Neuropathy, a condition characterized by nerve damage that leads to pain, numbness, and weakness, affects millions worldwide. In India alone, neuropathy is increasingly prevalent, particularly among those with diabetes, contributing significantly to the national healthcare burden. As of 2024, advancements in medical science, particularly stem cell therapy, are being explored as potential treatments for this debilitating condition.
Stem cell therapy has gained attention for its potential to regenerate damaged nerves and restore normal function.
But what does this mean for patients in India? Is this treatment accessible, and is it FDA-approved?
In this blog, we delve into the intricacies of stem cell therapy for neuropathy, exploring its costs, effectiveness, and the latest developments in the field.
But first, let us know what neuropathy is.
What is neuropathy?
Neuropathy refers to nerve damage that disrupts the normal functioning of the peripheral nervous system. This system includes all the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, responsible for transmitting signals between the central nervous system and the rest of the body. Neuropathy can result from various causes, including diabetes, infections, and traumatic injuries. The condition manifests in several forms, such as diabetic neuropathy, which is particularly common in India due to the high prevalence of diabetes.
Neuropathy, also called Peripheral Neuropathy, is a condition where peripheral nerves are damaged. These nerves can be sensory, motor, or autonomic.
It has several causes, the most common of which are:
While the causes of this condition are different, the symptoms are usually the same:
There are several types of neuropathies, but they are most commonly classified as Mononeuropathy, Polyneuropathy, and Distal Symmetric Neuropathy.
Experiencing symptoms of Neuropathy? Your health is too important to ignore – schedule your appointment now for a comprehensive evaluation and personalized care.
Can Stem Cells Cure Neurological Diseases?
Stem cell therapy offers a promising avenue for treating various neurological diseases, including neuropathy. Stem cells have numerous wonderful properties. The ones that help treat neuropathy are:
- Repair of damaged nerve cells
- Regeneration of destroyed nerves
- Release of neurotrophic factors, which help re-establish the connection between nerves
- Presence of neuroprotective factors, which protect the newly formed nerve cells from damage
The therapy aims to regenerate damaged nerve cells and restore their normal function, potentially relieving neuropathy symptoms.
However, it is important to note that stem cell therapy has shown potential in preclinical and early clinical studies. However, it is not yet a cure for neuropathy or other neurological diseases. The therapy is still in its experimental stages, and more research is needed to understand its effectiveness and long-term outcomes fully.
Despite these limitations, many patients have reported significant improvements in their symptoms following stem cell therapy, making it a promising option for those seeking alternative treatments for neuropathy.
Types of Stem Cells Used to Treat Neuropathy
Researchers have discovered several types of stem cells in our bodies. However, not all of them can be used to treat neuropathy.
The most used stem cells are bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells.
Maximum studies are carried out using these stem cells.
Why? Because they are easily available and very effective.
The other stem cells that have shown some success are adipose-derived, umbilical stem cells, and embryonic stem cells.
It should be noted that embryonic stem cells have major ethical objections and are not allowed in most countries.
Researchers also prefer using the patient’s cells over donor cells, making stem cells even more accessible.
Eligibility
So, exactly who is eligible for stem cell neuropathy?
Well, each clinical study has its specific requirements.
Some of the general ones are:
- Diagnosed neuropathy
- No active infections or diseases
- No extensive medical history
- No previous organ transplant or organ failure
- No history of autoimmune diseases
Benefits/Risks of Stem Cell Therapy for Neuropathy
Like every medical procedure, even stem cell neuropathy treatment has its own set of risks and benefits.
| BENEFITS | RISKS |
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Stem Cell Therapy for Neuropathy: Current Status in India
India has become a hub for stem cell therapy, with several clinics offering treatments for various conditions, including neuropathy. However, it is essential to note that while stem cell therapy holds promise, it is still considered experimental in many countries, including India. The treatment is not yet FDA-approved for neuropathy, and patients are often advised to participate in clinical trials to receive this therapy.
If you are looking for stem cell hospitals, check out our blog on the list of stem cell treatment hospitals in India.
