MSCs in neurology: how cell therapy helps with diseases of the nervous system and after stroke

Nerve tissue regenerates poorly, which is why neurology has become one of the most active fields for cell therapy. Mesenchymal stem cells do not replace dead neurons, they reduce neuroinflammation, support surviving cells, and improve blood supply to the affected area. This is not an alternative to rehabilitation, but an attempt to make it more effective.

Why the nervous system is the hardest to recover from

The liver regenerates, the skin heals, the bone fuses together. With nervous tissue, things are different: mature neurons practically do not divide, and a glial scar forms at the site of death, which physically and biochemically prevents the regrowth of processes.

At the same time, the brain has plasticity. Neighboring areas are able to partially take over the functions of the lost area, and neural connections are rebuilt under load. This is what all rehabilitation after a stroke is based on . The problem is that plasticity works in a hostile environment: after an acute event, chronic inflammation, impaired microcirculation, and a deficiency of neurotrophic factors persist for months.

The idea of ​​cell therapy is precisely here: not to “grow a new brain,” but to remove obstacles that interfere with one’s own repair mechanisms.

How mesenchymal stem cells work in neurological conditions

The mechanisms described in studies and on which clinical practice is based come down to several areas:

• Reducing neuroinflammation, which itself worsens damage to nervous tissue after the primary event.
• Stimulation of the production of neurotrophic factors that support the viability of neurons in the area around the lesion.
• Improving microcirculation and cell nutrition in the affected area by affecting the blood vessels.
• Modulation of the immune response, which is important in conditions with an autoimmune component.
• Creating conditions for regeneration or partial compensation of functions by neighboring zones.
• Maintaining overall homeostasis and slowing the progression of chronic processes.

The key word here is "conditions." MSCs work as an environmental factor, not as a building material. Therefore, therapy makes sense in conjunction with physical rehabilitation, speech therapy, and occupational therapy, and does not make sense in place of them.

What conditions does cell therapy in neurology work with?

At ReoCell Clinic, the field of neurology covers the following groups of conditions:

• cerebrovascular accident, i.e. stroke and its consequences;
• amyotrophic lateral sclerosis;
• Parkinson's disease;
• neuritis and neuralgia of various origins;
• chronic pain syndromes, including neuropathic pain.

The level of evidence for these conditions varies, and it is worth saying this directly. The largest amount of clinical research has been accumulated on ischemic stroke, less on neurodegenerative diseases. For some conditions, it is mainly about improving quality of life and slowing progression, rather than reversing the development of the disease.

What does a person with such diseases feel?

The clinical picture is different, but the complaints often overlap:

• muscle weakness or partial or complete paralysis;
• convulsions and involuntary movements;
• difficulty speaking and swallowing;
• impaired sensitivity, numbness, tingling;
• tremor, slowness of movements, stiffness;
• impaired coordination and balance;
• pain that does not respond to standard therapy;
• decreased memory, attention, and concentration.

The consequences go far beyond medical indicators: loss of independence in everyday life, need for constant care, chronic fatigue, social isolation, anxiety and depressive states due to loss of control over one's own body. That is why in neurology the result is assessed not only by scales, but also by whether the patient was able to dress himself or walk around the room.

Does cell therapy help after a stroke?

This is the most common question, and the answer to it should be cautious. Studies of mesenchymal stem cells in stroke have been conducted for a long time, there are both individual clinical trials and meta-analyses in PubMed. The general picture is as follows: the safety profile is acceptable, and some studies record a moderate improvement in neurological and functional status compared to controls. At the same time, the results are heterogeneous, and the optimal timing of administration and doses are still being clarified.

What this means for the patient:

• the method does not completely restore lost functions and does not dissolve the scar;
• it makes the most sense as a supplement to active rehabilitation;
• the earlier recovery begins after the acute period, the greater the plasticity resource;
• Expectations should be formulated specifically: strength in the hand, stability when walking, clarity of speech, endurance.

Video of the ReoCell clinic, where they treat stroke patients with stem cells in Kyiv:

What effects are expected in the recovery program?

ReoCell describes the goals of the neurological program in the following areas:

• reducing pain and inflammation;
• improving motor functions and coordination;
• reduction in the frequency or severity of seizures and tremors;
• improving speech, swallowing, and fine motor skills;
• increased endurance and reduced fatigue;
• positive dynamics in the cognitive sphere, in particular memory and attention;
• improving quality of life and reducing the need for external care.

The last point is often the most important for families of patients. The difference between "needing 24/7 care" and "doing it on your own most of the day" is life-changing for the entire family.

What to check before starting

Neurological programs are more complex than orthopedic ones, so the requirements for the center are higher. The minimum to look for: a license from the Ministry of Health, in-house production of a cell product with quality control, a specialized neurologist on the team, and no promises of a full recovery.

ReoCell products are manufactured on its own biotechnology platform in Kyiv, and the center's work is confirmed by a license from the Ministry of Health and certification according to the international standard ISO 9001:2015 for both the clinic and the biobank. The clinical direction is led by a team of regenerative medicine doctors, including a neurological specialist.

Recovering from a stroke or living with a neurodegenerative disease is a marathon, not a single procedure. Cell therapy can be a powerful tool in this marathon if prescribed by a doctor who honestly explains both the possibilities and limitations of the method.