The study included 18 patients who had a stroke at least one year before the study and who demonstrated severe motor deficits for at least six months.
Neurosurgeons drilled a small hole in the patients’ skulls and then injected modified stem cells into various brain areas near the stroke sites. No patients experienced blood abnormalities or other significant side effects.
Here are five key points:
1. All 18 patients experienced motor control improvements within one month of injections.
2. Younger patients experienced higher rates of improvement.
3. The patients’ mobility continued to improve as seen at the three-month, six-month and one-year follow-ups.
4. Some patients could lift their arms above their heads or their legs off their beds.
5. Researchers believe the stem cells may mimic infant brains, allowing for greater recovery following stroke, because of more plasticity and the ability to form new cell connections.
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