Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of movement disorders that appear in childhood. Symptoms often include poor coordination, stiff muscles, weak muscles, and tremors, but may also affect sensory function as well (i.e. sensation, vision, hearing, swallowing, speaking, cognition etc).
CP is caused by abnormal development or damage to the brain in the areas that control movement, balance, and posture. This can be due to a infection, metal toxicity, traumatic birth, head trauma, or genetic predisposition.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for CP and conventional treatments focus on supportive means to try and improve functionality (i.e. physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy). Certain medications may also be used to try and relax stiff muscles.
Many researchers are looking toward stem cell treatments to try and cure CP by regenerating or repairing the brain damage that has occured. Currently, the goal of stem cell treatment for CP is to improve the patient’s quality of life and try and regain some of the muscle functionality that they have lost.
Please note that we only treat patients who are over 18 years of age. If you would like to talk with an expert about your specific condition, please fill out the form below:
The most current research regarding stem cells and Cerebral Palsy is given below:
Effect of Autologous Cord Blood Infusion on Motor Function and Brain Connectivity in Young Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized,Placebo-Controlled Trial
Jessica M. Sun, et
Abstract: Cerebral palsy (CP) is a condition affecting young children that causes lifelong disabilities. Umbilical cord blood cells improve motor function in experimental systems via paracrine signaling. After demonstrating safety, we conducted a Phase II trial of autologous cord blood (ACB) infusion in children with CP to test whether ACB could improve function (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01147653; IND 14360). In this double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study of a single intravenous infusion of 1–5 x 107 total nucleated cells per kilogram of ACB, children ages 1 to 6 years with CP were randomly assigned to receive ACB or placebo at baseline, followed by the alternate infusion 1 year later. Motor function and magnetic resonance imaging brain connectivity studies were performed at baseline, 1, and 2 years post-treatment. The primary endpoint was change in motor function 1 year after baseline infusion.
Additional analyses were performed at 2 years. Sixty-three children (median age 2.1 years) were randomized to treatment (n=32) or placebo (n=31) at baseline. Although there was no difference in mean change in Gross Motor Function Measure-66 (GMFM-66) scores at 1 year between placebo and treated groups, a dosing effect was identified. In an analysis 1 year post-ACB treatment, those who received doses >2 x 107 /kg demonstrated significantly greater increases in GMFM-66 scores above those predicted by age and severity, as well as in Peabody Developmental Motor Scales-2 Gross Motor Quotient scores and normalized brain connectivity. Results of this study suggest that appropriately dosed ACB infusion improves brain connectivityand gross motor function in young children with CP.