- Author Vaishnav Kumar
- Published September 26, 2017
- Word count 620
Research on how stem cells can be used for reinstating damaged brain tissues is attracting a lot of attention, as this can turn around disability of people and can be a turning point for Stroke Treatment. Stem Cell Therapy research is not just focusing on replacing damaged brain tissues but it aims at preventing damage at the very first stage only. Millions of people die because of stroke and the survivors usually lose their ability to move and even carry out daily chores on their own. To make life more manageable for stroke survivors and to prevent the condition from becoming fatal are two main challenges in front of researchers working on Stem Cell Therapy for Stroke Treatment.
Stroke happens because of blocking of a blood vessel by a clot, as this cut the flow of blood to the brain. Once the blood flow stop, cells in human brain starts dying within a few minutes as they do not get the required amount of nutrients and oxygen. In another type of stroke a blood vessel might burst resulting into bleeding inside the brain. This situation also kills the cells leading to a stroke. When cells in the brain die it leads to permanent movement problems and loss of cognitive capabilities like speaking, memorizing, and comprehending speech as well.
New hope with stem cell treatment
Until now the chances of surviving a stroke and further Stroke Treatment depends how fast a patient gets medical attention. However, providing medical aid within minutes is not always possible, so patients are administered with traditional treatment options. Rigorous physical therapy is administered to help regain lost functionalities of the body, but still there is no complete Stroke Treatment option for reinstating the cells of the brain, which died because of the stroke. However, with Stem Cell Therapy this problem can get a permanent solution, as this kind of therapy intends to replace damaged cells and put healthy cells in their place, so that the affected part can function normally, or at least the damage done is minimized to improve condition of the patient.
The present and future of Stem Cell Therapy
Presently Stem Cell Therapy research is using many different types of cells including neural cells that are specific to the brain tissues. Embryonic and induced pluripotent cells have also being tested to replace lost cells in the brain after suffering a stroke. The good news is that reports of clinical trials and tests have shown positive result and much of the theories of researchers are turning into reality. Researchers have not only discovered the various types of cells can be used for replacing damaged cells but they have also found out many techniques that can be used for delivering the cells to the targeted area, where they can differentiate and take place of lost or damaged cells.
New techniques are being developed
A number of researchers are also working on finding ways of triggering cells in the brain, so that the damage done can be mended before it can affect the patient’s ability completely. Stem Cell Therapy research also aims at making such treatment fully safe and effective for patients so researchers always keep an eye on the effects or even side effects that occur after injecting stem cells into a patient’s body. It is important to check tolerability of patients and possible side effects so that there are less risks of rejection and lesser side effects making the treatment more effective. Stem cells are now being used for studying the characteristics of many neural diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and even stroke. This will help in proper diagnosis of the disease and better treatment at the same time.