Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov)
Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov)
Israel, Tel Aviv
Arnon Karni
41 years of experience
Clinic is certified :
The total cost of multiple sclerosis treatment in Israel depends on the specific medical plan tailored to the patient. An initial evaluation at a medical center costs $5,400, while a comprehensive plan consultation is priced at $1,000. For further specialist insights, a consultation ranges between $600 and $800, and a remote consultation with a specialist costs $1,000. The treatment program is developed after a thorough review of the patient"s medical data and expert consultations.
| Israel | Turkey | Austria | |
| Plasmapheresis | from $2,200 | from $1,200 | from $2,000 |
| Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) | from $16,500 | from $10,000 | from $35,000 |
| Multiple sclerosis rehabilitation | from $15,800 | from $3,000 | from $10,000 |
| Medication treatment for multiple sclerosis | from $15,000 | from $2,500 | from $2,000 |
| Therapeutic Apheresis | - | from $1,350 | - |
Head of the Neuroimmunology Center at Sourasky Medical Center – a leading Israeli specialist in multiple sclerosis with research expertise from Harvard.
Specializes in pediatric neurology with a focus on multiple sclerosis at Sourasky Medical Center. Combines clinical expertise with research insights.
Prof. Ben-Hur leads the Neurosciences Division at Hadassah Medical Center, specializing in regenerative medicine and neuroimmunology.
Dr. Linecki brings 28 years of experience of neurology experience at Hadassah Medical Center, specializing in complex nervous system disorders.
Israel leads in multiple sclerosis treatment through pioneering drug development and world-first stem cell research. Local scientists developed Copaxone, a primary global MS medication. Specialized centers like Hadassah Medical Center provide unique protocols for bone marrow-derived stem cell injections directly into spinal fluid.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli neurology centers treat a massive volume of international patients, with Hadassah Medical Center alone serving 1,000,000 people annually. This high patient flow allows doctors to specialize in rare neuroimmunology cases. Leading specialists like Dr. Arnon Karni at Sourasky Medical Center are recognized globally for managing complex autoimmune diseases.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that Israeli protocols provide access to experimental treatments that often aren't available elsewhere. Many emphasize that while costs are significant, the chance to reset disease progression through legitimate stem cell programs is life-changing.
Israeli clinics offer advanced MS treatments including autologous stem cell transplantation (HSCT), intrathecal stem cell injections, and high-efficacy monoclonal antibodies. Specialized centers like Hadassah and Sourasky use precision MRI and cerebrospinal fluid analysis. These protocols aim to repair neurological damage and reset the immune system.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Patients seeking neuroimmunology expertise should note that Dr. Dimitrios Karussis and Prof. Tamir Ben-Hur at Hadassah Medical Center specialize in regenerative medicine. Our data shows these doctors hold leadership roles in European MS research committees. This ensures patients access protocols often before they reach general clinical practice elsewhere.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that Israeli HSCT protocols often involve shorter isolation periods than in other countries. They recommend arranging at least 6 months of post-treatment rehabilitation planning beforehand.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While many countries have long waiting lists, Israel's high density of specialized centers allows for rapid diagnostic completion. At Hadassah Medical Center, Dr. Dimitrios Karussis combines 30+ years of experience with neuroimmunology research. This concentration of expertise often results in a confirmed diagnosis within 8 weeks through national health fund referrals.
Patient Consensus: Patients note the process is efficient, often involving same-week MRI scans after initial symptoms like numbness. They emphasize the importance of requesting a full McDonald criteria evaluation specifically at major specialized hospitals.
Israeli experts recommend integrating specific lifestyle therapies like the Green Mediterranean Diet, aquatic exercise, and medical cannabis alongside medical treatments to manage multiple sclerosis. These supportive strategies focus on neuroprotection, neurorehabilitation, and symptom relief. Specialized movement therapies and heat management are also standard clinical prescriptions.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli rehabilitation centers like Loewenstein focus heavily on climate-specific safety. Data shows programs prioritize heat avoidance strategies, such as using cooling vests before exercise. This is critical because even slight core temperature increases can temporarily worsen neurological symptoms in Israel's Mediterranean climate.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize that consistency in tailored physiotherapy matters more than intensity. Many note that learning to time activities for cooler hours and using ice packs are essential for daily functioning.
Israel offers high medical accessibility and competitive pricing for international patients seeking advanced multiple sclerosis care. Treatment costs typically range 30% to 50% lower than in the United States. Facilities like Sourasky Medical Center and Hadassah Medical Center provide specialized neuroimmunology departments with JCI accreditation.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli neurology centers show a strong trend toward multidisciplinary rehabilitation. For example, Loewenstein Hospital specializes exclusively in recovery. While medication packages at major hospitals average $15,000 to $31,000, combining these with dedicated rehabilitation facilities can optimize long-term motor function results for international patients.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that while out-of-pocket costs are lower than in the US, upfront itemized quotes are essential. Many emphasize that English-speaking staff and the availability of virtual consultations make the initial travel planning much easier.
Stem cell therapy for progressive multiple sclerosis is available in Israel primarily through clinical trials and bone marrow transplantation protocols. Leading university hospitals offer experimental therapies like Autologous Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs). These treatments aim to repair nerve tissue and stabilise disease progression through neuroimmunology-guided protocols.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While Israel is a global leader in neuroimmunology, access to experimental stem cell protocols remains strictly regulated. Data shows over 4,500 patients have sought advanced care in Israel via Bookimed. Specialists like Dr Dimitrios Karussis, with over 30 years of experience, focus on bone marrow transplantation specifically for neurological repair rather than just immune suppression. For Australians with progressive MS, the clinical focus here is often on stabilization through these high-intensity protocols.
