Side-effects of stem cell therapy
Don’t we all read the side-effects of any medication or therapy we may have been prescribed for a particular illness or disease? Whether it’s a common cold, or a more serious condition like a neurological disorder, as patients (and caregivers) we do our own homework!
And while the internet is rife with information about stem cell therapy, who better than Plexus, India’s foremost stem cell therapy centre, to set the record straight.
In this article, we’ll take you through the risks involved in stem cell therapy. However, we’d also like to point out that the benefits of stem cell therapy far outweigh its side-effects!
What are stem cells?
Stem cells are the very basis of every tissue and organ in our body. All other cell types are generated from stem cells. These newly generated cells may have functions different from the parent cells.
Read more about stem cells here.
What is stem cell therapy?
Stem cell therapy repairs and/or restores function of injured, diseased, and/or dysfunctional tissue by injecting stem cells (or their derivatives) into the body.
Stem cells are derived from the human body, and through a laboratory procedure (differentiation) they are grown to form other cells. These daughter cells are then injected into the patient’s body. This process is called stem cell transplantation.
Stem cells remind the body of its self-healing abilities, also known as neuroprotection. Besides their ability to self-renew, stem cells are also capable of immunomodulation and secreting growth factors. Research indicates that the latter characteristic of stem cells are proof of their ability to regrow/regenerate entire organs that have been damaged or deteriorated by illness.
Who can benefit from stem cell therapy?
Stem cell therapy can help provide relief from pain, manage disease-related symptoms, slow down the progression of degenerative diseases, and even regrow damaged/dead tissues. It can help patients suffering from:
- Neurological disorders
- Trauma-induced conditions
- Inflammatory conditions
- Orthopedic conditions
- Hematopoietic diseases
- Autoimmune diseases
- Cardiovascular illnesses
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Metabolic disorders
- Organ disorders
- Ocular disorders
- Skin disorders
- Cancers
Risks and side-effects
Stem cell therapy is still in its nascent stages of acceptance. Although considerable research suggests the efficacy of stem cell therapy, reticence and hesitation on the part of medical professionals and patients, has relegated the regenerative therapy to a secondary option.
Like with any therapy program, there are risks associated with stem cell therapy. But these are not life-threatening side-effects. They are short-term, and generally mild. Some of the most common side-effects of stem cell therapy that may last for a few hours post the injection in rare cases include:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Low-grade fever
- Pain at the injection site, this can be accompanied by:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Tingling
- Numbness
- Infection (very rare)
Stem cell therapy at Plexus
Plexus is India’s first ISO-certified stem cell research centre. We use autologous mesenchymal stem cells derived from the patient’s body. Plexus offers regenerative rehabilitation programmes for the following disorders:
- Cerebral Palsy
- Parkinson’s
- MND
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Spinocerebellar Ataxia
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Stroke
- Brachial Plexus Injury
Stem cell therapy at Plexus is a safe and non-surgical procedure with a speedy recovery rate. It also has the following advantages:
- Helps in symptoms management
- Enhances quality of life
- Improves everyday functionality
- Prevents/slows down further nerve damage
- Reduces inflammation
- Improves immune function
- Fosters brain development
So, you see. The pros of stem cell therapy outweigh the cons considerably, making it a safe, viable, and hassle-free medical option.
Additionally, Plexus also offers physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, cognitive rehabilitation therapy, behaviour therapy, swallowing therapy, and more.
If you wish to know more about our regenerative rehabilitation programmes or any of our other services, reach out to us today.
Call +91 89048 42087 | 080-2546 0886
080-2547 0886 | 080-2549 0886
FAQs
Do stem cells become cancerous?
Research shows that only Embryonic stem cells have a chance of becoming cancerous.
How long do stem cells live for?
Your body’s stem cells can live as long as you do.
Can stem cells damage the body?
Stem cells are progenitor cells, meaning they are cells that are found in our body. Since they are a part of our body, they cannot cause any long-term damage.
Can stem cells fail?
Yes, stem cells can fail if donor cells are used without following appropriate methods and techniques. Autologous stem cell therapy involves stem cells procured from the patient’s body itself. This eliminates the risk of rejection completely.
