HCB Medifit

MS rehabilitation after stem cell transplantation (aHSCT)

MedifitReha now has extensive experience in treating MS patients who have undergone a stem cell transplant. Experience has shown that the standard MS treatment and rehabilitation protocol does not apply to this group of MS patients.

After stem cell treatment, this group of patients often has more potential for improvement and recovery. In addition, the energy level is also improved, so that one can train more intensively to get the maximum out of the rehabilitation. It is important to use the maximum potential after the stem cell transplant!

Contrary to what is offered in the Netherlands, Medifit rehabilitation centre offers intensive multidisciplinary rehabilitation courses of 8 weeks. With 3 to 4 hours of rehabilitation therapy per day. The therapy is a combination of (neurological) physiotherapy and ergotherapy, psychology, relaxation therapy and cognitive training. In addition, there is exercise therapy in the rehabilitation room and in the swimming pool.

The rehabilitation programme is led by our rehabilitation doctor. On the first day, there will be an intake with the rehabilitation doctor, physiotherapist, occupational therapist and neuropsychologist. The next step is to draw up a rehabilitation plan adapted to the patient’s abilities and wishes. Every week, the multidisciplinary meeting of the treatment team evaluates the progress made.  There is also an evaluation consultation with the rehabilitation doctor once every 2 weeks. Whenever necessary, the programme can be adjusted individually in order to maximise the potential for improvement during rehabilitation. At the end of rehabilitation, the patient is given clear instructions on how to continue working towards recovery. We also keep in touch with the patient about further progress in the home situation.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT) in MS

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system. As a result of something going wrong in the immune system, the layer around the nerves (myelin) is attacked and damaged. Nerves are thereby exposed and do not transmit signals to and from the brain as well as they should. Sometimes this does not happen at all. This can lead to sudden symptoms of paralysis and invalidation.

Currently, in the Netherlands, regular treatment with medication is aimed at slowing down the disease, reducing attacks and controlling the symptoms. Given the erratic nature of the disease, there is no standard treatment, and for some patients the medication does not work or barely works.

In the Netherlands, stem cell transplantation for MS is not one of the options to choose from when it comes to treating the disease. In recent years, we have seen many people with MS going abroad to receive stem cell therapy. In many Western countries, this treatment is offered to MS patients.

Several studies show that treatment with so-called stem cells can be very effective. For example, research shows that as many as 85 per cent of patients three years after stem cell therapy notice no further symptoms of the disease. After six years, that figure is about 65 per cent, and after eight years, 60 per cent of patients continue to experience no symptoms. And should the disease recur, it is often in a milder form.

aHSCT

The aim of aHSCT is to “reset” the immune system so that inflammatory cells no longer attack the brain, as occurs in people with active MS. Stem cells are very important for repairing damage in the human body. From stem cells, several other types of cells can arise. In this case, stem cells from the blood are used; they can form different types of inflammatory cells and therefore rebuild the immune system. However, this type of stem cell cannot repair organs or tissues, hence aHSCT cannot repair permanent nerve damage.

Treatment

In summary, the treatment with aHSCT consists of three steps. First, stem cells are taken from the patient’s blood or bone marrow and temporarily frozen. Secondly, the patient is given chemotherapy and antibodies to eliminate the immune system. Finally, the patient receives his/her own stem cells back via an infusion, which rebuilds the immune system.

Effectiveness

Several studies have shown the treatment to be effective in a large proportion of people with MS. This group remained free of “relapses” for several years and no new active lesions were found on MRI images. Remarkably, the treatment can lead to stabilisation of the disease and, in some people, even to recovery of loss of function.

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Many preceded you:

review esther

Esther, the Netherlands

From the first moment that my wife Esther came to Spain to the last moment she was taken care of. Esther's recovery has been worked on both physically and spiritually and with success! We have never regretted it and will recommend it to anyone!

Chiel (Michael) & Aty Visser-Dekker, The Netherlands

Michael arrived in Moraira in a wheelchair and left with only a cane as a (temporary) support when walking. Far better than we had ever hoped for!

Nanda, the Netherlands

Really, what a fantastic rehabilitation center! Just got back 2.5 weeks after hip surgery. What a professional and lovely beautiful people! Highly recommended for anyone who gets "no" aftercare here, I recommend: go to Spain and Medifit ... health insurers reimburse this. Fantastic team!!
Jos Jansen - Patient Meditit Reha

Jos Jansen, the Netherlands

I trained hard with the therapists for 8 weeks. As a result, I now have much more stamina. I also feel much better. The healthy air on the Costa Blanca has also helped.
review henny vissers - witte

Henny Vissers - Witte, the Netherlands

For all fellow sufferers, no matter how sad the circumstances are, when you visit the rehabilitation clinic in Moraira, you can learn a lot with the cooperation of this fantastic team of therapists, both physically and mentally!
review debbie

Debbie, the Netherlands

You can literally leave the daily worries at home and focus completely on your recovery, both mentally and physically. A great concept and great lovely people! I have a goal again and see the future a bit, it was zero for this adventure!

Chiel (Michael) & Aty Visser-Dekker, The Netherlands

Michael arrived in Moraira in a wheelchair and left with only a cane as a (temporary) support when walking. Far better than we had ever hoped for! Far better than we had ever hoped for!
review Klaas Jan Hindriks

Klaas Jan Hindriks - Foreign Correspondent NOS, the Netherlands

Your organization and treatment center is not only distinguished by its medical knowledge, but above all by the dedication and inspiring support of the extremely experienced employees.
Mildred May patient recensie medifit reha

Mildred May, The Hague

I was made to feel very comfortable by the lovely caring therapists. I also stayed in a nice apartment where I got some rest. These 6 weeks have made me a lot stronger and more confident.

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Contact

Rehabilitation Centre MedifitReha
Ctra. Moraira – Benitachell 22,
03724 Teulada – Moraira (Alicante)

You can reach us by phone:
Monday to Friday: 09h to 19h
Saturday: 10h to 13h

T (+34) 966 495 448


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Rehabilitation center Medifit was awarded on 25 May 2019, by the “Academy of Health Sciences Ramón y Cajal”, in recognition of our professional expertise in rehabilitation medicine and innovative multidisciplinary rehabilitation center with advanced individually targeted treatment programs.

HCB Medifit