Stem cell injection research done by a team of scientists at Stanford University has revealed its significant benefits for stroke patients in wheelchair. Recruiting 18 subjects, the initial purpose of the research was to measure the safety of a health therapy for stroke patients. However, these scientists were stunned to find out that the stem cell injection has improved patient's speech, motor and vision functions.
Subjects' stroke conditions
Stroke patients were recruited based on their critical conditions. The participants' brain circuits are described as 'beyond repair' and will no longer able to have 'any improvement'. The research recorded each patient's condition, all of which had impaired movement on either hand or leg due to the stroke. And some of them were not able to walk. Some of these patients had suffered stroke since five years ago, Medical News Today reported.
Stem cells injection for stroke patient
Scientists drilled hole on patient's skull and injected the stem cells in areas near where damages occur. Some of the participants did not need to stay overnight in hospital because they remained conscious.
The stem cells are from modified MSCs which were taken from donors' bone marrow.
After SB623 cells were injected, researchers then monitored patients progress using various clinical evaluations. In a one month period, these patients showed stroke recovery signs. The research recorded 7 stroke patients experienced an improvement in motor, speech and vision functions.
Dr. Gary Steinberg, lead author of this Stanford's research hopes that this procedure could help more patients with chronic stroke conditions. The professor believes that this treatment has a huge potential in creating positive outcomes for these patients.
A survey states that stroke kills 130,000 Americans annually, which means, one out of every 20 deaths. It is recorded as the fifth leading cause of death in the United States, CDC reported. Stroke can occur at any age and the report in 2009 showed that more than 30 percent of stroke patients were younger than 65 years old.