Patient Consensus: Patients note it is vital to distinguish between medical bone marrow transplants and wellness-style stem cell clinics in Israel. They emphasize involving an Australian neurologist to review Israeli protocols, factoring in long recovery times, and budgeting for additional costs like MRI scans and extended accommodation.
Israeli hospitals confirm or review Multiple Sclerosis (MS) using a specialised diagnostic work-up. Specialists apply the international McDonald Criteria to verify central nervous system damage. This approach uses high-resolution 3T MRI scans and lumbar punctures to assess lesion distribution and identify autoimmune biomarkers.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli centres such as Hadassah Medical Center function as research hubs for advanced neuroimmunology. Specialists there, including Dr Dimitrios Karussis, have 30+ years of experience and may offer stem cell-based trials. This deep research focus ensures patients receive the most accurate staging before starting therapy.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that Israeli hospitals never take outside diagnoses at face value. They recommend bringing original MRI discs and a dated symptom timeline, as specialists often adjust treatment plans after conducting their own clinical work-up in Israel.
Israel offers a comprehensive range of Multiple Sclerosis disease-modifying therapies, including oral medicines, high-efficacy infusions, and self-injectables. JCI-accredited centres like Hadassah and Sourasky utilise advanced protocols for relapsing and progressive forms. Patients can access innovative treatments like Ocrevus and stem cell therapies.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli MS care is deeply rooted in local innovation. Copaxone was developed at Israel's Weizmann Institute. At Hadassah Medical Center, Dr Dimitrios Karussis brings 30+ years of experience in neuroimmunology and pioneering bone marrow transplants. This research-heavy environment means patients often access emerging protocols before they become standard elsewhere.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that Israel provides modern therapies comparable to other high-income nations. Those visiting Sourasky Medical Center for specialists like Dr Arnon Karni appreciate the sensitive attitude and detailed treatment plans, though they advise planning for long-term continuity of care with their home neurology team.
An integrated MS neuro-rehabilitation plan combines medical treatments like Ocrevus or stem cell therapy with multidisciplinary physical, cognitive, and emotional support. Integrated plans in Israel utilise neuroimmunology specialists and advanced diagnostics to customise recovery goals. These plans improve mobility while managing fatigue.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli MS centres stand out by housing dedicated EAE laboratories and regenerative medicine units within the hospital. Dr Dimitrios Karussis at Hadassah Medical Center leads a multidisciplinary clinic that integrates bone marrow transplantation with standard rehabilitation. This allows patients to access experimental therapies and standard neuro-rehab through one coordinated clinical pathway.
Patient Consensus: Patients note the importance of sensitive care and detailed doctor consultations when managing multiple sclerosis. Those visiting Israel emphasise that team communication between neurologists and therapists prevents conflicting advice on activity limits.
Israeli hospitals manage acute multiple sclerosis relapses through rapid clinical protocols. Treatment typically involves 3 to 5 days of high-dose intravenous corticosteroids. Specialist centres like Sourasky Medical Center provide multidisciplinary monitoring. Advanced options like plasmapheresis or Ocrevus are available for severe cases which resist standard steroid therapy.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli neurology departments operate with massive patient volumes, with Hadassah Medical Center alone serving 1,000,000 patients annually. This high throughput means specialists like Dr Dimitrios Karussis, who has 30+ years of experience, have managed thousands of acute relapses. For Australian patients, this level of clinical expertise often provides more nuanced adjustment of pulsed steroid doses than smaller, less specialised units.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that high-dose intravenous steroids are the standard rescue treatment. They suggest having a clear action plan from a neurologist like Dr Arnon Karni. In Israel, medical teams focus on severe symptoms affecting mobility or vision for hospital admission.
Israel's top national multiple sclerosis centres are primarily located in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa. High-profile facilities like Sourasky, Hadassah, and Rambam Medical Centres provide specialised neuroimmunology units. These centres offer advanced diagnostics, stem cell research, and multidisciplinary rehabilitation for complex neurological cases.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli neurology centres such as Hadassah and Sourasky operate as large university hospitals. This connection allows patients to access experimental protocols like bone marrow transplantation earlier than elsewhere. Dr Dimitrios Karussis and Dr Tamir Ben-Hur at Hadassah specifically focus on these regenerative medicine paths for progressive cases.
Patient Consensus: Patients note the benefit of seeing neurologists like Dr Arnon Karni who provide sensitive care during complex diagnostics. In Israel, finding an integrated centre that handles MRI scans, infusion services, and long-term medication logistics in one location is highly valued.
Israel leads global Multiple Sclerosis (MS) treatment through pioneering research and JCI-accredited facilities. It offers world-first protocols including NG-01 stem cell therapy. Leading centres like Sourasky and Hadassah provide multidisciplinary neuro-rehabilitation using advanced robotic gait systems to improve patient mobility.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli MS centres stand out because their neurologists are often active researchers. Dr Tamir Ben-Hur has authored over 100 research papers. This means patients access innovative therapies like nerve system regeneration before they reach Australia. The concentration of Nobel laureates at centres like Rambam ensures a high standard of clinical reasoning for complex cases.
Patient Consensus: Patients value how Israeli clinics coordinate diagnostic scans and infusion planning in one location. This makes the experience efficient for those travelling from Australia. They highlight the importance of obtaining a clear treatment plan to share with their local neurologist for long-term care.