How Stem Cells Can Slow Down Stroke Progression and Improve Quality of Life?

It can be very difficult when a loved one suffers a stroke and is left with cognitive, emotional and physical impairments. However, stem cell therapy can improve the effects of stroke, as it has the potential to slow stroke progression and restore quality of life in stroke patients. 

Keep reading to learn more about this groundbreaking treatment and how it can help improve cognitive, emotional and physical impairments in people who have suffered a stroke.

Overview of Stroke: Types and Causes

Stroke has varying levels of severity and different causes. Types of stroke include:

• Ischemic stroke

An ischemic stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is cut off. Lack of blood supply to the brain kills brain cells. An ischemic stroke can be caused by small vessel disease, narrowed arteries or an irregular heartbeat.

• Hemorrhagic stroke 

A hemorrhagic stroke is when there is bleeding in or around the brain. Like an ischemic stroke, this also cuts off the blood supply to your brain which kills brain cells. A hemorrhagic stroke can be caused by small vessel disease, a brain aneurysm or abnormal blood vessels in the brain.

• Transient ischemic attack

A transient ischemic attack has the same cause as an ischemic stroke, but it lasts for a shorter period. It's also referred to as a mini-stroke because it’s less severe. Having a transient ischemic attack is a warning sign of stroke, so it's important to get medical attention to avoid stroke progression.

Consequences of Stroke: Physical, Cognitive, and Emotional Effects

Consequences of stroke can range in severity depending on the type of stroke and the amount of damage to the brain.

• Physical effects

Physical effects of stroke can include impaired speech, restricted movement and paralysis on one side of the body. 

• Cognitive effects

Cognitive effects include difficulty communicating, memory problems and changes in thinking. Approximately 30% of stroke patients develop dementia within a year of their stroke.

• Emotional effects

The emotional effects of stroke can include mood changes, anxiety, depression, apathy and irritability. 

Stem Cell Therapy in Stroke Recovery

Stem cells for stroke recovery are emerging as an effective treatment. Stem cell treatment centers like Swiss Medica use adult mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) to reduce neuroinflammation in the brain and replace brain cells lost to stroke.

Stem cell therapy can help stroke patients regain functionality after a stroke and helps reduce inflammations, promote neurogenesis and restore blood flow. Research also shows that stem cell therapy promotes neuro-regeneration and neuroprotection during stroke recovery.

Improvements in Quality of Life Post-Stem Cell Therapy

With stem cell treatment, patients have the opportunity to regain their quality of life and improve their physical, mental and emotional health.

Physical Improvements 

Stem cell therapy can result in physical improvements such as regained strength and muscle control, improved speech and improved coordination.

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Cognitive and Emotional Benefits 

Stem cell therapy can help to promote the growth of neurons, so there is great potential for the improvement of cognitive and emotional impairment in stroke victims. Stem cell therapy can help improve mood, speech and memory.

Who Benefits Most from Stem Cell Therapy?

Stem cell therapy restores and reduces neuron inflammation, making this treatment most suitable for brain issues, including stroke victims. MSC therapy is a non-invasive treatment and stem cells can be obtained from donors. Therefore, the treatment is relatively low risk and almost anyone can receive the treatment.

The most benefits from stem cell therapy for stroke can be seen if the treatment is started soon after the stroke. It’s common for stroke victims to decline into dementia, so stem cell therapy can be more effective if it’s used before this point.

The Treatment Process: What Patients Can Expect

Patients who have taken the step of going for stem cell therapy are taken through pre-treatment assessment where doctors check for possible risks of stem cell therapy and devise the best treatment solution for the patient.

The stem cells may be harvested from either the patient or any healthy adult donor. When these cells are injected into a patient, the stem cells travel to the brain and repair damaged cells while promoting the growth of neurons. Treatment does not take much time and is non-invasive as well.

Results vary and can't really be predicted. Sometimes, it takes weeks to months in order to see the complete effects from the therapy.

In conclusion

Stem cell therapy can help with stroke recovery by introducing stem cells that repair damaged brain cells and promote the growth of new, healthy neurons. After undergoing stem cell treatment, stroke patients can see improvements in their cognitive functions, emotional well-being and physical abilities.