'Stem cell treatment shows improvement in Parkinson's, neurology patients'

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Mumbai: Stem cell treatments can lead to great improvement in patients suffering from Parkinson's disease, extreme pain in the groin and other neurological issues as it helps in the regeneration of tissues -- a new treatment option, said doctors on Friday.

The doctors said they reached the conclusion after two patients suffering from Parkinson's along with cervical spine issues and extreme groin pain, respectively, showed improvement to a great extent.

Pune-based Dnyaneshwar Jagtap -- a patient of Parkinson's -- was experiencing, tremors, pain and weakness. Though he was prescribed medicine for both, he suffered a relapse once medication was stopped. After repeated advice, he decided to undergo stem cell therapy which had shown to be medically effective in several cases globally.

"By the second session of treatment, body pain and weakness improved to a great extent. Tremors in the patient's hands also reduced. Blood sugar level does not fluctuate much and he feels energetic overall," said Pradeep Mahajan, regenerative medicine researcher at StemRx hospital. 

Stem-cell therapy is the use of stem cells to treat or prevent a disease or condition. Bone marrow transplant is the most widely used stem-cell therapy, but some therapies derived from umbilical cord blood are also in use.

In another case study, 35-year-old Vijay complained of extreme pain in the left hip and groin for a decade, which the doctor said could be treated through medicine. As nothing improved the medical condition, Vijay chose to undergo stem cell treatment during which he underwent three sessions of cell-based therapy. 

He was also advised physiotherapy exercises and diet modification. Follow-up was done periodically wherein clinical and radiological assessment was done. 

Mahajan said that like the earlier patient, Vijay also showed gradual improvement in clinical parameters of pain and movements. 

"Two years following the cell-based therapy, he is now pain-free and is able to perform his routine activities comfortably," said Mahajan.

Explaining the efficacy of stem cell treatment, Mahajan said: "Since these stem cells are from the patient's own body, there is no risk of rejection or side-effect. The patient is monitored regularly in order to track the progress and further treatment sessions, if required, are planned." 

"With this therapy, we also aim to discontinue the medications, which the patient is taking presently, and enable him to perform his daily living activities comfortably," added Mahajan.

According to Mahajan: "Stem cells are part of the human body and have the unique ability of naturally finding and repairing the place of damage within. Stem cell therapy also helps to fight chronic and genetic diseases."