Stem Cells Treatment to Improve function in Spinal cord injury

Several animal studies have shown that stem cells derived from human umbilical cord blood have the ability to improve neurological function after spinal cord injury. The stem cells migrate to the injured area and divide into neurons and astrocytes. The most dramatic use of human umbilical cord stem cells in a spinal cord injury was reported in South Korea. A 37 year old woman who had been confined to a wheel chair for 19 years showed improvement in foot sensation and hip and thigh movement within 41 days of the surgery. CT and MRI analyses showed regeneration of the spinal cord at the injured site. With physical therapy, the patient was gradually able to walk again with a walker. Subsequently, the patient got an infection from a second surgery and has been regressing. However, that should not detract from the fact that improvements were initially made.

Since immunosuppression can have detrimental effects on bone formation as well as neuronal development, better results may be possible with cord stem cells. A comprehensive program that includes umbilical cord stem cells, nutritional therapies, physical therapy, neural growth factors and magnetic beds is recommended for spinal cord patients. The antioxidant, superoxide dismutase, is reported to help reduce oxidative stress and increase neuroprotective factors and similar antioxidants can be included with the stem cell treatments to help promote greater recovery. For research on spinal cord injuries and stem cells, click here.