A Breakthrough in Spasticity Relief: Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s Pioneering Neurological Procedure

The emirate's first cryoneurolysis treatment offers patients with Multiple Sclerosis a transformative approach to managing severe muscle stiffness and reclaiming mobility.

For a patient living with Multiple Sclerosis, the simple act of walking can become an ordeal. Muscle stiffness, involuntary tightness and spasms compound the challenges of daily life, constraining movement and diminishing independence. Yet at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, a minimally invasive procedure has opened a new pathway to relief, marking the first cryoneurolysis treatment performed in the Emirates for this stubborn neurological condition.

The procedure, which uses extreme cold to temporarily suspend peripheral nerve function in targeted areas, emerged as a solution for Ali Al Zaabi, a 36-year-old patient whose MS had progressively weakened his legs and hands over twelve years. Under the direction of Dr. Prince Thakkar, Associate Staff Physician at the Neurological Institute, the precise, image-guided technique delivered immediate results: reduced muscle tightness, improved mobility and a tangible restoration of comfort that had long eluded him.

Spasticity, the muscle rigidity and involuntary contractions that characterise this condition, affects between 30 and 50 percent of Multiple Sclerosis patients, as well as those recovering from stroke or brain and spinal cord injuries. Traditional therapies such as physiotherapy and botulinum toxin injections often provide incomplete relief. Cryoneurolysis distinguishes itself through its efficacy and duration. The effects persist between six and twelve months, notably longer than conventional treatments, offering patients an extended window of improved function and quality of life.

Dr. Thakkar noted that the patient’s persistent symptoms had resisted other treatment approaches, necessitating innovation. The cryoneurolysis procedure proved effective precisely because of its capacity to address moderate to severe spasticity with precision and immediacy. For Mr. Al Zaabi, the transformation was profound. He described the experience as a turning point, one that has rekindled his motivation for rehabilitation and restored confidence in navigating his daily world.

This clinical milestone reflects the implementation of broader strategic frameworks advancing neurological care across Abu Dhabi. As we reported in our earlier coverage of pioneering collaborative research, the emirate continues to foster partnerships that elevate treatment standards. The achievement also aligns with the Guideline for Management of Multiple Sclerosis, developed collaboratively by the Department of Health Abu Dhabi and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, which prioritises early diagnosis and patient centred treatment decisions.

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s standing as the region’s leader in complex neurological care is reflected in its ranking as the number one hospital in the UAE for Neurology in Newsweek’s World’s Best Specialised Hospitals 2027, and its designation as a Centre of Excellence for stroke by the Department of Health Abu Dhabi. Through the application of cryoneurolysis and other innovative therapies, the institution continues to expand the horizons of what is possible for patients navigating complex neurological conditions.

What it means for Abu Dhabi

This pioneering procedure underscores Abu Dhabi’s commitment to adopting the latest medical innovations and positioning the emirate as a regional hub for advanced healthcare. By offering less invasive treatment options tailored to individual patient needs, the emirate broadens access to therapies that meaningfully improve quality of life and restore autonomy for those living with chronic neurological conditions.

The successful integration of cryoneurolysis into clinical practice also reflects the collaborative strength between institutions and health authorities in Abu Dhabi. The alignment between Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s clinical expertise and the Department of Health Abu Dhabi’s strategic frameworks ensures that innovations translate into evidence based, patient centred care that serves the community. For patients throughout the emirate facing spasticity and related neurological challenges, this procedure represents renewed hope and the practical realisation of a healthcare system oriented toward precision, compassion and continuous advancement.

Source: WAM