Opsoclonus Myoclonus Treatment in Turkey
About Opsoclonus Myoclonus
Key Highlights
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Targeted treatment for a rare and complex neurological disorder.Multidisciplinary approach led by a neurologist to identify and address underlying causes.Utilizes immunomodulatory therapies to suppress the abnormal immune response.Aims to significantly reduce or eliminate involuntary eye and body movements.Can lead to improved motor coordination, stability, and overall quality of life.Often involves collaboration with oncologists if a tumor (e.g., neuroblastoma) is found./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Presence of rapid, chaotic, involuntary eye movements (opsoclonus).
- Experience of sudden, shock-like muscle jerks affecting limbs or trunk (myoclonus).
- Associated symptoms like ataxia (loss of coordination), irritability, or sleep disturbances.
- Suspicion of a paraneoplastic syndrome, often in conjunction with neuroblastoma in children or other cancers in adults.
- Post-infectious immune response, following a viral illness.
- When other causes of myoclonus and abnormal eye movements have been ruled out.
How to prepare
- Detailed neurological history and physical examination by the neurologist.
- Completion of diagnostic tests: MRI of the brain and spine, and possibly CT scans of the chest/abdomen.
- Blood tests to check for specific antibodies and markers of inflammation or cancer.
- Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to analyze cerebrospinal fluid for antibodies and infection.
- Urine tests for catecholamine metabolites (like HVA/VMA) to screen for neuroblastoma.
- Discussion of treatment options, including immunosuppressive therapies, and obtaining informed consent.
- Arranging for necessary support during hospital admission for IV therapy if required.
Risks & possible complications
- Side effects of immunosuppressants: increased infection risk, weight gain, mood changes, hypertension, and osteoporosis with long-term steroid use.
- Risks associated with IVIG: headache, fever, chills, allergic reactions, or rare kidney issues.
- Potential for incomplete symptom control or relapse of symptoms.
- Complications from underlying cancer, if present.
- Procedural risks from lumbar puncture (headache, infection, bleeding).
- Long-term neurological sequelae, especially if diagnosis or treatment is delayed.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial response to immunotherapy (e.g., steroids, IVIG) may be seen within days to weeks.
- Requires close outpatient follow-up with the neurologist to monitor symptoms and adjust medication doses.
- Gradual tapering of corticosteroid medications over months to prevent relapse and manage side effects.
- Ongoing physical, occupational, and/or speech therapy to address residual coordination, balance, or speech issues.
- Regular imaging and tests to monitor for recurrence of any underlying tumor.
- Long-term management focuses on maintaining remission with the lowest effective medication dose and supportive therapies.
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Typical hospital stay:
5-14 days
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Expected recovery time:
6-18 months
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering opsoclonus myoclonus in Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for opsoclonus myoclonus in Turkey include Istinye Üniversitesi Hastanesi Liv, VM Medical Park Pendik Hastanesi, Medical Park Gaziosmanpaşa, 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 opsoclonus myoclonus. MediFyr helps you compare neurologists 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 opsoclonus myoclonus compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Opsoclonus Myoclonus in Turkey
These partner hospitals in Turkey have dedicated neurology teams and experience managing patients undergoing opsoclonus myoclonus.
Instabul, Turkey
150 Doctors
Rahul Davis, a 42-year-old software engineer...
Rahul Davis, a 42-year-old software engineer and father of two, had always been healthy. Six months ago, he began experiencing uncontrollable, rapid eye movements (opsoclonus) and sudden, jerky muscle spasms in his arms and legs (myoclonus). He became increasingly unsteady, struggling to walk or hold his coffee mug. His speech became slurred, and he suffered from severe insomnia and irritability, straining his family life. After multiple tests ruled out common causes, his neurologist, suspecting an autoimmune disorder possibly linked to an underlying tumor, recommended a comprehensive workup for Opsoclonus-Myoclonus Syndrome. This involved blood tests, a spinal tap to check for antibodies, and a full-body CT scan to search for a neuroblastoma. The lumbar puncture was particularly anxiety-inducing for Rahul. The scan revealed a small, treatable neuroblastoma in his adrenal gland. Treatment began with high-dose corticosteroids and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) to calm his immune system, alongside surgery to remove the tumor. Post-procedure, his jerks and eye movements diminished significantly within weeks. After six months of continued immunotherapy, his coordination and speech improved dramatically. Emotionally, he journeyed from fear and frustration at losing control of his body to profound relief and gratitude. He is now back at work part-time, cherishing stable moments with his kids, though he remains vigilant with follow-ups.