Cerebral Palsy and Stem Cell Therapy

Fact Checked

Stem cell therapy is a newer treatment for cerebral palsy. Early studies indicate stem cell therapy could improve gross motor function in cerebral palsy, but the treatment is still in its infancy, and more research is needed.[1]

What Are Stem Cells?

Stem cells are like the building blocks of cells in that they can change into different cell types and, in turn, form different tissues. There are two types of stem cells, which include:

Adult Stem Cells

Adult stem cells are found in people who are already grown and are capable of supplying new cells to repair damaged tissues.

Embryonic Stem Cells

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are found in the early embryonic period. ESCs develop in the mass of the blastocyst and can spread and grow into different cell types.

What Is Stem Cell Treatment for Children With Cerebral Palsy?

During a stem cell transplant, a physician injects stem cells into the child intrathecally via lumbar puncture into the spinal column.[2] The hope is that the stem cells will develop into nerve cells that can connect with other cells.

Furthermore, once the cells connect with other cells, they must be able to deliver messages to the muscles that control movement. This progression is crucial to the treatment’s success.

Physical therapy is almost always recommended after stem cell therapy. While medical experts state that there is difficulty in identifying which therapy helps more, stem cell therapy or physical therapy, the combination of both gives the child the best chances of success.

How Much Does Stem Cell Therapy Cost for Cerebral Palsy?

Costs for stem cell therapy vary significantly by individual case. The typical price range is between $5,000 and $50,000.[3]

Insurance plans do not typically cover stem cell therapies because they are still considered experimental and not standard. Always ask about costs before committing to a treatment insurance will not cover.

What Does the Research Say About Stem Cells and Cerebral Palsy?

Research into stem cell treatments includes animal and human trials. Studies involving children with cerebral palsy are still limited.

Current Animal Research on Stem Cell Therapy

Numerous research strategies focus on finding the most effective stem cell therapy for children with cerebral palsy. Scientists and physicians test different types of stem cells in animals with brain damage to see what they do.

Some studies have shown that stem cells can reduce symptoms and brain damage in animals.[4] However, the reason this happens is still not entirely understood. Furthermore, since animals are not human, the results are never an exact match.

Stem Cell Research Uncovers More About Cerebral Palsy

Pluripotent stem cells, including embryonic stem cells, are being studied and used to create different types of brain cells. These cells may help provide valuable information about how cerebral palsy works. In turn, medical professionals hope it can bring new and improved forms of treatment.

Drugs to Help Target Stem Cells in Children’s Brains

Research is also being performed on medications that may stimulate the production of new stem cells in the body.

This type of treatment would allow the child’s stem cells to be used to repair their damaged tissues. This research is currently in the clinical trial phase, which focuses on determining if the therapy would be safe for all patients.

Scientists suggest that it will likely take a combination of treatments, both traditional and new, to improve outcomes for those with cerebral palsy.

Remember that stem cell research for cerebral palsy is still in its early stages. Although it shows promise, more research is needed before it becomes a universal treatment for children with cerebral palsy.