Stem Cell Therapy for Spinal Cord Injury

In a study by the WHO,

"Every year, around the world, between 250,000 and 500,000 people suffer a spinal cord injury (SCI). The majority of spinal cord injuries are due to preventable causes such as road traffic crashes, falls or violence."

Spinal cord injuries are becoming more common around the world, particularly among the elderly. Damage to the spinal cord caused by trauma (e.g., a car accident) or disease or degeneration is referred to as a "spinal cord injury" (e.g. cancer). The annual incidence is estimated at 40 to 80 cases per million people. Up to 90% of these instances are caused by traumatic events; however, non-traumatic spinal cord damage looks to be on the rise.

In modern medicine, stem cells have emerged as a regenerative tool for treating and curing serious diseases, thanks to significant breakthroughs in treatment methods and technology. During embryogenesis, stem cells proliferate, migrate, and differentiate to give rise to the organism.

The pathophysiology of spinal cord injury is complicated. Axonal regeneration is inhibited by microenvironmental alterations after the original damage. By controlling the inflammatory response, promoting vascularisation, and reducing cystic alteration, stem cells may provide trophic support to the traumatised spinal cord microenvironment.

Symptoms and Causes of Spinal Cord Injury

Symptoms

Loss of mobility
Sensation loss or impairment, including the capacity to feel heat, cold, and touch
Control of the bowels or bladder is lost.
Spasms or exaggerated reflex actions
Sexual function, sexual sensitivity, and fertility changes
Damage to the nerve fibres in your spinal cord causes pain or a stinging sensation.
Breathing difficulties, coughing, or a need to clear mucus from your lungs

Following an accident, some of the emergency indications and symptoms of a spinal cord injury include:

Back pain that is unbearable or pressure in your neck, head, or back
In any portion of your body, you may experience weakness, incoordination, or paralysis
In your hands, fingers, feet, or toes, you may experience numbness, tingling, or a loss of sensation
Bladder or bowel control problems
Balance and walking difficulties
Breathing problems after an injury
A twisted or unusually positioned neck or back

Causes

Spinal cord injuries can result from damage to the vertebrae, ligaments or disks of the spinal column or to the spinal cord itself.

A quick, severe impact to your spine that fractures, dislocates, crushes, or compresses one or more of your vertebrae can result in a traumatic spinal cord injury. A gunshot or knife trauma that penetrates and cuts your spinal cord might potentially cause it.

Additional damage is frequently caused by bleeding, edema, inflammation, and fluid collection in and around your spinal cord over the course of days or weeks.

Arthritis, cancer, inflammation, infections, or spinal disc degeneration can all result in a nontraumatic spinal cord injury.

Types of Spinal Cord Injury conditions treated by Stem cell therapy

Based on the extent of loss of connection, SCI has two types:

Complete Spinal Cord Injuries: The complete form of spinal cord injury happens when the connection between the brain and the spinal cord is severed completely. This suggests that all function and feeling have been lost. Total spinal cord damage results in loss of movement control. However, with exercise and stem cell treatment, there may be some recovery of function following extensive spinal cord injury treatment. Three types of complete spinal injuries are Tetraplegia, Paraplegia, and Triplegia.
Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries: The severance of the spinal cord is not complete in an incomplete spinal cord injury. There is still some sensation or function left. As a result, a patient with an incomplete spinal cord injury may perceive sensory activity below the level of the injury. After precise spinal cord injury therapy, these forms of spinal cord injuries have a better chance of improving.

The likelihood of total cord injuries has decreased as the quality of spinal cord therapy and first response have improved, thereby enhancing the chances of spinal cord recovery. The most common types of incomplete spinal cord injuries are Anterior Cord Syndrome, Central Cord Syndrome, Brown-Sequard Syndrome.

Importance of Stem Cell Therapy for Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries (SCI) can have life-changing consequences, including paralysis, loss of sensation, chronic pain, and impaired bladder or bowel function. Traditional treatments mainly focus on preventing further damage and improving quality of life through rehabilitation. Stem cell therapy has emerged as a promising regenerative treatment that aims to repair damaged spinal tissue and restore neurological function.

How Stem Cell Therapy Works

Stem cells are unique because they can develop into different types of specialised cells. When introduced into the injured spinal cord, they may help:

Replace damaged nerve cells.
Reduce inflammation at the injury site.
Promote the growth of new nerve fibers.
Stimulate the formation of new blood vessels.
Support the survival of existing healthy neurons.

These mechanisms create a more favourable environment for healing and recovery.

Potential Benefits

Research suggests that stem cell therapy may offer several potential advantages, including:

Improved motor function and muscle strength.
Better sensory perception and coordination.
Enhanced bladder and bowel control.
Reduced muscle stiffness and spasticity.
Improved overall quality of life when combined with rehabilitation.

While results vary among patients, many clinical studies have reported encouraging functional improvements.

Current Challenges

Despite its potential, stem cell therapy is still considered an emerging treatment for spinal cord injuries. Several factors influence treatment outcomes, including:

Severity and location of the spinal cord injury.
Time between injury and treatment.
Type of stem cells used.
Patient's age and overall health.

Long-term safety and effectiveness continue to be evaluated through ongoing clinical research.

How to Apply for Stem Cell Treatment for Spinal Cord Injury?

Consult a Specialist: Meet a neurologist, neurosurgeon, or regenerative medicine expert for an initial evaluation.
Collect Medical Records: Prepare MRI/CT scans, surgical reports, discharge summaries, blood tests, and rehabilitation records.
Complete Medical Assessment: Undergo neurological examinations, imaging, and overall health evaluations.
Check Eligibility: Doctors assess the severity of the injury, overall health, and suitability for stem cell therapy.
Discuss the Treatment Plan: Understand the procedure, expected outcomes, potential risks, and recovery process.
Complete Pre-Treatment Tests: Follow pre-procedure instructions and provide informed consent.
Begin Rehabilitation: Continue physical therapy and attend regular follow-up appointments.
International Patients: Many hospitals offer teleconsultations, treatment planning, visa assistance, and travel support for overseas patients.

Conclusion

Stem cell therapy for spinal cord injury remains an evolving field of regenerative medicine. Before proceeding, ensure that the treatment is offered by a qualified medical center with experienced specialists and that you understand the expected benefits, limitations, and potential risks. Discuss all available treatment options with your healthcare provider to make an informed decision.

References:

Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility depends on factors such as the type and severity of the injury, overall health, time since the injury, and a specialist's evaluation. Not all patients are suitable candidates.

Currently, stem cell therapy is not considered a cure. It aims to support nerve repair, improve function, and enhance quality of life, but results vary from person to person.

When performed at accredited medical centers by experienced specialists, stem cell therapy is generally considered safe. However, like any medical procedure, it carries potential risks that should be discussed with your doctor.

Recovery timelines differ for each patient. Some individuals may notice improvements within a few months, while others may require longer periods of rehabilitation to experience benefits.

Yes. Physical therapy and rehabilitation are essential components of recovery and can help maximise the potential benefits of stem cell therapy.