Stem Cell Treatment for Spina Bifida
Spina Bifida is a congenital disorder caused by incomplete closure of the neural tube during early pregnancy. It results in dead and damaged neural cells which cause reduced motor skills and altered bladder and bowel function among other symptoms.
Stem cells have been used in the treatment of Spina Bifida since 2005. After being injected to patient’s body, they regenerate neural cells which are dead or damaged and to improve patient’s condition.
TREATMENT PROGRAM FOR SPINA BIFIDA
Patients need to stay in hospital for at least 30 days to receive the most extensive stem cells treatment protocol, at least six packets containing over 300 million stem cells will be injected to patients’ body. Usually, the stem cells are delivered through IV and lumbar puncture.
Besides the stem cells, patients also receive supportive treatments including acupuncture, physiotherpy, electro-wave therapy and occupational therapy to maximize the treatment outcomes.
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POSSIBLE IMPROVEMENTS FROM STEM CELL THERAPY
Patients with Spina Bifida can find improvements in the following after the stem cells therapy:
- Motor function
- Sensations
- Bladder and bowel control
- Developmental delay
- Mental retardation and more
Generally, the improvements appear progressively month after month within a year after treatment. It is important to remember that the stem cell treatment is not a cure. However, it can help patients to relieve some of their symptoms, resulting in a better quality of life. The improvements gained after treatment are permanent.
How Do We Help?
Not Only Stem Cells
The Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a member of the neurotrophic factor (neurotrophin, NTFS) family, which can prevent the death of nerve cells and has many features of typical neurotransmitter molecules. NGF plays an important role in the development and growth of nerve cells. NGF is synthesized and secreted by tissues (corneal epithelial, endothelial, and corneal stromal cells), and it can be up-taken by sympathetic or sensory nerve endings and then transported to be stored in neuronal cell bodies where it can promote the growth and differentiation of nerve cells.
NGF can exert neurotrophic effects on injured nerves and promote neurogenesis (the process of generating neurons from stem cells) that is closely related to the development and functional maintenance and repair of the central nervous system. It is also capable of promoting the regeneration of injured neurons in the peripheral nervous system, improving the pathology of neurons and protecting the nerves against hypoxia (lack of oxygen)/ischemia (lack of blood supply).
Acupuncture is a therapy in which thin needles are used to penetrate the skin at various depths in order to stimulate specific locations in the body. The insertion sites are called ‘acupuncture points’ and allow to simultaneously stimulate muscles, nerves and connective tissues. There are over 350 acupuncture points positioned on 12 meridians (pathways) throughout the body. Stimulation of these points activates the body’s natural painkillers as well as increasing blood flow. This is highly beneficial for stem cell patients as it increases movement of natural immune cells, anti-inflammatory cells and key nutrients, thereby accelerating recovery.
Aquatic Physical Therapy is the practice of physical therapy in a specifically designed water pool with a therapist. The unique properties of the aquatic environment enhance interventions for patients with neurological or musculoskeletal conditions. Aquatic therapy includes a wide range of techniques allowing patients to improve their balance, muscle strength and body mechanics. Aquatic therapy works to enhance the rehabilitation process and support effectiveness of stem cell treatment.
During a TMS session, an electromagnetic coil is placed against your scalp. The electromagnet painlessly delivers a magnetic pulse that stimulates nerve cells in the region of your brain involved in the patient’s medical condition, supporting recovery of the relating functions.
All body’s tissues need an adequate supply of oxygen to function properly. When tissues are injured, they require even more oxygen to survive. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy increases the amount of oxygen the blood can carry, allowing to restore normal levels of blood gases which in turns promote general tissue function. Optimal blood oxygen levels also then support the development of stem cells as well as survival of the newly generated cells.
Physical therapy or physiotherapy (often abbreviated to PT) is a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialty that, by using mechanical force and movements, remediates impairments and promotes mobility, function, and quality of life through examination, diagnosis, prognosis, and physical intervention. We combine our PT with stem cells for maximum physical rehabilitation improvements.
Occupational therapy interventions focus on adapting the environment, modifying the task and teaching the skill, in order to increase participation in and performance of daily activities, particularly those that are meaningful to the patient with physical, mental, or cognitive disorders. Our Occupational Therapists also focus much of their work on identifying and eliminating environmental barriers to independence and participation in daily activities, similar to everyday life.
Medical nutrition therapy (MNT) is a therapeutic approach to treat medical conditions and their associated symptoms via the use of a specifically tailored diet devised and monitored by a specialist. The therapy aims at fixing nutritional deficiencies and physiological imbalances in order to provide the best environment possible for the stem cells to develop properly as well as improving patient’s general health.
References
Research and studies about stem cells in the treatment of spina bifida.