UAE's First Cryoneurolysis Treatment Brings Relief to Patient With Multiple Sclerosis

UAE's first cryoneurolysis treatment has been performed at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, giving a patient with multiple sclerosis (MS) relief from severe muscle stiffness in his lower limbs. The procedure marks another step in the adoption of advanced medical treatments in the country.

This cryoneurolysis treatment offers an additional option for patients living with neurological conditions that cause muscle stiffness and spasms.

Spasticity is common among people with multiple sclerosis, affecting 30 to 50 per cent of patients. It can also affect people recovering from strokes or brain and spinal cord injuries. The condition causes muscle stiffness, involuntary tightness and spasms, which can be painful and make everyday activities difficult.

Some patients need additional treatment alongside existing options such as physiotherapy and botulinum toxin injections. For them, a cryoneurolysis treatment provides another route to relief, particularly for those who have not responded well to conventional therapies.

What Is Cryoneurolysis Treatment?

Cryoneurolysis is a minimally invasive procedure that uses extreme cold to temporarily block targeted nerve activity. It is used to treat focal spasticity, which causes muscle stiffness, tightness and involuntary spasms.

The cryoneurolysis treatment is image-guided and works by temporarily blocking the function of targeted peripheral nerves. In doing so, it helps reduce muscle stiffness, spasms and pain.

The Patient: 12 Years of Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms

The patient, 36-year-old Ali Al Zaabi, had been living with MS-related symptoms for 12 years. He experienced significant stiffness in his hands and legs, which affected his ability to walk and carry out daily activities.

After assessing his condition, doctors at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi's Neurological Institute recommended the cryoneurolysis treatment to help manage his spasticity.

Immediate relief after the procedure

Following the procedure, Al Zaabi experienced an immediate reduction in muscle stiffness and tightness. The improvement helped him move more comfortably, improved his quality of life and gave him fresh motivation to continue rehabilitation.

Describing the difference the cryoneurolysis treatment had made, 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 programme 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."

The Doctor's View on Spasticity Management

The procedure was led by Dr Prince Thakkar, Associate Staff Physician at the Neurological Institute of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. Dr Thakkar said the patient had persistent stiffness in the affected limbs and had responded poorly to other treatments, making an alternative approach necessary.

"Cryoneurolysis offers immediate and extended relief, lasting between six and 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," he said.

That description underlines why the cryoneurolysis treatment is being positioned as a practical option for patients whose symptoms persist despite standard care.

Support for Abu Dhabi's MS Guidelines

The treatment also supports the objectives of the Guidelines for the Management of Multiple Sclerosis, developed by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi in collaboration with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The guidelines aim to support early diagnosis, improve treatment decisions and help patients access appropriate care.

Hospital Expands Neurological Treatment Options

The procedure adds to Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi's range of treatments for complex neurological conditions. The hospital was ranked the UAE's No. 1 hospital for neurology in Newsweek's World's Best Specialised Hospitals 2027 rankings. It has also been designated a Centre of Excellence for stroke care by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi.

The introduction of cryoneurolysis treatment gives the hospital another option for patients with spasticity, particularly those who have not responded well to conventional therapies.

More Health and Community Stories

Health and wellbeing remain a focus across the country. Our report on teenage physical inactivity and the WHO warning examines activity levels among adolescents. Families can also read about Early Childhood Week events across seven emirates, while our guide to senior public transport discounts covers support for older residents.

Residents looking for wider public health information can consult the UAE Government portal and the Dubai Health Authority.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UAE's first cryoneurolysis treatment?

It is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure performed at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi that uses extreme cold to temporarily block targeted peripheral nerves. It was used to reduce muscle stiffness, spasms and pain in a patient with multiple sclerosis.

Who can benefit from cryoneurolysis treatment?

The cryoneurolysis treatment is used for focal spasticity, which can affect people with multiple sclerosis, stroke survivors and those with brain or spinal cord injuries. It is particularly relevant for patients who have not responded well to conventional therapies.

How long does relief from cryoneurolysis treatment last?

Dr Prince Thakkar said cryoneurolysis offers immediate and extended relief lasting between six and 12 months, which is notably longer than conventional therapies.

How common is spasticity among people with multiple sclerosis?

Spasticity affects 30 to 50 per cent of people with multiple sclerosis, causing muscle stiffness, involuntary tightness and spasms.

What did the patient experience after the cryoneurolysis treatment?

Ali Al Zaabi reported an immediate reduction in muscle stiffness and tightness, improved mobility and greater comfort and confidence in daily life.