Autoimmune Myelopathy Treatment in Turkey
About Autoimmune Myelopathy
Key Highlights
-
Directly addresses spinal cord compression caused by autoimmune inflammation.Aims to halt or slow the progression of neurological deficits like weakness and numbness.Can be a crucial intervention when medical (immunosuppressive) therapy is insufficient.Performed by specialized neurosurgeons or orthopedic spine surgeons with expertise in complex spinal conditions.Part of a multidisciplinary treatment approach involving neurology and rheumatology.
Who is this surgery for?
- Progressive neurological deficits (e.g., worsening weakness, sensory loss, bowel/bladder dysfunction) due to confirmed autoimmune myelopathy.
- Failure of aggressive medical management with corticosteroids, plasma exchange, or immunosuppressants to halt disease progression.
- Evidence of significant spinal cord compression or edema on MRI scans that correlates with clinical symptoms.
- Conditions like Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD), Transverse Myelitis, or other autoimmune disorders affecting the spinal cord.
- Development of spinal instability or deformity secondary to the inflammatory process.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive neurological evaluation and confirmation of autoimmune etiology through blood tests (e.g., AQP4-IgG, MOG-IgG) and MRI of the spine and brain.
- Pre-operative optimization of medical therapy, which may include a course of high-dose steroids or other immunosuppressants.
- Detailed discussion with the surgical team about the goals, risks, and realistic expectations of the procedure.
- Pre-operative tests including blood work, ECG, and chest X-ray to assess fitness for anesthesia.
- Discontinuation of certain medications (like blood thinners) as advised by the doctor, several days before surgery.
Risks & possible complications
- General surgical risks: Infection, bleeding, blood clots, and adverse reactions to anesthesia.
- Neurological risks: Potential for worsening of pre-existing neurological deficits, new nerve injury, or paralysis.
- Spinal fluid leak or persistent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistula.
- Failure to improve symptoms or halt disease progression.
- Spinal instability requiring further fusion surgery.
- Risks associated with the underlying autoimmune condition, such as disease flare-ups.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial recovery in the hospital involves close monitoring of neurological function, pain management, and prevention of complications.
- Early mobilization with the help of physical and occupational therapists to regain strength and function.
- Continuation or adjustment of immunosuppressive medications as per the neurologist's/rheumatologist's plan.
- Incision care and monitoring for signs of infection at the surgical site.
- Gradual return to activities under guidance, with a focus on rehabilitation to maximize neurological recovery.
- Long-term follow-up with both the spine surgeon and the neurologist/rheumatologist for ongoing management.
-
Typical hospital stay:
5-10 days
-
Expected recovery time:
3-6 months for initial functional recovery; full neurological recovery can take up to a year or more and may be incomplete.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering autoimmune myelopathy in Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for autoimmune myelopathy in Turkey include Istinye Üniversitesi Hastanesi Liv, VM Medical Park Pendik Hastanesi, Medical Park Florya, Medical Park Bahçelievler, Liv Hospital Ankara, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform autoimmune myelopathy. MediFyr helps you compare spine surgeons and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for autoimmune myelopathy compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | USD 3,854 – USD 8,809 | 5-10 days | ~ 3-6 months for initial functional recovery; full neurological recovery can take up to a year or more and may be incomplete. | Know More |
| Turkey | USD 28,685 – USD 65,565 | 5-10 days | ~ 3-6 months for initial functional recovery; full neurological recovery can take up to a year or more and may be incomplete. | Know More |
Top hospitals for Autoimmune Myelopathy in Turkey
These partner hospitals in Turkey have dedicated spine surgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing autoimmune myelopathy.
Istanbul, Turkey
140 Doctors
Anjali Iyer, a 42-year-old software architect...
Anjali Iyer, a 42-year-old software architect and mother of two, had always been active. Over the past 18 months, she experienced a slow, insidious decline. It began with clumsiness, dropping her coffee mug, stumbling on stairs. Then came the numbness in her feet, creeping up her legs like a cold tide. She dismissed it as stress or a pinched nerve from long hours at her desk. But when she struggled to walk her daughter to school without her legs buckling, fear set in. Her primary doctor referred her to a neurologist. After months of tests ruling out MS and other conditions, a spinal MRI and specific antibody testing confirmed a diagnosis of Autoimmune Myelopathy, with inflammation compressing her spinal cord. The spine surgeon, Dr. Mehta, explained that while high-dose steroids had stalled the progression, they hadn't reversed her deficits. To prevent permanent disability, he recommended a laminectomy to decompress the spinal cord, followed by continued immunotherapy. The surgery itself was a blur of anxiety. Waking up, her first thought was to wiggle her toes, a wave of relief washed over her when she could. Recovery was a marathon, not a sprint. Intensive physiotherapy was grueling, relearning the simple act of walking. A year later, Anjali walks with a slight limp but unaided. She can play in the garden with her children and has returned to work part-time. Emotionally, she journeyed from a place of profound fear, terrified she would become a burden to her family, to one of resilient gratitude. She mourns her former physical self but has found a fierce appreciation for every small victory and the support system that carried her through.