injuries are divided into:

• cervical spine — more than half of cases and the highest risk of spinal cord damage;
• thoracic spine;
• lumbar and lumbosacral spine.

Cervical injuries (fractures and ligament damage) usually come together with head and neck trauma.

Symptoms of spine and spinal cord injury

Pain is the first sign. If the spinal cord is damaged, there may also be:

• inability to move;
• loss or change of sensation (heat, cold, touch);
• loss of bladder and bowel control;
• exaggerated reflexes or spasms;
• sexual dysfunction and fertility problems;
• nerve pain or burning;
• difficulty breathing, a weak cough, mucus build-up.

How severe the symptoms are depends on the level and severity of the damage. A complete injury means all sensation and movement are lost below the level of injury; an incomplete injury means some function is preserved.

Causes

Road traffic accidents (the most common cause), falls, violence, sports injuries and combat wounds.

Diagnosis and treatment abroad

• Diagnosis — multislice CT, 3 Tesla MRI, PET-CT or PET-MRI when needed.
• Surgery — spinal cord decompression and spinal fixation, including with intraoperative MRI and navigation (see neurosurgery).
• A multidisciplinary team — neurosurgeons, neurologists, radiologists, orthopedic surgeons, physiotherapists, rehabilitation specialists and psychiatrists.
• Rehabilitation — the main way to recover, needed even without surgery. For example, Medipol Mega University Hospital uses the Lokomat and Armeo Power robotic systems and Biodex balance training. More in rehabilitation after spinal cord injury.

Cost of treatment

The price and length of treatment depend on the type of injury, spinal cord involvement, time since the injury and other conditions. Treatment in Turkey is usually cheaper than in Israel or Germany. All clinics are in the orthopedics and traumatology section.

Send a request with your discharge summary and CT/MRI scans — a Clinics Direct medical coordinator will help with a diagnosis and treatment plan and with organising the trip.