If you have (or know someone who has) multiple sclerosis (MS), you understand how painful it can be. MS attacks a patient’s body through the myelin sheath, a layer that forms around nerves in the brain and spinal cord. If left untreated, this leads to deterioration and – in many cases – permanent damage to the nerves.
Nerves function by transmitting sensations and impulses to the human body’s muscles, brain, spinal cord, and organs. Patients diagnosed with MS can experience pain in the ligaments, muscles, tendons, and soft tissue, along with neuropathic pain from damaged nerves.
Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis Include:
- Numbness or weakness in limbs
- Partial or complete loss of vision
- Tingling or pain in different areas of your body
- Sensation of an electric shock with neck movement
- Loss of coordination or an unsteady walk
- Slurred speech
- Fatigue or dizziness
- Crawling or burning feeling
- Mental disorders (including, but not limited to, depression)
How Might Stem Cell Therapy Help Multiple Sclerosis?
Stem cells hold the ability to differentiate into a number of different cells that may aid in tissue regeneration and other functions. The cells are harvested from a patient’s adipose tissue (fat), and are then injected into the patient’s body to potentially promote regeneration. With autologous stem cell transplantation, the cells are obtained from the patient’s own body – thereby minimizing the risk of rejection and overall safety.
Potential Benefits of Stem Cells
Adult stem cells are multipotent, meaning that they can differentiate into different types of cells that then promote healing of an affected area. Although there is currently no cure for multiple sclerosis, stem cells may allow for the containment of the disease’s progression.
Most conventional treatments for MS provide only temporary relief, simply mask the symptoms, and may lead to future life-threatening diseases. Corticosteroids, for example, are administered to reduce symptoms and slow the progression of MS. Their effectiveness has proven limited, however, with side effects that include high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and increased chance of infection. MSCs present a natural approach that may help reduce inflammation (one of the primary contributors to MS), and regulate the immune system with fewer adverse consequences than traditional options.
Stem cells can differentiate into different types of cells, which can then stimulate the healing process in regions of the body impacted by MS. Although there is currently no cure for the disorder, there are ways to slow its progression. 1
In addition to research conducted by GIOSTAR Chairman and Co-Founder Dr. Anand Srivastava, investigators at Tisch MS Research Center in New York City, Cleveland Clinic, and other leading hospitals are evaluating the potential benefits of stem cells for MS therapy.
Please complete this brief form to learn more about how stem cells could potentially aid in providing symptomatic relief for multiple sclerosis. You can also reach us by phone (844 446-7827) or email (info@giostarchicago.com).
