A new study published in the medical journal Lancet Neurology shows that an experimental stem cell treatment may be effective for stroke patients.  This new stem cell treatment, called Multistem, involves the use of donor stem cells that are grown in a laboratory.  The stem cells are transfused into the patient through an IV.

Stroke neurologist Dr. Ken Uchino explains how the treatment works, saying: “The stem cells are believed to change the immune response of the body to the stroke. And it will turn down the immune response so there is a better healing environment.”

The research project involved 129 patients, with half of the subjects receiving the treatment and half receiving a placebo.  Researchers found that patients receiving the stem cell treatment within the first 36 hours of having a stroke had less mobility issues and disability. 

This effectiveness of this stem cell treatment is an important discovery, because it will help  patients who arrive at a hospital after the critical treatment window where conventional drugs can be effective. 

A stroke occurs when blood flow is interrupted and the brain is damaged.  Statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States.  Stroke sufferers can experience muscle paralysis and weakness, numbness, facial muscle weakness, difficultly speaking and swallowing, loss of vision, and difficulty walking.

It is important that a person suffering a stroke visit a hospital and receive clot-busting drugs as soon as possible, restoring blood flow to the brain.  Unfortunately, less that 5% of stroke patients make it to the hospital in time.  This new stem cell treatment will allow patients who arrive outside of that critical care window to receive a treatment that reduces their risk of permanent injury.

Source: Promising Results For Experimental Stem Cell Stroke Treatment

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