Throughout history, paralysis has been considered to be a grave and irreversible diagnosis. Only in rare cases were paralyzed patients able to completely regain their mobility.
Now, thanks to advancements in modern medicine, more treatment options could potentially reverse paralysis. One of these innovative treatments is regenerative medicine, also known as stem cell therapy, which may be an option to explore for patients who are paralyzed.
What Causes Paralysis?
A wide variety of factors can lead to paralysis, but it is most often caused by injuries to the spinal cord. When the spinal cord is injured or severed, it can cause paralysis from the point of injury downwards. Some people experience paralysis from the waist down, while others are paralyzed from the chest or neck down.
Other causes of paralysis include neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis or Guillain-Barre Syndrome. These conditions can damage the nerves in the spinal cord and lead to a gradual loss of movement. In rare cases, paralysis is caused by a viral infection damaging nerves within the spinal column.
Stem Cells as a Paralysis Treatment
In the past, paralysis was considered to be a permanent condition without any chance for recovery or rehabilitation. Traditional treatments depend on the extent of paralysis and the underlying cause. Patients may begin a physical therapy routine to restore some level of movement, but many rely on mobility aids to get around.
A new approach patients are exploring is regenerative medicine. Ongoing research suggests stem cells may help repair damaged spinal nerves and restore mobility in paralyzed patients.
In studies, stem cells have been shown to stop or slow damage to spinal nerves. This benefit may help certain patients retain some level of mobility when struggling with a progressive condition such as multiple sclerosis.
One specific type of stem cell is mesenchymal stem cell. These stem cells set themselves apart because they can transform themselves into new cells. The new cells are then able to perform certain bodily functions.
Mesenchymal stem cells may present a unique benefit to paralyzed individuals, as they could potentially replace damaged cells in the spinal cord.
Stem cells are still being researched as a potential for managing paralysis. There is still much work to be done to confirm that stem cells can reverse paralysis and restore mobility. If you are interested in stem cell treatments for your condition, schedule a consultation with a regenerative medicine specialist.
This post was written by a medical professional at Stemedix Inc. At Stemedix we provide access to Regenerative Medicine. Regenerative medicine has the natural potential to help improve symptoms sometimes lost from the progression of many conditions. Click here to learn more.
