Spinal cord injury (SCI) is psychologically distressing and physically debilitating as it can lead to permanent paralysis and loss of sensory and motor function. To date, there has been no cure to reverse the damage, but research in stem cell therapy for spinal cord injury in the USA is showing promise as an effective treatment.

What options are there to treat spinal cord injury?

The severity of a spinal injury, its locality, and the existence of healthy cells in the proximity of the injury determine the type of treatment and outcome for recovery and survival. Working with neuro and orthopedic surgeons, and other medical specialists like Dr Timothy Steel, patients may have different options recommended for therapy. These could include:

  • Medication to slow cell degradation and control inflammation and pain.
  • Mobility restriction where traction apparatus is used to stabilize and realign the spine.
  • Surgery is sometimes necessary to remove bone fragments, and repair herniated vertebrae applying pressure on the spine. It can also help to prevent further injury.
  • Physical therapy is used to help improve mobility, decrease muscle atrophy, and promote overall health.
  • Acupuncture can improve a range of symptoms associated with spinal cord injury.
  • Stem cell therapy focuses on regenerating new nerve cells and tissues in the spinal cord to improve function and mobility.

Visit the Everest Rehab website to find out more about spinal cord injury treatment and rehabilitation options.

While most treatments are used to manage associated symptoms and develop coping mechanisms, stem cell therapy is being assessed as an effective approach to repair injured segments of the spinal cord.

What are Stem Cells?

Stem cells are unique cells in the human body that have the capability to develop into different types of cells such as muscle and brain cells and repair damaged tissue. There are two types of stem cells, namely embryonic and adult stem cells.

Embryonic stem cells come from embryos donated to science, which are then used for research. These cells can develop into different cell types.

With adult stem cells, there are two types. One comes from fully developed bone marrow, skin, or brain tissue. Only a small amount of stem cells are found in these tissues, and they can only make a specific cell i.e., cells found in skin tissue can only make skin cells. The other adult stem cell types are pluripotent where they are developed in a laboratory.

What is Stem Cell Therapy?

The goal of stem cell therapy is to restore spinal cord function and empower SCI patients to return to a productive life. Because the spinal cord transfers signals between the brain and the body, SCI interrupts this process leaving the patient with limited movement or full paralysis.

When nerve cells are damaged or they start to degenerate, the neuron connections and the transfer of information through the spinal cord is disrupted. The body is unable to generate new cells that are destroyed by a spinal cord injury. This is why SCI generally results in permanent mobility and sensory impairments. Depending on where the injury occurs on the spine will determine whether the patient suffers total or partial paralysis and the loss of bodily functions.

Transplanting stem cells to replace damaged nerve cells is believed to be a big promoter in supporting spinal cord repair as they can regenerate and develop into new healthy cells. Toxins and inflammation that gets released by the damaged cells can increase the risk of further harm to nearby cells and tissues. Here, stem cell therapy can also help to create new tissue around the location of the spinal cord injury.

Why did this type of therapy start in the USA for spinal cord injury treatment?

While several scientists are credited for discovering different elements about stem cell therapy and spinal cord injury. However, the pace in research started to gain more traction through the widespread coverage of Christopher Reeve’s support. The actor was best known for his role as Superman but suffered a traumatic horse accident that left him with quadriplegic injuries.

Reeves died 9 years later but he had become a vocal advocate for stem cell research at a time when it was being obstructed by government policy. Reeves campaigned in Congress and brought the debate on stem cell research to the public. He was instrumental in funding research and opening the door for medical institutions to pursue research in this field. This has led to more clinical trials now being available in the USA.

How does stem cell therapy work for patients after spinal cord injury (SCI)?

Spinal cord injuries are incredibly complex and therapy assessment will vary from patient to patient. But with the increase in advancing stem cell therapy, individuals with spinal cord injuries do not have to accept a life sentence of being bedridden.

What are the benefits of stem cell therapy for SCI?

Today, research in stem cell therapy is the pillar of regenerative medicine. Stem cells have a huge range of possibilities in treating conditions from spinal cord injury.

Physical Effects

Stem cell treatment can help with the overall improvement of paraplegia, quadriplegia, and cervical injury. It can also help with the recovery in the following areas: improved abdomen control, standing and sitting balance, motor and sensory functioning, and control of bladder and bowel movements.

Reduce Inflammation

Stem cell therapy can also prevent the activation of inflammation responses that cause cell and tissue death. Stem cells have anti-inflammatory activity and immune-modulating properties that help the body fight disease and infection and thus inhibit secondary conditions from developing.

Promote Nerve and Cell Growth

Stem cells can promote nerve growth that aids cell growth. Stem cells are injected into the area where nerves are damaged, and this facilitates the repairing of nerves. The nerves can then help produce healthy cells that replace diseased cells to regenerate tissue in the injured area.

Side Effects and Restrictions for Stem Cell Therapy

The side effects of stem cell therapy for spinal cord injury can vary depending on the patient’s response and overall health condition. Some side effects can be prevented, and some are life-threatening but, in most cases, they can be treated when brought to the attention of a doctor immediately.

Restrictions to having stem cell therapy will be assessed by a doctor to confirm whether the patient is a suitable candidate. This can depend on a number of conditions such as the severity of the injury, expected outcome, and recovery.

Infection

Bacterial, viral, and fungus infection risks are highest within the first few weeks after therapy. This is because the immune system is still repairing and generating new nerves and cells. Antibiotics are often given to prevent infections until the patient’s blood counts reach a safe level. Doctors usually monitor the patient until the risk of infection lowers, and special precautions will be taken to minimize exposure to pathogens.

Mouth and throat pain

Inflammation and sores can develop orally but it is a temporary side effect that can resolve itself over time. It is crucial to maintain good nutrition to reduce adverse side effects.

Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

Medications to prevent nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can be administered before therapy starts as it is easier to avert these symptoms than it is to stop it.

Bleeding

There are risks of bleeding because blood cells and platelets that help to clot the blood are still developing. Doctors will apply patient-specific safety measures to avoid injury that can cause bleeding.