Regenerate. Repair. Restore.

Stem Cells Therapy for Peripheral Neuropathy

Neuropathies are characterized by nerve damages.

Peripheral neuropathy refers to a condition when nerves that carry messages to and from the brain and spinal cord are damaged.

Treatments at The Stem Cells Transplant Institute could help improve the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy including:

  • Loss of sensation in the arms and legs
  • Sharp, jabbing or throbbing pain
  • Freezing or burning pain
  • Tingling
  • Numbness
  • Lack of coordination and falling
  • Muscle weakness or paralysis
  • Heat intolerance and altered sweating
  • Thinning of the skin
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Buzzing or shocking sensation

What is peripheral neuropathy?

Peripheral nerves are nerves that carry signals to and from the brain and spinal cord. The signs and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy vary according to which nerves are damaged. Peripheral nerve damage can occur in the following areas:

  • Arms
  • Hands
  • Feet
  • Legs
  • Internal organs
  • Mouth
  • Face

Causes of peripheral neuropathy?

Diabetes Mellitus is the leading cause of peripheral neuropathy.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adults, an erosive and potentially deforming inflammatory arthritis, has been associated with peripheral neuropathy.

Sjogren syndrome, which causes dry eyes and dry mouth, has been associated with hemispheric and spinal cord lesions.

Scleroderma, which causes skin hardening and fibrosis, may lead to peripheral neuropathy and trigeminal neuralgia (cranial neuropathy)

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is the most common type of lupus. The prevalence of peripheral neuropathy is relatively high in patients diagnosed with SLE.  In a study of 1533 lupus patients, 207 patients suffered from neuropathy.

Lyme disease is a vector-borne disease that can result in neurological disorders such as peripheral neuropathy.

Other causes of peripheral neuropathy include:

  • Alcoholism
  • Bone marrow disorders
  • Kidney disease
  • Liver disease
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Idiopathic: no known cause
  • Infections
  • Inherited disorders
  • Medications
  • Poisons
  • Trauma
  • Tumors
  • Vitamin deficiency
  • Viruses

Peripheral neuropathy: what do we know about it?

As peripheral neuropathy affects up to 50% of people without causing any pain, it’s sometimes referred to as “silent neuropathy”. Many people with peripheral neuropathy in their feet are unaware that their feet are numb, increasing the risk of developing foot ulcers and amputation.

Currently, there is no cure for peripheral neuropathy, and available treatments merely address the main symptoms of the disease. Certain prescription medications, such as, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and opioid pain medications can help alleviate the symptoms. In severe cases, however, a combination of medications may be required. These medications can be expensive, and some are associated with addiction and/or serious adverse events.

How can stem cell therapy improve the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy?

Mesenchymal stem cells produce:

  • Proteins that support the growth and survival of neurons.
  • Angiogenic factors that is essential for the healing, growth, development, and maintenance of blood vessels.
  • Immunomodulatory substances that can reverse the damage to the nerves.

In 2015, researchers published the results of a study that used autologous stem cells to treat patients with diabetic foot gangrene caused by peripheral neuropathy.  The results found stem cell treatment to be safe, and patients experienced less pain in their limbs, less cold sensation, and improved clinical symptoms. The ulcers healed gradually and the patient’s quality of life improved as a result.

“MSC transplantation is a new technology that can be used to treat the diabetic foot and is a well-studied topic in the field of angiogenesis. MSCs have high proliferative and self-renewal capabilities in addition to the ability to differentiate into multiple types of cells… The transplanted stem cells regulate the immune system by influencing the immune responses of T cells, natural killer cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells, and they participate in diabetic wound healing….”

What is the recommended treatment protocol for peripheral neuropathy at the Stem Cells Transplant Institute?

The Stem Cells Transplant Institute recommends the use of hUC-MSCs for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy. Treatment includes:

  • Mesenchymal stem cells derived from human umbilical cord tissue.
  • Antioxidant therapy with vitamin C and glutathione.
  • Ozone therapy.
  • Platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP).
umbilical cord donations
Intravenus Administration

How Are the Stem Cells Collected?

Our clinic focuses on obtaining healthy stem cells exclusively from umbilical cord blood donors. We collect the placenta once the baby is born, with the parent’s informed consent. Additionally, we follow strict ethical guidelines and collect stem cells from reliable and reputable sources.

How Are the Stem Cells Administered?

Our nursing staff administers the stem cells through an intravenous and intra-pulmonary route. For the most effective outcomes, intravenous administration is preferred.

About the Stem Cells Transplant Institute

Our clinic is located in Costa Rica, which is one of the most popular medical tourism destinations for stem cell therapy. At the Stem Cells Transplant Institute, we have a skilled team of doctors and medical professionals who collect and administer stem cells to treat autism and other conditions. Every patient receives the most cost-effective and top-notch care from our dedicated team.

Scientific References:

  1. Cell Death Discovery (2016) 2, e16055; doi:10.1038/cddiscovery.2016.55; published online 11 July 2016 Mesenchymal stem cells to treat diabetic neuropathy: a long and strenuous way from bench to the clinic JY Zhou
  2. Han, JW et al., Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Improve Diabetic Neuropathy by Direct Modulation of Both Angiogenesis and Myelination in Peripheral Nerves. Cell transplant.2016;25(2):313-26. doi: 10.3727/096368915X688209. Epub 2015 May 13.
  3. Min Xu, S. et. al., Clinical observation of the application of autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation for the treatment of diabetic foot gangrene. Published online on: November 24, 2015.
  4.  Wu, Q. et. al., Mesenchymal Stem Cells as a Prospective Therapy for the Diabetic Foot. Hindawi Publishing Corporation Stem Cells International Volume 2016, Article ID 4612167, 18 pages
  5. Neurologic Manifestations of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Children and Adults Eyal Muscal, MDa , Robin L. Brey, MDb, * Neurol Clin 28 (2010) 61–73 6. Florica B et. al., Peripheral neuropathy in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Semin Arthritis Rheum.2011 Oct;41(2):203-11