Spinal Cord Injury Stem Cell Therapy
A spinal cord injury (SCI) can be devastating. You can lose movement, feeling, and independence in the blink of an eye. Standard care and rehab programs help patients adjust to their new normal, but traditional medicine is unable to repair the damaged spinal cord. Enter regenerative medicine. Spinal cord injury stem cell therapy is an exciting new option that is currently being studied as a way to directly address the underlying damage and promote nerve healing. Here we explain what spinal cord injury is, why spinal cord injury stem cell therapy is gaining attention, what benefits it may offer, and how we at ViviStem provide this advanced care.
What Is a Spinal Cord Injury?
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is any injury to the spinal cord itself or to the nerves at the base of the cord called the cauda equina. The spinal cord carries messages back and forth from the brain to the rest of the body. Damage to the cord results in changes in strength, feeling, and control of the rest of the body, usually in a way that is sudden, long-term, or permanent below the level of the injury.
SCIs are generally classified in two ways:
- Complete Injury: All motor and sensory function below the injury is lost.
- Incomplete Injury: Some function below the area of injury may remain, and there are several levels of partial injury.
Spinal cord injuries are usually caused by some type of trauma or injury:
- Traumatic Causes: SCIs are most often the result of a sudden impact, such as a car or motorcycle accident, fall, sports injury, or violence (including gunshot wounds).
- Non-Traumatic Causes: In rare cases, medical conditions such as arthritis, cancer, infection, or a bulging disc can damage the spinal cord.
Symptoms of an SCI vary depending on where the injury is and how severe it is, but can include:
- Loss of movement or sensation, including the ability to feel temperature or touch
- Problems controlling bladder or bowel function
- Involuntary reflexes or spasms
- Loss of sexual function
Why Consider Stem Cell Therapy for SCI?
Traditional SCI treatment is about managing the consequences of the injury: stabilizing the spine, preventing secondary issues like pressure ulcers, and helping individuals maximize their function as much as possible through therapy. But these treatments can’t actually repair the underlying nerve connections. SCI stem cell therapy may be a promising alternative to offer the body the tools it needs to heal on a cellular level.
Cell-based therapy for SCI may help with a number of key processes:
Controlling Inflammation and Scarring
Inflammation is a key part of the damage to nerves and why symptoms are often persistent. Mesenchymal stem cells have strong anti-inflammatory effects, and once they are introduced into the body, they release molecules that act as “peacekeepers,” calming the inflammation around nerves, offering protection, and creating a better healing environment.
Encouraging Nerve Regeneration
Stem cells release natural growth factors (neurotrophic factors) that may help injured nerves regrow, which could be key to bridging the gap in the injury.
Promoting Remyelination
Many nerve fibers become demyelinated (lose their myelin coating) after an SCI, slowing signals and causing further issues. Stem cells may help with remyelination, either by directly becoming myelin-producing cells or by supporting your body’s own repair processes.
Replacing Lost Cells
Stem cells could also help by becoming new nerve cells or other critical supporting cells that are lost with the injury.
By targeting the causes of nerve damage and helping to build a healthier healing environment, damaged nerves could recover and relearn how to do their jobs.
Potential Benefits of Stem Cell Therapy for SCI
For individuals with spinal cord injuries, stem cell therapy may offer a real opportunity to improve day-to-day function and quality of life. Depending on the individual, type of injury, and many other factors, potential benefits include:
- Improved Motor Function: Some patients have regained voluntary movement below the point of the injury, which may translate to stronger limbs and even some ability to stand or walk.
- Improved Sensation: Patients may notice improvements in their ability to feel touch, temperature, or proprioception, improving safety and confidence.
- Reduced Neuropathic Pain: Nerve damage pain is a common and often debilitating symptom. By reducing inflammation and promoting nerve health, regenerative treatments may help alleviate neuropathic pain.
- Better Bladder and Bowel Control: Improved communication between the brain and pelvic organs can help with independence and self-esteem.
- Greater Independence: Even small changes can make a big difference in quality of life and independence, whether it’s being able to get dressed independently or returning to a favorite hobby.
The ViviStem Difference
If you’re considering spinal cord injury stem cell therapy, it’s important to know that not all facilities are created equal. At ViviStem, we take a serious scientific and personal approach to regenerative medicine for spine and joint conditions, including spinal cord injuries.
Here’s what sets our approach apart:
Personalized Treatment Plan
Every SCI is different. We begin with a thorough review of your medical history and recent imaging, then our team of specialists creates a tailored treatment plan to meet your specific needs
Advanced Treatment Protocols
We use only high-quality mesenchymal stem cells with proven safety and regenerative potential. We will review the specifics, including dose and delivery options (IV vs. intrathecal injection into the spinal canal), and choose what we believe will best reach the area of the injury.
Complete Patient Care
Our patients are more than a number to us. From your first questions to after your procedure, you will have a dedicated patient coordinator to help you understand the science, logistics, and next steps of your journey. We will arrange travel and lodging for your visit in Mexico so you can focus on the reason you are there: your healing.
Commitment to Your Healing
Our procedures are minimally invasive and designed to support healing that may be limited by factors like inflammation and scar tissue, giving your body the best possible chance to repair itself.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is eligible for SCI stem cell therapy?
Most patients we evaluate and consider for treatment are those with a confirmed traumatic or nontraumatic spinal cord injury who are medically stable following the acute phase of care. Both complete and incomplete injuries are considered, but our team completes a full review to ensure the therapy is a safe and good fit for the patient.
What does the procedure involve?
Stem cell therapy for spinal cord injury is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure performed in a clean and sade setting. It typically involves an IV infusion of stem cells and, sometimes, an intrathecal injection as well to deliver cells directly to the spinal cord. The entire process is explained by our expert team and conducted with the patient’s comfort and care in mind, as part of a broader SCI stem cell therapy.
What’s the recovery like?
Most patients experience very little downtime, if any, and can often return to regular activities shortly after the procedure. Our team will provide detailed aftercare instructions and schedule check-ins to monitor recovery, usually in conjunction with ongoing rehab efforts.
What are the risks or side effects?
Mesenchymal stem cell treatment is considered very safe for most people. Any side effects are typically mild and short-lived, including headache or fatigue, particularly if an intrathecal injection is given. We take all necessary safety measures and precautions, which we will review in detail before treatment.
What kind of results can I expect?
The healing process is different for everyone, and results are no exception. Improvement is based on a variety of factors, including type of injury, extent of injury, time since injury, and other considerations. We have seen many patients experience improvements in movement, sensation, or pain levels in the months following treatment, especially when paired with continued rehab and exercise.
Why consider ViviStem in Mexico?
We offer state-of-the-art regenerative medicine therapies that aren’t widely available in many other countries due to different regulations. Our expert staff and patient-first approach mean you’ll receive the most advanced, yet compassionate, care possible with your goals in mind.