New Technique Treats Cerebral Palsy with Brain Cell Transplants

By Donald Saiontz
Posted May 25, 2010

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New research suggests that transplanting brain cells that affect neurons in the nose could possibly lead to huge benefits as a treatment for cerebral palsy, which is a brain injury that can occur before, during or after birth.

>>MORE INFORMATION: Cerebral Palsy From Birth Injury

According to a recent study published in the medical journal Cell Transplantation, there appears to be additional support that olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) can repair central nervous system damage linked to a number of disorders, including cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis. Chinese researchers injected the brain cells into children with cerebral palsy and found significant increases in their gross motor abilities.

Cerebral palsy is a serious condition which is a life-long disability, associated with developmental problems, loss of motor functions, seizures, sensory impairments and cognitive limitations. While there is no cure for the brain damage once it occurs, this could lead to an important cerebral palsy treatment option to help a child with CP lead a more productive and independent life.

Researchers conducted clinical trials on 33 volunteers, 14 of whom completed the six-month study. They transplanted OECs into the frontal lobe of children with cerebral palsy and measured both changes in gross motor function measure and observations by caregivers. Video records were also taken of the patients on a scheduled basis. The Chinese researchers used donated cells from aborted fetuses, however the OECs could be obtained from a number of different sources.

The researchers found that the children had increased motor control and caregivers reported significant improvements over a period of six months following the implantation of the OECs. They also found that none of the children who received the implants suffered any apparent side effects.

“The key point of cell transplantation should be of great importance in approaching the functional neurorestoration,” researchers concluded. “In combination with other treatments such as drugs, growth factors, and genetic therapies, our method should help significantly in approaching an effective cure of CP.”

CONSULT WITH A CEREBRAL PALSY LAWYER

In some cases cerebral palsy is caused by medical malpractice at the time of birth, which may entitle the child to compensation and benefits. The cerebral palsy lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. investigate potential birth injury claims for families of children with cerebral palsy throughout the United States. There are no fees or expenses unless a recovery is obtained for the child. To review a potential claim with our attorneys, request a free cerebral palsy claim evaluation.