What is multiple sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease in which the nerves of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) degenerate. Myelin, which provides a covering or insulation for nerves, improves the conduction of impulses along the nerves and also is important for maintaining the health of the nerves. In multiple sclerosis, inflammation causes the myelin to disappear. Consequently, the electrical impulses that travel along the nerves decelerate, that is, become slower. In addition, the nerves themselves are damaged. As more and more nerves are affected, a person experiences a progressive interference with functions that are controlled by the nervous system such as vision, speech, walking, writing, and memory.
About 350,000 people in the U.S. have multiple sclerosis. Usually, a person is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis between 20 and 50 years of age, but multiple sclerosis has been diagnosed in children and in the elderly. Multiple sclerosis is twice as likely to occur in Caucasians as in any other group. Women are twice as likely as men to be affected by multiple sclerosis earlier in life.
What causes multiple sclerosis?
The cause of multiple sclerosis is still unknown. In the last 20 years, researchers have focused on disorders of the immune system and genetics for explanations. The immune system is the body's defender and is highly organized and regulated. If triggered by an aggressor or foreign object, the immune system mounts a defensive action which identifies and attacks the invader and then withdraws. This process depends upon rapid communication among the immune cells and the production of cells that can destroy the intruder. In multiple sclerosis, researchers suspect that a foreign agent such as a virus alters the immune system so that the immune system perceives myelin as an intruder and attacks it. The attack by the immune system on the tissues that it is supposed to protect is called autoimmunity, and multiple sclerosis is believed to be a disease of autoimmunity. While some of the myelin may be repaired after the assault, some of the nerves are stripped of their myelin covering (become demyelinated). Scarring also occurs, and material is deposited into the scars and forms plaques.
First Steps
At integra Medical Center, our main concern is that you are convinced that our Stem Cell Therapy is the best option to treat your condition. That is why, before scheduling your appointment, we will need you to complete the following steps:- Fill-out the Patient History Form
- Read the documentation that we have on our website or the files we send to your e-mail.
- Send the Patient History Form back to us.
- Schedule your complimentary call with Dr. Gonzalez.
Talk to Dr. Gonzalez
We want you to get all your questions answered before deciding on receiving our Stem Cell Therapy. That's why we want you to be well documented and write down your questions before the call. Also, we recommend researching other providers and clinics so you know that your are going to get the best treatment at the most affordable price.At this time the doctor will let you know the exact cost of the therapy based on your condition and information you provided in the Patient History Form.
Scheduling your Appointment
Once you decide IMC's Stem Cell Therapy is the best treatment for your condition, your Patient Advocate will schedule a tentative date for your treatment. Appointment dates will become final when the initial deposit is received, which is usually 30% of the full treatment cost. The remaining balance can be transferred no later than 2 days before your appointment date.Travel Arrangements
Your Patient Advocate will be there to assist you with any questions you may have regarding air travel, lodging, ground transportation and even tourist attractions near the clinic. Usually, patients choose to stay in one of the Rio Grande Valley's major cities, such as McAllen, Weslaco or Donna.
Depending on the treatment package that you choose, your stay and ground transportation may be included with the cost of therapy, so all you have to worry about is air transportation. Be sure to ask your Patient Advocate what's included in your package.
IMC's Stem Cell Therapy Protocol
This method is the result of many years of experience. It has been very effective in making a powerful impact on the conditions we work on at Integra Medical Center. The steps of the protocol are as follows:The whole process takes about 2 hours to complete and after the final evaluation the patient is released and can return to their hotel. Some patients even return to their homes on that same day and back to work the very next day!
Stem cell treatments provided by Integra Medical Center occur in Mexico and hence are outside the boundaries of the U.S. and therefore are not currently approved by the FDA.
While the stem cell debate continues, Integra Medical Center is working towards documenting scientific proof so that we may be able to conduct treatments within the U.S., but at this point in time, our patients must come to us.
Be warned, stem cell treatments are not a cure for any condition, disease or injury. The information contained in this IMC's written materials should not be considered medical advice. It is intended to be used for educational and information purposes only.
