Abu Dhabi, UAE: A new treatment milestone in neurological care has been achieved in the UAE, with Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi performing the country’s first cryoneurolysis procedure to manage spasticity in a patient living with multiple sclerosis (MS).
The minimally invasive, image-guided technique uses extreme cold to temporarily block targeted peripheral nerve function, helping reduce muscle stiffness, involuntary spasms and associated pain. The procedure was performed on a 36-year-old patient who experienced persistent stiffness in his hands and legs despite undergoing conventional treatments.
Led by Dr Prince Thakkar, Associate Staff Physician at the hospital’s Neurological Institute, the treatment provided immediate relief, with the patient reporting reduced muscle tightness and improved mobility. According to the treating physician, the benefits of cryoneurolysis may last between six and 12 months, offering a longer period of relief than some conventional treatment approaches.
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Spasticity affects approximately 30–50% of people with multiple sclerosis and can significantly impact mobility and daily activities. The procedure also supports the objectives of Abu Dhabi’s Multiple Sclerosis Management Guideline, developed by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi in collaboration with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
The development highlights ongoing efforts to expand specialised neurological treatment options and improve quality of life for patients with complex conditions.
Dr Thakkar said: “The patient exhibited persistent stiffness in the affected limbs and responded poorly to other treatment modalities, necessitating an innovative approach. Cryoneurolysis offers immediate and extended relief, lasting between 6 to 12 months, which is notably longer than conventional therapies. This technique is precise and highly effective, providing rapid results for moderate to severe spasticity associated with brain and spinal cord disorders such as multiple sclerosis.”
