Neurological Disorders and Stem Cell Therapy
At ViviStem, we believe in people’s power to recover. We’re all about the best medical technology, but mostly, we’re about lives. That’s why we’re dedicated to offering real hope to our patients. Through custom, stem cell therapies that are tailored to a person’s specific neurological diagnosis. Plus, we provide caring and clear information. Honest answers and continuing care, that’s what we’re all about.
What Is Stem Cell Therapy for Neurological Conditions?
Stem cell therapy is a new, exciting way to approach complex problems with the brain and nerves. The basic concept is simple. Provide the body with cells that can heal itself or at least direct the repair process. Specifically, the goal is to repair or replace the damaged nerve cells or nerve-supporting cells of the brain and spinal cord. These are areas of the body that do not naturally heal well or at all.
Clinical research is underway for a number of different brain and nerve disorders including Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, and spinal cord injury. Stem cells are unique in that they are cells that can potentially develop into different types of specialized cells. For example, they can become the various nerve cells and nerve-supporting cells of the brain and spinal cord.
To date, the only FDA-approved indications for stem cell therapy are specific disorders of blood and immune system function. Stem cells that are specific to the nerve cells of the brain and spinal cord are called neural stem cells. Neural stem cells are essential to the body’s growth and even continuing development of nerve cells throughout life.
Neurological Conditions That May Benefit from Stem Cell Therapy Consider Stem Cell Therapy for Alzheimer’s?
We work with a wide variety of people with a very broad range of neurological conditions. Because this area of treatment is an active field of study, knowledge about what works is growing rapidly. Here’s what the research and our own experience tells us so far:
Stem cell treatments are showing some very positive results for reducing spinal cord inflammation and promoting nerve healing. This has resulted in significant improvement in movement and sensation for some patients.
New stem cell approaches are showing positive results for rebuilding nerve connections in the brain and helping stroke recovery, with the goal of regaining lost function.
Currently, there is no cure for ALS, but stem cell therapy is being studied as a way to slow down the degeneration of nerve tissue and preserve muscle strength and function.
Scientists are working to better understand how neural stem cells could be used to repair brain circuitry and reduce memory loss.
In early clinical use, stem cells are showing potential to repair the damage to brain cell networks that causes a loss of coordination and balance.
In initial studies, stem cell therapy for ASD is showing some promise for reducing brain inflammation, supporting nerve growth, and improving communication and social behaviors.
A stem cell-based approach may improve rehabilitation, movement and strength in the aftermath of brain injuries that cause weakness or paralysis on one side of the body.
Research, including some early clinical work using tissue grafts, is underway to restore the dopamine-producing cells that help control symptoms. As is often the case with neurological conditions, there is a wide range of results and availability of these treatments. There are also some ethical considerations, which ViviStem addresses in a forthcoming blog post.
Stem cell transplantation has shown great promise in animal models and in early trials, with the possibility of nerve regrowth and even some restoration of lost movement or sensation.
Recent Progress in Stem Cell Therapies for Brain and Nerve Disorders
Stem cell therapies for neurological conditions have developed very rapidly over the past several decades. Some of the first efforts to treat disorders of the brain and nerves with stem cells in the 1980s and 1990s used fetal tissue. The research showed some promise for conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, but the tissue was very difficult to obtain and there were many ethical concerns.
Since then, research has turned to the use of adult stem cells. In addition, scientists have developed techniques to create what are known as induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). The cells are much more readily available and raise no ethical concerns. Significant research is ongoing for the use of stem cells in spinal cord injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis, peripheral neuropathy, and many other conditions.
To date, most uses of stem cell therapy for neurological conditions are in the research or experimental stages. If you are considering such a treatment, it is critical that you select a clinic that adheres to rigorous, science-based protocols and makes patient safety the number one priority. That’s ViviStem.
Our Approach at ViviStem
When it comes to care for people with complex neurological conditions, we start by acknowledging that each individual is different. And we recognize that each person’s journey is also unique. That’s why we’ve designed a process that allows us to treat each person as an individual. Here’s how we work with people who have been diagnosed with neurological conditions:
Comprehensive Assessment
Members of our team take the time to get to know you. Your medical history, your symptoms, and your goals as a patient. Whether you’re living with ASD, Parkinson’s, spinal cord injury, or another neurological condition. This information allows us to determine if stem cell therapy is an option for you.
Personalized Treatment Plan
If you are a candidate for stem cell therapy, our team will work to develop a personalized treatment plan that is designed to target the specific areas of your nervous system that have been damaged by your condition.
Supportive Logistics
As a patient, you shouldn’t have to stress about the details of treatment. Our coordinators work with you to manage all of the details from travel and appointments to accommodations, so your experience with us is smooth from start to finish.
Precise, Advanced Treatment
Our treatments are always informed by the latest science and administered with strict safety standards in mind. Our goal is to restore function and support your recovery.
Continued Support and Monitoringnt
We care about your recovery. That’s why we offer continuing care that includes regular check-ins, monitoring of your progress, and availability to answer questions and make changes to your plan as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is neurological stem cell therapy?
Neurological stem cell therapy is a treatment approach that involves using stem cells to repair or replace damaged nerve cells. This type of therapy is being investigated for conditions such as stroke, spinal cord injuries, and other types of nerve damage.
Who is eligible for this therapy?
Candidates for stem cell therapy include people with a wide range of conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, traumatic brain injury, or spinal cord injury. A full assessment will determine your candidacy for treatment.
How do stem cells help with neurological recovery?
Stem cells are unique in that they can turn into many different types of specialized cells. In the context of neurological recovery, stem cells can potentially differentiate into nerve cells and nerve-supporting cells. This helps in regenerating tissue, reducing inflammation, and supporting healing.
What is the stem cell procedure like?
The procedure typically involves collecting stem cells (either from the patient or a regulated donor), processing them, and then delivering them to the targeted area of the brain or spinal cord. This is often done through infusion or direct injection.
Are there risks or side effects?
As with any medical procedure, there are some potential risks and side effects. However, these are generally mild and can include inflammation or fatigue. Serious complications are rare and are minimized through careful screening and adherence to safety protocols.
When will I see results?
Patients can begin to notice positive effects from treatment in as little as a few weeks. In other cases, a few months are needed to see significant progress. You will be in constant contact with our team to monitor your recovery.
Is this FDA-approved?
Certain stem cell therapies have received FDA approval, but most of these are for blood or immune-related conditions. For neurological conditions, most stem cell therapies are investigational or are administered in a special regulatory program. ViviStem only offers FDA-approved treatments and services.
How do I get started?
Contact our team to book a consultation. We will review your health history and go over your options to develop a plan that is just right for you.