In a recent live session streamed across YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, Dr. Nasir, Global Medical Director at Verita Neuro, hosted a Q&A to discuss innovative Stroke recovery treatments. During the session, Dr. Nasir shared insights into cutting-edge therapies like neuromodulation and stem cell treatment, shedding light on how these approaches are transforming the lives of stroke survivors at Verita Neuro’s facilities in Guadalajara, Mexico, and Bangkok, Thailand.
Introducing Stroke Recovery Challenges and Solutions
Can you tell us about the types of strokes and why recovery is challenging?
Thank you for joining today. My name is Dr. Nasir Mujeet, and I’m part of the medical team at Verita Neuro. Today, we’ll be discussing potential treatments for stroke, including conventional methods and innovative options like stem cell treatment and neuromodulation.
Strokes are a devastating medical condition that can lead to severe long-term consequences such as loss of motor and sensory functions. There are two primary types of strokes: hemorrhagic, caused by blood vessel rupture, and ischemic, caused by a blood clot. These lead to neurological damage that is very difficult to reverse due to the limited neuroplasticity of the central nervous system.
Traditionally, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and anti-platelet therapies have been used, but these are often not enough to reverse severe neurological damage.
Exploring Innovative Treatment Options
What alternative treatments are available for stroke survivors?
At Verita Neuro, we provide two main types of alternative treatments: neuromodulation and stem cell treatment. In many cases, we combine these treatments to achieve better results for our patients.
What is neuromodulation, and how does it work?
Neuromodulation involves using external stimuli to make functional use of remaining neural pathways. It aims to enhance neuroplasticity using electrical stimulation, which can improve motor functions that have been impaired due to stroke. There are three major types of neuromodulation treatments we use:
- Motor Cortex Stimulation: This involves implanting a stimulator on the motor cortex through a small craniotomy. The stimulator delivers precise electrical signals that excite upper motor neurons and help them reconnect with lower motor neurons, restoring some motor functions.
- Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS): This technique involves stimulating deeper brain structures to restore lost functions. Though typically used for conditions like Parkinson’s, it is also beneficial for certain stroke patients, especially those with diffused brain injuries.
- Higher Cervical Stimulation: This is less invasive and targets the cervical spinal cord and lower brain stem. It’s particularly helpful for patients with brain stem injuries or strokes in the lower brain regions, leading to improvements in upper and lower body motor function.
These neuromodulation treatments, when combined with physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, have shown significant improvements in motor recovery and reductions in spasticity for stroke patients.
How does neuromodulation compare to emerging technologies like brain-computer interfaces?
Neuromodulation, as discussed by Dr. Nasir, represents a groundbreaking shift in stroke recovery. By leveraging precise electrical stimulation, neuromodulation activates dormant neural pathways, fostering neuroplasticity and enhancing motor functions. These advancements align closely with the broader field of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), which explore the intricate connections between the brain and technology. To better understand the innovative potential of neuromodulation and its applications beyond stroke recovery, read our overview of Neuralink’s brain-computer interface technology. This pioneering work showcases how similar principles of electrical stimulation are being used to bridge gaps in neurological function, offering exciting possibilities for the future.
Stem Cell Treatment for Stroke Recovery
How does stem cell treatment support stroke recovery?
Stem cell treatment is another key approach we use for stroke recovery. It involves transplanting stem cells either via intravenous injection or directly into the cerebrospinal fluid through a lumbar puncture. These stem cells have potent anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties, releasing growth factors that protect neurons and promote regeneration.
Stem cells can help reduce scarring, protect nerve cells from oxidative damage, and support the regeneration of damaged tissues. For patients with severe or large areas of damage, we may also perform a specialized procedure called stereotactic craniotomy, which allows us to transplant stem cells directly into the cerebral cortex using precise robotic guidance.
The Combined Power of Neuromodulation and Stem Cells
Why combine stem cell treatment with neuromodulation?
The combination of stem cell treatment and neuromodulation has shown the most promising results. Neuromodulation helps stimulate remaining pathways, while stem cells work to repair damaged areas. Since neuroplasticity is naturally limited, this combination gives stroke survivors the best chance at regaining lost functions and improving their quality of life.
After receiving stem cell and neuromodulation treatments, patients engage in intensive physical therapy and locomotive training to translate neural improvements into real-world functional gains.
Questions from the Audience
What are some common causes of stroke?
The most common cause of stroke is cardiovascular disease, where clots or ruptures in blood vessels block the flow of blood to the brain. This can lead to ischemic or hemorrhagic strokes, respectively. The best approach is to maintain cardiovascular health to prevent such events.
Are there any side effects of neuromodulation?
There are some potential side effects, such as a small risk of infection due to the surgical implantation of electrodes, and in rare cases, seizures in patients with underlying epilepsy. However, we follow very strict guidelines to minimize these risks.
Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Stroke Survivors
What message do you have for stroke survivors considering these treatments?
Conventional treatments like physical therapy are essential to maintain muscle mass and prevent secondary complications. However, the potential for neurological regeneration with traditional methods is very limited. Stem cell treatment and neuromodulation offer new hope for those looking for real recovery of lost motor functions.
If you or a loved one is suffering from stroke, please don’t hesitate to reach out for more information on how these treatments could help.
