A new stem cell treatment has been used to help a paralysed woman walk again. Researchers hope that this treatment will soon become widely available to the millions of paralysed people around the world.
Laura Dominguez-Tauer was just 16 when she was involved in a serious motor vehicle accident. The accident resulted in her becoming paralysed from the neck down. It was devastating for both Laura and her family.
Two years later, Laura’s father read about a promising new stem cell treatment on the Internet. The treatment used a patient’s own stem cells to regenerate damage to the spinal cord and nervous system.
If successful, the stem cell treatment would strengthen her upper body and restore some touch sensation. Laura was excited by the prospect of restoring some of her mobility and jumped at the chance to have the procedure performed.
After the procedure, Laura did notice her upper body became much stronger. It allowed her to walk with the assistance of a walker. She also regained sensation throughout her entire body.
Dominguez-Tauer described how much the stem cell treatment has helped her, saying: “The stem cell procedure made my upper body a lot stronger and I can feel my entire body now, It was pretty awesome – it was incredible. I absolutely believe in the power of adult stem cells.”
Thanks to this treatment, Laura is living a much more active life with a new marriage and baby. She also started a gym which provides help for people who have suffered from a spinal injury or traumatic brain injury.
Source: ‘It was incredible’: adult stem cells help paralyzed woman walk again
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