Hirayama disease, called monomelic amyotrophy, was named after Dr Keizo Hirayama. He first reported the disease in Japan in 1959 under the name juvenile muscular atrophy of unilateral upper extremity. It has been reported mainly in Asian countries like Bangladesh, Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Japan, and Malaysia. However, there are a good number of cases in Europe and the Americas.

There have been cases in India as well, mainly from the northern and eastern parts of the country. Although the prevalence is low, India has developed high-quality treatments. Proper treatment becomes necessary as the disease can severely damage the nervous system if left untreated. Did we forget to mention that the Hirayama disease treatment cost in India is one of the lowest in the world?

Keep on reading!

What Is Hirayama Disease?

For those who don’t know, Hirayama disease is a rare, non-familiar cervical myelopathy that mainly affects the hands. The disease is known to affect parts below the elbow specifically. Here, the muscles of your hands start getting weaker and weaker. Moreover, it is a self-limiting disease that can last several years.

What makes this disease peculiar is that it stops progressing after a specific point in time. What makes it even more peculiar is that its stopping point differs from person to person; for some, it can be three years and five years for others. Although the disease stops progressing after a while, enough damage has already been done. Hence, it can be said that Hirayama disease is a self-limiting neurological disorder.

Hirayama disease affects the C7, C8, and T1 segmental myotomes while sparing the nearby/proximal muscles.

Hirayama disease is also called:

• Benign juvenile brachial spinal muscular atrophy.
• Juvenile asymmetric segmental spinal muscular atrophy.
• Juvenile muscular atrophy of the distal upper extremity.
• Monomelic amyotrophy.
• Oblique amyotrophy.

A person having Hirayama disease tends to experience extreme fatigue and develop allergies associated with it.

How Do I Identify Hirayama Disease?

Some subtle signs can help you give an idea that what you are experiencing is beyond regular shivers. These include:

• Difficulty in holding objects.
• Problems in maintaining the grip of your hand.
• Disturbances in fine movements.
• Change in handwriting and signature.
• Not able to put buttons.

You should consult a doctor as soon as you start seeing these signs. GoMedii can help you get the best Hirayama Disease Treatment Cost In India.

What Are The Initial Signs And Symptoms Of Hirayama Disease?

Initial signs and symptoms of Hirayama disease are subtle, like slight hand weakness. Many people ignore this initial sign unless the disease shows more prominent signs, such as:

• Weakness in one or both hands.
• Weakness worsens in winter.
• Thinning of one or both hands.
• Clawing of fingers.
• Stiffness or tightness in hand muscles.
• Restricted movement of hands.

However, the patient experiences no difficulty in their legs or during urination.

How Much Does Hirayama Disease Treatment Cost In India?

The Hirayama disease treatment cost in India varies between USD 6,000 and USD 10,000, depending on the patient’s condition and chosen healthcare facility.

Which Is The Top Hirayama Disease Treatment Hospital In India?

Many hospitals in India have highly experienced doctors who treat Hirayama disease. These hospitals also have state-of-the-art medical equipment to make the treatment process as smooth as possible. Moreover, Indian hospitals are renowned worldwide for prioritizing comfort in medical treatments to make the experience as soulful for the patient as possible.

The Hospitals are:

1. Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre, Mumbai
2. Artemis Hospital Gurgram, Delhi NCR
3. MIOT International, Chennai
4. Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket Delhi, Delhi NCR
5. Indraprastha Apollo Hospital New Delhi, Delhi NCR
6. MGM Healthcare, Chennai
7. Medanta The Medicity, Gurugram, Delhi NCR
8. Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, Delhi NCR
9. Nanavati Super Speciality Hospital, Mumbai
10. Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital & Research Institute, Mumbai

What Are The Hirayama Disease Causes?

The pathophysiology of Hirayama disease is not known. Still, medical professionals have deduced some possible explanations behind the onset of this disease, such as:

• Abnormal growth near cervical spine discs or nerves.
• Excessive flexion of the neck.

In short, Hirayama disease occurs when cervical nerves are compressed by the cervical disc. The forward displacement of the posterior cervical dural sac during neck flexion compresses the cervical cord, resulting in atrophic and ischemic changes in the anterior horn.

How Do You Test For Hirayama Disease?

Diagnosing Hirayama disease requires a detailed analysis with an experienced spine surgeon to assess the weakness in the hands and places where the sensation might have lessened. Your healthcare provider will recommend the following diagnostic tests:

• X-rays are used to check for gross abnormalities in the cervical spine.
• Two MRIs, one of neck flexion and the other of neck extension.
• CT Scan.
• EMG, or electromyography, measures the electrical activity of the muscle during rest, slight contraction, and forceful contraction.
• NCV, or nerve conduction velocity, is used to assess abnormalities in electrical signals passing through the nerves.

These tests help your healthcare provider identify which nerves are being compressed to plan your treatment accordingly. You can quickly contact us for the best Hirayama disease treatment cost in India.

