MOSCOW - Neurologist Karl Max Einhaupl of the Charite clinic in Berlin, who has examined Ukraine's ex-prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko, said Tymoshenko suffers from acute spinal pains.
"Of course I have examined Frau Tymoshenko at the prison. I am informed that speculations continue on whether she is really ill. I can say with certainty: she is ill and she has spinal hernia, which causes acute pains. She has problems walking and has to stay in bed all the time," Einhaupl said in an interview with Rossiiskaya Gazeta, published on April 19.
Einhaupl and his colleague, Professor Norbert Haas, visited Ukraine a few days ago on the Ukrainian government’s invitation to examine Tymoshenko’s living conditions at a hospital in Kharkiv where Tymoshenko is expected to undergo medical treatment.
The severity of the illness depends on its form and on how strong the spinal pressure is on the nerve ends, he said.
Any pain has psychosomatic causes. Tymoshenko is under serious strain and experiences stronger fear than an ordinary inmate, he said.
He said he has no right to decide on a special medical course for Tymoshenko and that he had examined her right in the cell at the prison’s hospital department. "I can confirm that the prison administration has indeed created impeccable conditions," he said.
The Ukrainian Railways Hospital which he has visited has ample capabilities in terms of personnel and equipment which comply with all standards, he also said.
The Charite clinic is ready to admit Tymoshenko for treatment, he said, adding that Tymoshenko would be cured as the German personnel has vast experience in treating patients suffering from spine hernia and
"Naturally, our examination will prompt where Tymoshenko will undergo treatment. Our reports must be translated first and than handed over to Ukrainian officials. We are prepared to provide recommendations to our Ukrainian colleagues," Einhaupl said.
The German Foreign Ministry told Vedomosti that Tymoshenko should be provided with adequate medical services, which is important for Germany. The federal government has proposed that Tymoshenko undergo treatment in Germany. Chancellor Angela Merkel’s spokesman said that the German government is ready to provide Tymoshenko, who suffers from a serious illness, with ample medical services in Germany in an act of humanitarian aid.
