Treatment of Cerebral Palsy in Kids with Autologous Stem Cells
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of neurological disorders caused by damage to the brain at early stages of development. The condition manifests as motor impairments, coordination difficulties, abnormal muscle tone, and in some cases speech and cognitive challenges.
CP is not a progressive disease; however, without timely intervention it can significantly reduce the quality of life of both the child and their family. Early diagnosis and comprehensive treatment make it possible to substantially improve functional abilities and the child’s adaptation.
Cerebral Palsy Treatment
A standard treatment protocol for cerebral palsy may include the following components:
- Medical supervision and diagnostics
Regular follow-up with a pediatric neurologist, including assessment of motor, cognitive, and speech functions. Determination of the type and severity of CP, as well as monitoring the child’s condition over time.
- Physical therapy (therapeutic exercise)
Individually tailored exercises aimed at developing motor skills, improving coordination, maintaining joint range of motion, and reducing muscle spasticity.
- Physiotherapy methods
Electrical stimulation, magnetotherapy, thermal and hydrotherapy procedures that help improve blood circulation, reduce pain, and normalize muscle tone.
- Massage and manual techniques
Used to relax spastic muscles and activate weakened muscle groups. Massage courses are conducted regularly and combined with other rehabilitation methods.
- Drug therapy
Medications are prescribed under strict medical supervision to reduce muscle tone and improve cerebral circulation and neural tissue metabolism.
- Orthopedic correction
The use of orthoses, special splints, and positioning devices to prevent contractures and deformities, and to help form correct movement patterns.
- Speech therapy and special education sessions
Development of speech, communication skills, attention, and thinking; correction of swallowing and breathing disorders.
- Psychological support
Helps the child adapt and supports parents in coping with emotional stress and building effective interaction with their child.
- Surgical treatment
Considered in cases of severe orthopedic deformities or pronounced spasticity when conservative methods are not sufficiently effective.
Stem Cell Treatment for CP at the Mardaleishvili Medical Center
This effective therapy is based on the intravenous and intrathecal administration of the patient’s own stem cells. These cells independently migrate to pathological areas of the brain, differentiate into neuronal cells, replace damaged ones and assume their functions, thereby activating recovery processes. This approach allows for more stable and long-term therapeutic results.
Stem cells are obtained from the patient’s own bone marrow or umbilical cord blood. In some cases, the use of umbilical cord blood from siblings is possible, provided the level of biological compatibility is at least 50%.
After therapy, most patients demonstrate positive dynamics:
- reduction or disappearance of spasticity and normalization of muscle tone;
- improvement of gross and fine motor skills;
- better coordination, posture, and gait;
- improvement in cognitive functions (memory, attention);
- normalization of nervous system function (better sleep, increased endurance).
Stem cell therapy is suitable for patients from 4 years of age with a minimum weight of 16 kg. The treatment is well tolerated by young patients, as autologous material is not perceived as foreign by the body. The main contraindication is uncontrolled epilepsy. Comprehensive treatment combining cell therapy with standard therapeutic methods makes it possible to achieve impressive results in a relatively short period of time.
The earlier therapy is initiated, the higher the chances of improving a child’s quality of life. If you are looking for modern and safe treatment options, where specialists will help select an optimal treatment and rehabilitation program tailored to your child’s individual needs, contact the Mardaleishvili Clinic.
