Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) can be treated successfully with stem cell therapy
Studies show that after trauma and healing, the use of stem cells can increase a patient’s function.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Chronic Traumatic Encephalitis (CTE)
At least 2 million traumatic brain injuries occur each year in the United States. There are millions more living with this devastating condition. Traumatic brain injury shares a common cause: a sudden disruption of brain tissue, inflammatory and cellular metabolism. Many times, the inflammation causes more damage and loss of brain cells than the initial injury.
Multiple studies have demonstrated that increasing circulating levels of stem cell’s correlates with clinical improvement. Hyperbaric Oxygen has been shown to increase circulating endogenous stem cells and improve functional outcome.
However, the ability for umbilical cord blood stem cells to repair, regenerate, and restore function is unparalleled. These cells have been shown to differentiate into neurons, atrocities, and microglia cells. These are the cells that are necessary for re-growth. They also have been shown to stimulate the stem cells in the brain (Neural Stem Cells) to migrate/grow and repair injury.
The potential of enhancing the process of brain cell growth will improve cognition and the ability of the brain to respond/repair in the face of nerve cell injury and neurodegenerative disorder. Multiple studies are underway to help better delineate how to improve brain functions. These involve the delivery of umbilical cord blood stem cells. These cells have been shown to improve neurological function and self-care in patients with TBI.
Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cells have also been shown to repair severed spinal cords and improve paralysis. Anecdotal evidence demonstrates great clinical potential and multiple studies are underway.
- Some may say this as an unproven technology – experimenting with human subjects. Dr. Weiss believes he is providing access to therapies that are no more experimental than one may see in surgical suites of major medical centers daily. In such situations the surgeon is forced to improvise because of the complexity of the wound field. This improvisation sometimes means using materials and methods that aren’t the standard treatment or even approved for the condition being treated but the surgeon feels it is the best option in that situation.