In a recent Facebook and Instagram live, Medical director, Dr Rodrigo hosted a live Q&A about how stem cell treatment can enhance spinal cord Injury recovery. Previously, Dr Rodrigo wrote an update about Previously, Dr. Rodrigo had shared insights into Verita Neuro’s continuous advancements in stem cell treatments. One significant development is the establishment of Verita Neuro’s specialist stem cell lab, which underscores their commitment to delivering high-quality treatments. This state-of-the-art facility focuses on the safe preparation and use of mesenchymal stem cells, ensuring optimal patient outcomes. With a stringent focus on quality control and international collaboration, this lab enhances Verita Neuro’s ability to offer cutting-edge treatments for spinal cord injury patients.
The below is not a verbatim transcript of Dr Rodrigo’s live. Some comments have been altered or re-arranged to improve the reading flow. You can watch the full live show on our YouTube channel.
Spinal Cord Injury Overview and Symptoms
What are the common causes and effects of spinal cord injuries?
Spinal cord injuries (SCI) are commonly caused by traumatic events such as motor vehicle accidents, falls, and sports injuries. The consequences depend on the injury’s severity and location but generally include paralysis, loss of sensation, and dysfunction of motor skills below the level of injury. Patients may also experience difficulties with bladder and bowel control, sexual dysfunction, and chronic pain, significantly affecting their independence and quality of life.
What are the primary symptoms and long-term complications of SCI?
SCI symptoms range from partial to complete loss of motor and sensory functions, spasticity, and chronic pain. Over time, secondary complications arise, such as muscle atrophy, joint contractures, pressure sores, and autonomic dysreflexia (dangerous blood pressure fluctuations). SCI can also lead to psychological challenges like depression and anxiety due to the dramatic shift in lifestyle and independence.
Current Treatment Limitations and Stem Cell Potential
Why are current treatments for SCI limited, and how can stem cells help?
Traditional SCI treatments focus on rehabilitation and symptom management rather than reversing the injury. While physical therapy and medications help maintain muscle tone and manage pain, they do not regenerate damaged nerves. Stem cells, particularly mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), offer hope by promoting nerve regeneration, reducing inflammation, and preventing further deterioration. MSCs have shown potential in repairing damaged tissues and creating new neural connections, opening new doors for SCI recovery.
What are the main challenges in treating SCI effectively?
The main challenge lies in the inability of the spinal cord to regenerate damaged neurons on its own. SCI leads to scarring, known as glial scarring, which blocks regeneration and prevents nerve signals from passing through. Current treatments focus on mitigating secondary complications (like muscle spasms and pain) rather than restoring function. Stem cell therapy, by encouraging nerve growth, could be a breakthrough, but it remains in the early stages of widespread use and needs more research and clinical validation.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Their Benefits
What are the different methods of administering stem cells for SCI patients?
Stem cells can be administered via three primary methods:
- Intrathecal Injection: Directly into the cerebrospinal fluid around the spinal cord. This method offers targeted delivery to the injury site.
- Intravenous (IV) Injection: Administered into the bloodstream, allowing stem cells to circulate and potentially target multiple areas of injury or inflammation.
- Intramedullary Injection: Directly into the spinal cord. This is the most invasive option but can be effective for localized injuries.
The choice of administration depends on the patient’s condition and the doctor’s recommendation.
What are the potential risks or side effects of stem cell therapy?
While stem cell therapy is relatively safe, risks include infection, minor inflammation, and the possibility of immune rejection if donor cells are used. Other potential side effects include headaches, dizziness, and discomfort at the injection site. However, mesenchymal stem cells are generally considered low-risk due to their immunomodulatory properties, which reduce the likelihood of rejection. More serious complications like tumor formation are rare but are always monitored closely in clinical settings.
Classification and Recovery Statistics
How does the classification of SCI (complete vs. incomplete) affect recovery outcomes?
Incomplete SCI offers better prospects for recovery since some nerve connections remain intact. Patients with incomplete injuries may retain partial sensation or motor function below the injury site, increasing the likelihood of recovery through therapies like stem cell treatment. Complete SCI, where no sensation or movement exists below the injury, is more challenging to treat. However, stem cell therapy has shown promise in helping even those with complete injuries regain some level of function, depending on injury location and severity.
What percentage of SCI patients see improvement from stem cell therapy?
While specific percentages vary, clinical trials and patient reports indicate that around 50-60% of patients undergoing stem cell therapy experience measurable improvements in motor and sensory functions. Improvements are more common in those with incomplete SCIs, and benefits may range from better muscle control to enhanced bladder/bowel regulation. Factors such as the time between injury and treatment, the severity of the injury, and the individual’s response to stem cells all influence outcomes.
Patient Experiences and Treatment Details
What is the typical recovery timeline following stem cell therapy?
Recovery after stem cell treatment varies. Some patients report improvements in motor and sensory functions as early as a few weeks post-treatment, while for others, noticeable changes occur over several months. Full recovery potential is usually assessed over a 6 to 12-month period, as the stem cells continue to repair tissues and foster neural regeneration. Regular follow-up and rehabilitation are critical to maximize the treatment’s effectiveness.
What expectations should SCI patients have before starting stem cell treatment?
Patients should set realistic expectations, understanding that stem cell therapy is not a guaranteed cure but can provide meaningful improvements. The extent of recovery depends on individual factors like the level of injury and the patient’s commitment to rehabilitation. While some may regain significant motor or sensory function, others may experience more modest gains, such as enhanced bladder control or reduced pain. Maintaining a positive attitude and following the rehabilitation plan are essential for optimizing outcomes.
Patient Success Stories: Stem Cell Treatment for Spinal Cord Injury Recovery at Verita Neuro
Verita Neuro has seen remarkable success in patients undergoing stem cell treatment for spinal cord injuries. These success stories highlight improvements in motor function, sensory response, and overall quality of life. Patients, such as those with complete and incomplete spinal cord injuries, have reported regaining voluntary movements, improved trunk control, and better bladder and bowel functions post-treatment. Stem cell therapy, when combined with other advanced techniques like Epidural Stimulation, has enabled many patients to achieve progress previously deemed unattainable in spinal cord injury recovery.
