Medically Reviewed By: Dr. David Warmflash (MD)
Stem Cell Transplant for Paralysis in Mexico
Paralysis is the loss of control of voluntary muscles in some body parts. Paralysis results from damage to a motor nerve, a motor tract, or a region of gray matter harboring motor synapses. The lesion can be due to injury, stroke, or disease.
Stem Cell Transplant for Paralysis
Stem cells are the basic cells of the body which have the power to divide and form new cells with equal potential. Apart from that, these cells can differentiate to perform specific functions like the other nearby-cells.
During paralysis, a person loses a lot of cells and stem cells can help the body to revive the lost cells and their functions. These cells can be extracted from the patient’s own body (autologous) or can be taken from a donor (allogeneic stem cells).
Video Courtesy: ColdFusion
A small study[1] used Neural Stem Cells for the treatment of paralysis due to stroke. All the 9 patients had their cavity-filling by new neural tissue.
Problems With Paralysis
Apart from lost control over muscles, various other problems also arise with paralysis. These include any or all of the following, depending on which muscle groups are paralyzed:
- Breathing and blood flow problems
- Loss of bowel and urine control
- Problems with speaking and swallowing
- Pressure sores and skin injury
- Blood clots in legs due to restrictive blood flow etc.
References
- Cleveland Clinic: Paralysis
- Stem Cells Translational Medicine: Stable Intracerebral Transplantation of Neural Stem Cells for the Treatment of Paralysis Due to Ischemic Stroke.
