Cerebral palsy (CP) is a broad term used to describe a set of permanent movement disorders that occurs in early childhood and is often a result of brain damage or abnormalities. It primarily affects that part of the brain that controls movement, balance and posture. CP can lead to a wide range of physical and cognitive impairments, affecting a person’s mobility, communication, and overall quality of life.
In this comprehensive blog, we will throw light on the potential of stem cell therapy in managing cerebral palsy, while simultaneously addressing key questions and concerns of parents of children with CP.
Understanding cerebral palsy
Cerebral palsy is a group of neurological disorders that affect a person’s ability to control their muscles and coordinate movement. It is a lifelong condition, typically diagnosed in early childhood, and varies in its severity and symptoms. The disorder is caused by damage to or abnormalities in the developing brain, which can occur during pregnancy, childbirth, or the early years of a child’s life.
Types of cerebral palsy
There are several types of cerebral palsy, each with its own set of characteristics and symptoms. The primary types include:
- Spastic cerebral palsy
- Athetoid/dyskinetic cerebral palsy
- Ataxic cerebral palsy
- Mixed cerebral palsy
You can read more about the types of cerebral palsy here and here.
The word ‘cerebral’ refers to that part of the brain dealing with motor function while ‘palsy’ refers to a complete or partial paralysis of voluntary muscle movement frequently accompanied by uncontrolled tremors.
Causes of cerebral palsy
Although much remains unclear about the exact causes of this disorder, evidence suggests that most of the problems occur during pregnancy, the birthing process or shortly after birth. Below are the causes for abnormal development of the brain –
- Low birth weight
- Premature birth
- Multiple births
- Assisted reproductive technology (Pregnancies resulting from infertility treatments)
- Infections during pregnancy, such as toxoplasmosis, bacterial meningitis, rubella or viral encephalitis
- Trauma and complications at birth
- Poor oxygen supply to the baby’s brain, before, during and immediately after birth
- Untreated jaundice (Can lead to kernicterus, which increases the risk of CP)
- Health concerns of mother (Thyroid issues, seizures, intellectual disability)
- Exposure to methylmercury during pregnancy
- Head injuries sustained during the early years of life
Unfortunately, CP is often missed by doctors and parents alike during the early years of life and becomes prominent as a non-progressive brain damage during the second or third year.
Symptoms of cerebral palsy
The most common symptoms include delay in developmental milestones, like delayed neck control, trunk control, standing and delayed walking, poor muscle coordination, muscle stiffness, weak muscles and trembling and jerks. Other abnormalities are in speech, vision, hearing, swallowing, sensation and intellectual reasoning.
The severity of these symptoms can vary significantly from one person to another, making CP a highly individualized condition.
Take a look at this blog for a more detailed overview of the symptoms of CP
Stem cell therapy for cerebral palsy
At Plexus Bangalore and Hyderabad, stem cell therapy has produced far superior results as compared to the traditional therapy. Several hundreds of little children have benefited from our rehabilitation program. Stem cell therapy holds immense potential to offer several benefits for children with cerebral palsy. Its benefits include:
- Improved motor function
- Enhanced cognitive function
- Reduced spasticity and pain
- Potential for long-term recovery
So parents, take heart! We urge you to consider stem cell therapy as a far more comprehensive treatment for your child with cerebral palsy.
How do stem cells help in cerebral palsy?
Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that have the unique ability to transform into various types of specialised cells in the body. They serve as the body’s natural repair system, replenishing damaged or ageing cells and tissues. The primary mechanisms of stem cells include:
- Promote the repair and regeneration of damaged brain tissue
- Enhance neuroplasticity and the development of new neural connections
- Reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain
- Improve motor and cognitive function in individuals with CP
Types of stem cell therapy at Plexus
At Plexus, we use two types of stem cells in cerebral palsy treatment. They are:
Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs)
Mesenchymal stem cells, derived from bone marrow or adipose tissue. They have the capacity to differentiate into different cell types, and possess anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. They can release factors that stimulate the growth and repair of damaged brain tissue and modulate the immune response, reducing inflammation in the brain.
Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cells
Umbilical cord blood contains hematopoietic stem cells, which can develop into various types of blood cells. It also contains other types of stem cells, including MSCs. Umbilical cord blood stem cells have the potential to contribute towards neuroprotection and neuroregeneration, similar to MSCs.
Plexus’ Rehabilitation Program for Cerebral Palsy
At Plexus, we offer the most advanced types of therapies and management strategies to help children and adults with cerebral palsy lead a life of quality and dignity. We provide a combination of stem cell therapy and other treatments including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and recreational therapy that can yield enhanced results.
You can take a look at the blogs below for a more in-depth understanding of the different types of therapies offered at Plexus for CP, apart from stem cell therapy.
Stem cell therapy offers hope for patients with cerebral palsy. It can potentially improve their quality of life and provide them with greater independence. For caregivers, stem cell therapy offers a second chance to watch their loved ones grow and flourish without living with pain or disabilities.
Reach out to Team Plexus to know more about stem cell therapy for cerebral palsy today.
WhatsApp +91 89048 42087
Call +91 78159 64668 (Hyderabad) | +91 82299 99888 (Bangalore)
FAQs
Can stem cells cure cerebral palsy?
Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition. Stem cells can help reduce the extent of physical disability caused by the condition.
What is the success rate of stem cell therapy for cerebral palsy?
Studies indicate a success rate between 43 to 74% for stem cell therapy. However, this success is measured by the degree of reduction in symptoms, especially physical disability.
What is the newest treatment for cerebral palsy?
Stem cell therapy is the newest and most advanced form of treatment for CP.
What are 3 ways cerebral palsy can be cured?
As a lifelong condition, CP can be managed with a combination of stem cell therapy, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy.
Can you fully recover from cerebral palsy?
Unfortunately, CP is a lifelong condition.
Can adults with cerebral palsy walk?
Research suggests that 70% of individuals with CP can walk, albeit with a slight motor impairment.
