Stem Cell Therapy for Stroke Recovery
A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted, leading to a loss of oxygen and nutrient delivery to brain cells. There are two primary types:
- Hemorrhagic stroke – caused by bleeding in the brain
- Ischemic stroke – caused by a blood clot blocking a vessel
Regardless of the type, the result is the same: a loss of oxygen (ischemia) triggers cellular death in brain tissue. This initial injury is followed by a cascade of inflammation, which often leads to continued cell death and worsening damage beyond the original stroke area.
Breaking the Cycle with Regenerative Medicine
Umbilical cord blood and tissue-derived stem cells show great promise in interrupting this destructive cycle. These cells:
- Migrate to areas of inflammation
- Suppress the inflammatory response
- Promote neural repair and the formation of new connections (synapses)
- Support regrowth of damaged tissue through the release of growth factors
This process can help stabilize the damaged area and support functional recovery.
Potential Benefits in Stroke Recovery
Studies have shown that umbilical cord stem cell therapy may be effective during both the subacute (days to weeks after stroke) and chronic (months to years later) phases of recovery. Reported improvements include:
- Enhanced motor function
- Better coordination and mobility
- Improved cognitive function
- Increased quality of life