Five years ago, Julian Fowles was enjoying a very busy life as an entertainment lawyer living in Florida. He had many hobbies including a passion for salsa dancing that he enjoyed with this wife. That all changed when Julian suffered a stroke.
The stroke caused him to lose all use of his legs and left arm. His face also dropped on the left side. While some effects of a stroke can be reversed if a patient gets to a hospital quickly, Julian did not seek help until the next day. Julian and his family were devastated by his loss of mobility.
Strokes are very common in the developed world. They occur when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. Strokes cause brain damage that interferes with a person’s ability to move, walk, see, or talk.
Fortunately for Julian, there were new stroke treatments using stem cells being developed in research facilities across in the United States. One trial was being performed in Julian’s home state, at the University of Miami. The trial was using stem cells from healthy donors to restore brain function in stroke sufferers. Julian was lucky enough to be given entry into this study a few months ago.
Dr. Jonathan Jagid of the University of Miami explains how the stem cell treatment works, saying: “We can actually get the brain to start to heal, regenerate neurons, and, for the first time, produce improvement in these patients’ symptoms, with the idea that the cells will stimulate repair of the stroke area.”
The procedure is minimally invasive and involves a one-inch incision in the skull of the recipient. It is not the first time that scientists have tried using stem cells to treat stroke. Other research projects have also showed overwhelmingly positive results.
After receiving the transplant, Julian found that he had more strength in his limbs. He is now able to use a rowing machine to improve his fitness.
Source: Health Beat: Stem cells extend stroke treatment window
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