How Much Does Stem Cell Therapy Cost for Neuropathy?
It’s time to examine the effect of stem cell therapy for neuropathic pain on your wallet.
The cost of stem cell therapy for peripheral neuropathy depends on a few factors including:
- The number of cycles required
- The severity of the neuropathy
- The facility you choose to get your treatment at
- The type of stem cells used
The cost of stem cell therapy for neuropathy in India is 8000 to 12000 USD. This same treatment costs upward of 25,000 USD in the US!
However, it should be kept in mind that since stem cell therapy for nerve damage is still undergoing clinical trials, it is not usually covered by medical insurance.
Stem Cell Therapy for Different Types of Neuropathy
We have already seen that there are numerous types of neuropathies. Not all of them can be treated with stem cells.
We went ahead and made a list of a few common neuropathies to explain how stem cells can treat them.
| TYPE OF NEUROPATHY | HOW STEM CELLS HELP |
| Diabetic Neuropathy |
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| Sensory Neuropathy |
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| Autonomic Neuropathy |
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Procedure
Are you sitting in front of your computer, biting your nails because you think the stem cell therapy for neuropathy procedure will be long and painful?
Take a deep breath. And relax.
Stem cell treatment for peripheral neuropathy is done in three simple steps.
| Extraction of stem cells |
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| Separation of stem cells |
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| Stem cell transplantation |
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As you can see, the whole process can be completed in about eight to nine hours. However, doctors spread it over two or three days to keep the patient comfortable.
In some cases, a couple of additional days of hospital stay is also required.
Unlock relief with Stem Cell Treatment for Peripheral Neuropathy in three simple steps. Take the first step to recovery – get in touch with us for personalized treatment and embark on your journey to healing.
What to Expect After Stem Cell Therapy for Neuropathy?
Stem cell therapy requires very little recovery time. The patient is usually discharged one or two days after the procedure. They can resume their daily activities one week after the procedure.
Right after the procedure, some patients experience a headache and nausea. However, this clears up on its own in a few hours. Apart from this, no long-term side effects have been reported by any clinical study.
This procedure is one hundred percent safe.
After the procedure, the stem cells usually remain active for a year in our bodies. During this time, they form new nerve cells and repair the damaged ones.
Does this mean that results will only be visible after a year?
Absolutely not.
You will see visible results about three or four weeks after the procedure.
You can expect:
Improvements last for over a year, and some patients have shown a reduction in symptoms at their three-year follow up too.
How Successful is Stem Cell Treatment for Neuropathy?
The success rates of stem cell treatment depend heavily on considerations like the severity of the neuropathy and the patient’s overall health.
Most studies have reported improvement in over 50% of their patients, who have failed to get relief from nearly all other treatments.
Wondering about the success of Stem Cell Treatment for Neuropathy? Your well-being is our priority – call us today to book your appointment and explore potential solutions for a healthier life.
Other Treatments Used Along with Stem Cell Therapy for Neuropathy
Did you know that stem cells can also be used in conjunction with other treatments to treat neuropathy?
To date, no cure has been discovered for neuropathy. This is mainly due to the poor regenerative powers of nerve cells.
The main aim of all conventional treatments for neuropathy is to reduce the symptoms. Researchers have been using stem cells to achieve this goal.
In severe cases, where nerve grafts are required to treat neuropathy, stem cell treatment is also done. The neuroprotective properties of stem cells protect the nerves from further damage after surgery.
A Research Study Explaining Current and Future Scope and Challenges of Stem Cell Therapy for Neuropathy
Stem cell therapy has exhibited promising results that have surprised researchers. It is the only treatment that treats the neuropathy from its root cause, rather than simply treating the symptoms.
However, a few challenges are yet to be addressed. According to a research paper by Meichen Liu et al., the mode of stem cell delivery still needs to be standardized.
Additionally, more clinical trials are required to study this treatment and get more predictable results.
Nonetheless, they also conclude that stem cell therapy could one day cure neuropathy.
Do you also believe that stem cell therapy is the future of neuropathy treatment?
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