Can Hirayama Disease Be Cured?

At present, there is no permanent cure for Hirayama disease. However, specific treatment plans include medicines or surgeries known to have shown considerable improvement in the patient’s overall health. Hirayama disease treatment in India has reached new heights, offering the latest therapies to improve patients’ quality of life.

What Are The Available Treatments For Hirayama Disease in India?

Indian hospitals offer three types of treatments for Hirayama disease, namely:

• Non-surgical treatments: Medications, Exercises, and Cervical collar
• Surgery

Let’s look at each point in detail.

1. Medications

The first step in treating Hirayama disease is taking medications. They are given to provide relief from the discomfort caused by the symptoms. The medications generally include:

• Muscle relaxants
• Painkillers
• Vitamin Supplements

1. Exercises

Along with medications, your healthcare provider will suggest some hand exercises to maintain the strength of your hands. These hand exercises include:

• Finger range of motion exercises
• Thumb opposition exercises
• Grip strengthening exercises
• Wrist flexor and extensor exercises
• Wrist rotation exercises
• Heat therapy

1. Cervical Collar

As the name suggests, a cervical collar is a thick, strap-like cloth worn to support your neck. A cervical collar restricts the movement of your neck, preventing undue pressure on the cervical nerves.

Data shows that non-surgical interventions have considerably improved patients’ health in 60-70% of cases. Health practitioners showed significant improvement in their muscle strength, painful episodes, and clawing of fingers. This uplifted their quality of life.

1. Surgery

If the disease doesn’t stop progressing after 2-5 years, your doctor will suggest you undergo spine surgery as a last resort. Surgical interventions have been taking place in India for the last 10-15 years, with high success rates. Doctors have seen patients showing significant improvement in their condition post-surgery.

This surgery has various approaches, depending on the patient’s condition. Surgical options to treat Hirayama disease include:

• Anterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion: In ACDF, your surgeon removes the discs, putting pressure on your spinal cord from the front of your neck, and stabilizes the part with a bone graft or metal. Then, your surgeon fuses the parts to improve the stability further.
•  Posterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion: In PCDF, your surgeon removes the intervertebral discs compressing the spine from the back of your neck. Then, a bone graft is placed between the vertebrae to promote fusion.
• Laminectomy: It is similar to anterior and posterior CDF, where, specifically, the lamina is removed to make space and relieve pressure from the spinal cord.
• Vertebral Column Resection: If the deformity is severe, a section of your vertebra is removed, and the spine is stabilized.
• Dynamic Stabilization: This approach involves using screws and plates to restrict the movement of your spine. This procedure stabilizes your spine while retaining some movement.

While non-surgical options slow down the disease’s progression, surgery tends to put a complete full stop on the disease.

Is Hirayama A Motor Neuron Disease?

No, Hirayama is not a motor neuron disease. Instead, it is a non-progressive neurological disorder. The disease progressively weakens your hand muscles but stops after some time. It happens when there is undue pressure on your cervical nerves. However, Hirayama disease does not lead to sensory loss.

On the other hand, motor neuron disease is a progressive disorder that leads to the degeneration of motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord over time. The symptoms worsen over time, which leads to eventual loss of sensation.

However, some scientists consider Hirayama disease a benign motor neuron disorder with a stationary stage after a progressive course.

FAQs On Hirayama Disease Treatment Cost In India?

Q: What Is The Age Of Onset Of Hirayama Disease?

A: Hirayama disease is generally seen in men within the age bracket of 18-25 years.

Q: How rare is Hirayama?

A: According to various studies, the occurrence rate of Hirayama disease is 0.1-2.0 cases per million individuals.

Q: Is Hirayama disease deadly?

A: No, Hirayama disease is not fatal but can lead to a severe loss of function in your hands if left untreated.

Choose GoMedii For The Best And Most Affordable Hirayama Disease Treatment Cost in India

If you want the best and most affordable Hirayama disease treatment cost in India, you are at the right place and time! Trust GoMedii, the best medical tourism company in India, with your treatment; we assure you of a top-notch, hassle-free process.

We have tie-ups with one of the most reputed hospitals to get you the best medical treatment in India at an affordable cost. Furthermore, to get access to our packages, you can contact us on our website or at +91-9599004311. Additionally, you can also email us at connect@gomedii.com. Our team will respond to you on a priority basis.

Contact GoMedii to have our team of medical experts resolve your queries. You can also reach out to us to apply for a medical visa. Our medical travel experts will guide you through the process of filling out your medical visa application form for India.

Disclaimer: GoMedii is a recognized and a considerate healthcare platform which tends to connect every dot of the healthcare needs and facilities. GoMedii facilitates the accessibility of all health news, health tips, and information from the Health experts and Doctors to the eyes of readers. All of the information and facts mentioned in the GoMedii Blog are thoroughly examined and verified by the Doctors and Health Experts, elsewise source of information is confirmed for the same.