Spinal cord injury involves damage to CNS areas that can cause impairment of major functions like sensation, movement and muscle control. A spinal cord injury or SCI is most commonly caused by motor accidents, falls and sports injuries among other causes. Till now patients who suffered from SCI were managed through physical therapies, occupational therapies and other kinds of rehabilitative programs.
Stem Cells
Stem cells are being investigated for their positive role that they can play in treating SCI and other neurological diseases. Stem cell treatment for spinal cord injury can provide for the better muscular control, incontinence and better sexual functionality in those who suffer from SCI.
Stem cells are found in different parts of the body and can be obtained from both donor and patient body for transplantation. Stem cells that are used for treating patients with SCI can be derived from allogenic mesenchymal cells, bone marrow, adipose tissue or from umbilical cords.
Once obtained from the patient or donor body, stem cells are tested in a lab for their quality and for the presence of bacterial and microbial contaminants. Cells that are derived from the umbilical cords are also screened before being administered to the patients.
Benefits of Stem Cell Treatment For Spinal Cord Injury
Stem cells are now being actively used for treating patients with SCI in leading healthcare institutions like Neurogen Brain and Spine Research Institute. Once transplanted, stem cells offer therapeutic benefits like:
● Replacement of the injured nerve cells.
● Generation of new cells that can support the myelin nerve sheath and can stimulate the growth of the damaged axons.
● Protection of the other cells from damages, by releasing of certain growth factors and other repair inducing substances.
● Prevention of injury and damage spread by providing anti-inflammatory benefits.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells
The mesenchymal stem cells or the MSCs are also called as the stromal stem cells. These cells have been found to provide protection to the damaged cells and were also able to induce growth in the injured cells, in the lab studies. When transplanted to the affected areas in SCI patients, the stem cells exert the same beneficial therapeutic effects and provide for better recovery.
Embryonic Stem Cells
Embryonic stem cells are found to be safe in use in humans. Their use does not create any side effects. These cells can form the myelin sheath that covers the axons. They act as precursors of oligodendrocytes, cells found in the CNS system that form axon myelinating sheath.
Stem cells are being used for the treatment of cerebral palsy, autism, dementia and other neurodegenerative disorders as well. They have tremendous benefits and are the future of regenerative medicine.
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