For individuals who experience severe spinal cord injuries, frequently caused by motor vehicle crashes and injuries at work, Neurosurgeons at the Mayo Clinic have introduced a glimmer of hope through their trials of innovative methods to extract mesenchymal stem cells from a patient's abdominal fat.
These unique stem cells are believed to target injuries, promoting healing and regeneration. The experimental approach, which includes extracting fat from the abdomen or thigh, isolating the stem cells, and then reintroducing them into the spine, has demonstrated promising outcomes for patients with paralysis. After extraction, the cells are cultivated in a lab for four weeks, during which they increase in number to approximately 100 million.
Upon reintroduction, they travel to the injured site and commence their function.
In the initial phase of the study with 10 patients, seven experienced heightened sensation throughout their body and enhanced muscle strength for movement. Among the two-thirds of patients who previously had no sensation or movement below the injury, some regained a sense of touch and partial control over their movements.
Chris Barr from California became the first individual to undergo this treatment following a surfing accident in 2017 that left him with a spinal cord injury. Fifteen months following his stem cell injection, it was observed that Chris managed to walk 30 feet in just 23 seconds, and subsequently, he could achieve the same feat in only 13 seconds.
In the UK, approximately 50,000 individuals are managing life with a spinal cord injury, with about 2,500 new cases reported every year. Individuals who experience damage to their spinal cord frequently find themselves unable to move below the point of injury and rarely, if ever, see any significant recovery.
Despite the extensive research on stem cell therapy and clinical trials being conducted for several years, this field is still in its early stages. Therefore, the idea of a "cure" remains a distant hope.
However, witnessing the positive effects on numerous clients who have suffered spinal cord injuries during our work at Calio Claims, the ongoing research, and the potential for even slight improvements in their condition and overall life quality, no matter how small, should be viewed as a definite advantage.
Updates on the trial are eagerly anticipated.
To discuss your case with a member of our dedicated team, call us today on 0800 988 8082 or complete our online enquiry form and we will get back to you right away.
