Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS). In those suffering from MS, the immune system mistakenly attacks and damages the protective covering of nerve fibers called myelin, which disrupts the communication between the brain and the rest of the body. The exact cause of MS is still unknown, but it is thought to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and immunological factors.
How can stem cell therapy help Multiple Sclerosis?
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from umbilical cord tissue are a type of stem cell that has had very positive outcomes for patients with multiple sclerosis.
Here are a few reasons why stem cell therapy is succeeding in the fight against MS:
- Stem cells modulate the immune system: MSCs modulate the immune system by suppressing immune cells that attack the myelin sheath, which is the protective layer surrounding nerve fibers in the central nervous system.
In patients with MS, the immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin sheath, causing neurological symptoms. By suppressing these immune cells, stem cells can help reduce inflammation and promote the repair of damaged tissue.
- They promote neuroprotection and repair: MSCs can differentiate into different types of cells, including neural cells. This means that they have the potential to promote neuroprotection and repair by replacing damaged cells and supporting the growth and survival of healthy cells.
- Stem cell therapy enhances remyelination: MSCs can also secrete growth factors and cytokines that promote the differentiation and maturation of oligodendrocytes, which are cells that produce the myelin sheath. By enhancing remyelination, MSCs can help restore normal neural function in MS patients.
Have our treatments helped others with MS?
A woman came to us for treatment after suffering from Multiple Sclerosis for a significant time. She used to be a runner and now could not walk easily without assistance. In fact, when she arrived at the treatment facility, her inability to walk “normally” made her look as if she were dancing. The day after treatment she walked down the hall of our facility, and her difficulty walking was improved by approximately 80%.
Six months after her treatment, she sent us a video of her jogging again. She didn’t run exactly as she had before Multiple Sclerosis, but she is able to jog again and live a better quality of life.
Watch her story in these 3 videos
Are the results the same for every patient?
Results are not the same for every patient with any medical procedure. As an example; people often react differently to the same medications. Symptoms of MS can vary widely, depending on the location and extent of the damage in the CNS. Some common symptoms include fatigue, muscle weakness and spasms, numbness and tingling, vision problems, cognitive difficulties, and bladder and bowel dysfunction. Although stem cell therapy helps all of our patients, results vary depending on your individual condition.
If you would like to consider treatment at our facility in Costa Rica, speak with one of our patient care coordinators on the phone. He or she will have you submit your medical history so the medical team can make a determination as to whether we can help you or not.
We will not suggest treatment for anyone that we are not sure we can help. If we cannot help you we will do our best to point you in the right direction.
What if you decide to live with MS and not seek treatment?
According to WebMD, a person suffering with MS has a lifespan 7.5 years less than a person without multiple sclerosis. According to The National MS Society, the quality of life for a person with MS is 36% less that that of a person without the disease. This means that MS patients experience a lower quality of life. According to an article published on PubMed, the lifetime costs of MS per individual is over $4 million dollars. Much will be covered by insurance but a great deal will not.
What is the cost of stem cell therapy for multiple sclerosis?