Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a major cause of disability and death throughout the U.S. People who survive these injuries may recover quickly; or, they may experience lifelong effects. Lasting symptoms may include memory changes, as well as impairments related to movement, sensation, and emotional functioning. Millions of people visit the hospital with TBI-related emergencies each year, and the rate of these injuries is increasing at an alarming pace.
Currently, treatments aim to minimize secondary damage to the brain directly following the injury, as well as surgical interventions when needed. Over a long-term basis, patients may undergo rehabilitation, including working with a physiatrist, occupational therapist, and physical therapist, among others. Aside from these approaches, however, there are few effective treatments for TBI. Researchers are looking into regenerative medicine with stem cells to study the effects on those with TBI.
A New Option: Stem Cell Therapy for TBI
At the 2019 American Association of Neurological Surgeons Annual Scientific Meeting, results from a trial for a potential stem cell treatment for individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) were unveiled.
In the trial, 61 patients with motor deficits were studied, 46 of whom were treated with stem cells, which were implanted near the site of the Traumatic Brain Injury. According to results, 18 of the patients experienced statistically significant improvements from their baseline Fugi-Meyer Motor Scale score, which measures motor impairment. The treatment was well-tolerated, with post-operative headache being the most common side effect.
Researchers call the results of the study “groundbreaking.” While further research must be conducted, experts believe that the findings hold “significant implications” for ongoing TBI research, as well as other brain diseases.
This post was written by Becky Palmer, a medical professional at Stemedix Inc. At Stemedix we provide access to Regenerative Medicine for traumatic brain injury, also known as stem cell therapy for traumatic brain injury. Regenerative medicine has the natural potential to help improve symptoms sometimes lost from the progression of many conditions.
