Cervical dystonia is manifested by pain and spasms in the neck muscles. This results in the formation of pathological postures of the head. Muscle contractions are unpredictable as they can be constant or episodic, occur only in agonist muscles or also in antagonists. Over time, muscles thicken (hypertrophy). The treatment of cervical dystonia in Germany is carried out using botulinum toxin, exercise, physiotherapy and surgical methods, including deep brain stimulation.
Content
- Botulinum toxin therapy
- Neurorehabilitation
- Surgical treatment
The most common treatment for cervical dystonia is botulinum toxin therapy. Non-pharmacological measures can additionally be used as well, such as exercises, physiotherapy, massage, relaxation techniques, etc. With the insufficient effectiveness of conservative methods, doctors usually switch to deep brain stimulation.
You can seek medical attention from the Beta Klinik Bonn, the Bundeswehr Hospital Berlin, or the University Hospital Ulm.
If you make your treatment appointment through the Booking Health service, we will take care of the organization of your trip. Our company's employees will help you to apply for a visa and quickly arrive at the most suitable hospital, prepare the necessary medical documents, communicate with medical staff through an interpreter, and receive treatment without any overpayments. During your treatment, a personal medical coordinator will always be in touch with you for any questions that may arise.
Botulinum toxin therapy
As of today, this is the most common type of treatment that patients with cervical dystonia are prescribed. The effectiveness of the method is about 80%, but the result is temporary as it lasts about 3 months. The therapy has to be repeated.
Botulinum toxin works as a peripheral muscle relaxant. It disrupts neuromuscular transmission and relaxes the muscles as they no longer receive impulses from the nerves. The result of the use of botulinum toxin is a decreased severity of spasms and pain.
The European Federation of Neurological Societies recommends botulinum toxin therapy as a first-line treatment. Patients receive injections 3-4 times a year.
The treatment method is safe since all the resulting effects are reversible. Approximately 10% of patients, however, suffer from swallowing disorders, and 8% of patients have neck muscle weakness, while other side effects are less common.
Neurorehabilitation
Non-pharmacological rehabilitation methods help to better control symptoms. They provide not only short-term but also long-term results.
The main procedures and methods used are as follows:
- manual therapy;
- superficial relaxing massage;
- relaxation techniques such as Jacobson's progressive muscle relaxation and Schulz's autogenic training;
- kinesiotherapy;
- kinesiology taping;
- therapeutic exercises;
- psychotherapy;
- occupational therapy;
- physiotherapy;
- transcutaneous electrical neurostimulation for pain relief.
You can travel to Germany for neurological rehabilitation phase C. Doctors at the hospitals in this country use effective rehabilitation schemes, which are selected individually for each patient. Exercises are performed on modern simulators with a biofeedback function.
Surgical treatment
In Germany, deep brain stimulation (DBS) is used for surgical treatment. A patient undergoes a non-traumatic intervention under general anesthesia, during which electrodes are placed through a small opening in the skull to stimulate the internal segment of the globus pallidus.
After 2 weeks, another minor surgery is performed under local anesthesia. A stimulator is inserted into the subcutaneous tissue under the collarbone. The doctor adjusts the stimulation program by setting the necessary parameters. Within a few weeks, the program is adjusted to obtain maximum clinical results. Cervical dystonia usually requires an intense brain stimulation regimen, so the battery depletes quickly and needs to be replaced every few years.
Deep brain stimulation relieves symptoms, improves quality of life, and allows a person to work and return to social life. A patient has a decreased need for other treatments. The operation to implant electrodes in modern Neurosurgery Centers in Germany is safe and does not require any long recovery.
You are welcome to use the Booking Health service to undergo your diagnostics and treatment of cervical dystonia in Germany. On our website, you can find the cost of treatment and make your appointment at the best price. Our company's employees will select the most suitable clinics in Germany for you and take care of the organization of your trip.
Authors:
The article was edited by medical experts, board-certified doctors Dr. Sergey Pashchenko and Dr. Vadim Zhiliuk. For the treatment of the conditions referred to in the article, you must consult a doctor; the information in the article is not intended for self-medication!
Sources:
MedicineNet
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Medical News Today
