Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, the first and only provider of cryoneurolysis for spasticity in the UAE, has treated focal spasticity in the lower limbs of a patient with multiple sclerosis (MS), demonstrating the continued advancement of specialised care in Abu Dhabi and broadening the range of available treatment options for conditions associated with spasticity.
Spasticity is a common neurological condition that affects 30 to 50 percent of individuals with multiple sclerosis, as well as those recovering from strokes, or brain and spinal cord injuries. Characterised by muscle stiffness, involuntary tightness, and spasms, the painful condition can be highly debilitating, particularly when conventional treatments like physiotherapy and botulinum toxin injections provide limited relief.
In this landmark case, Ali Al Zaabi, a 36-year-old patient with MS, presented with significant stiffness in his hands and legs. After exhausting standard treatment options, physicians at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s Neurological Institute introduced cryoneurolysis as a novel approach to improve the patient’s spasticity. This minimally invasive, image-guided procedure uses extreme cold to temporarily freeze peripheral nerve function, reducing pain and muscle spasticity in targeted areas. The procedure was led by Dr Prince Thakkar, Associate Staff Physician, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.
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."
Following the procedure, the patient experienced immediate relief, with reduced muscle stiffness and tightness. The outcome marked a turning point in the patient’s journey, significantly improving his quality of life and renewing his motivation for rehabilitation.
This procedure represents the practical implementation of the objectives of the Guideline for Management of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), developed by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) in collaboration with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS). The Guideline provides a trusted framework that supports early diagnosis and strengthens effective, patient-centred treatment decisions, while facilitating patients’ access to the advanced therapies they require.
Ali Al Zaabi said: “For the past 12 years, my MS symptoms have affected nearly every part of my daily life, especially my ability to walk, due to worsening lower limb spasticity, pain, coordination, and balance issues. Through Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s spasticity management program and this innovative treatment, I experienced noticeable relief, with less tightness in my legs and improved mobility. I could feel the difference, and the improvement has continued over time, giving me greater comfort and confidence in my daily life."
This milestone further reinforces Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s position as a regional leader in complex neurological care and minimally invasive innovation. By expanding access to less invasive treatment options, this pioneering approach offers renewed hope and improved quality of life for patients living with complex neurological conditions.
