A blockage in the blood arteries that supply the brain causes an ischemic stroke, also known as a cerebral infarction. It is one of the most common causes of death and disability worldwide. A stroke disrupts blood flow to the brain, and this leads to nerve tissue damage. Recovery from a stroke can be a lengthy process, but rapid restoration of blood flow or rehabilitation methods do not always guarantee a complete return of all functions. Patients are often left with persistent neurological symptoms, so these include paralysis, memory loss, difficulty speaking, and issues with coordination and recall.
The goal of traditional treatments is to restore blood flow to the brain, because thrombolysis uses enzymes to break up clots. Thromboextraction involves surgically removing the clot. Both methods are effective, but they have drawbacks and contraindications. Therefore, there is an urgent need for new treatment strategies. These should focus on healing damaged tissue. The use of stem cells is one of the most promising therapeutic approaches.
The role of stem cells
The body contains unique cells called stem cells that have the ability to divide endlessly and specialize into a variety of tissue types, including nerve tissue. After a stroke, stem cells can help restore lost function and regenerate damaged brain regions. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which are often taken from a patient’s bone marrow, are the most widely used therapy for stroke.
The treatment process
Mechanisms of stroke recovery and repair
Mesenchymal stem cells have several mechanisms of action:
- Anti-inflammatory effects. The inflammatory processes that frequently arise after a stroke are suppressed by stem cells. This lessens further brain tissue damage.
- Neurogenesis and angiogenesis. The ability of stem cells to develop into neurons aids in the healing of injured nerve cells and promotes the growth of new blood vessels, which enhances microcirculation.
- Cell protection and repair. Stem cells encourage the synthesis of chemicals that shield brain cells from more harm, aid in the restoration of lost function, and repair damaged neural connections.
- Brain Plasticity. Neuroplasticity, which helps the brain recover from injuries and adjust to new situations, is triggered by stem cells.
Treatment results
The findings of stem cell treatment for stroke rehabilitation are promising. Patients may observe improvements in speech, memory, motor abilities, and cognitive function in the early phases of rehabilitation. However, it takes months or even years for the treatments to fully take effect. The treatment offers faster recovery, enhanced quality of life, and a return to an active lifestyle.
After stem cell treatment, patients often report a notable improvement in their general health, so sleep returns to normal, and mood and emotional health improve. Depression and anger decrease. Regaining physical exercise is crucial, because patients may resume their regular daily routines, including walking and self-care. Better independence and social adaptation are linked to enhanced cognitive function.
Recommendations for patients after stem cell therapy
Following a stroke, patients who have received stem cell treatment should be aware that healing is a drawn-out process that calls for perseverance and active engagement. In addition to receiving medical care, patients should adhere to a number of rules to improve the efficacy of the treatment:
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle: a balanced diet should contain nutrients that promote brain cell regeneration, such as omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and B vitamins.
- Regular exercise: even light exercise helps the brain become more neuroplastic, which improves motor function and coordination after an injury.
- Avoiding bad habits: quitting drinking and smoking is essential because these habits can impede recovery and worsen general health.
- Psychoemotional support: seeing a psychologist and participating in support groups can improve mental well-being, reduce stress, and speed up the healing process.
Additional aspects of stroke recovery and stem cell research
According to recent studies, stem cell treatment can boost the immune system and restore lost function. Both of these are critical for preventing stroke recurrence. Stem cells may also slow the development of other neurological conditions, including dementia.
Note: Research on stem cell treatment for stroke is still ongoing. Despite the promising outcomes, further investigation is required. Several nations and clinics are now effectively treating stroke with stem cell therapy. However, the long-term safety and effectiveness of this strategy still need to be determined.
Prospects and challenges of stem cell application
Despite encouraging outcomes in clinical settings, stem cell treatment faces some obstacles. One of the primary challenges is regulating the course of cell differentiation. While stem cells can differentiate into various cell types, their growth must be carefully controlled so that the formation of undesirable tissues, such as tumors, is prevented.
Optimizing strategies for directing cells to the appropriate parts of the brain is also crucial, because this requires the development of advanced technologies that enable precise cell injection into the affected areas.
Additionally, the body’s potential immune response to the injected cells must be considered, and this could lead to inflammation or rejection.
Long-term research is needed to determine the best doses, delivery schedules, and monitoring techniques for the safe and effective use of stem cells in stroke treatment.
Stem cell therapy opens up new possibilities for stroke recovery. This field of medicine continues to develop and may become the main treatment method in the future. It could significantly improve the quality of life and help patients return to normal activity.
However, it is important to remember that stem cell therapy is not a panacea. The success of treatment depends on several factors, such as the time elapsed since the stroke and the presence of other diseases in the patient.
