What Is A Stroke And What Are Its Types?

A stroke is a severe health condition that occurs when the blood flow to the brain is blocked or interrupted for any reason, resulting in a lack of oxygen supply to brain cells and, ultimately, brain cell death. Body movements, perception, and speech ability are impaired, and patients may lose consciousness when a stroke happens. After cancer and cardiac failure, stroke is the third leading cause of death worldwide.

There are three major types of strokes depending on their causes or origin.

• • Ischemic Stroke – It is the most common type of brain stroke, comprising almost 87% of all stroke victims. The arteries carrying oxygenated blood to the brain are blocked by blood clots, causing an ischemic stroke. Consequently, there is a lack of oxygen supply to the brain cells, and patients experience sudden loss of movement, speech, vision, and balance.
  • Hemorrhagic Stroke – This type of stroke occurs due to bleeding in the brain when an artery gets damaged and breaks up, leaking blood into the brain. The damaged artery exerts enormous pressure on the brain cells, resulting in cell death. High blood pressure and Aneurysms are two primary reasons for hemorrhagic stroke.
  • Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) – It is a “mini-stroke” that occurs from a temporary blockage of blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain cells. TIA typically lasts five minutes and is caused by blood clots in the arteries.

Related Read: Stem Cell Therapy: Ischemic Stroke Recovery Breakthrough

Effects Of Stroke – What To Expect After Having A Stroke

The effects of stroke depend on the area in the brain where the brain cell death has occurred and the number of cells damaged or dead. Also, the patient’s age, medical history, current condition, and type of medical attention provided at the time of stroke play a big part in determining the long-term effects of the stroke and the patient’s outcome.

The common disabilities seen in patients after having a stroke are –

• • Partial or complete paralysis
  • Weakness in one side or complete body
  • Limited ability to make movements
  • Memory loss
  • Speech impairment or changes in facial expression
  • Loss of control over bladder and bowel movements
  • Inability to eat or swallow

Early medical intervention is necessary for preventing these long-term disabilities, as mentioned above, and may lead to quick recovery, regaining some abilities that were lost.

Risk Factors For Stroke

The two most common and significant reasons for stroke are high blood pressure and smoking. Other risk factors that are responsible for stroke include:

• • Atrial Fibriallation (A-fib)
  • Heart failure or heart attack
  • History of Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
  • Birth control pills
  • High blood cholesterol
  • High levels of lipids or hyperlipidemia
  • Excessive alcohol intake
  • Obesity
  • Pre-existing heart diseases
  • Sickle cell disease

How Does Stem Cell Therapy Help In Stroke Recovery?

Stem cells have the distinct property to differentiate into various cell types, including neurons or nerve cells. These powerful cells help repair the damaged brain cells after a stroke and promote functional brain recovery. Stem cell therapy holds immense potential to regenerate damaged neurons and reduce the extent of damage in the affected parts of the brain.

Stem cells help in reversing the damage in the brain cells in the following ways:

• • They release growth factors and cytokines which help in the growth of new blood vessels from existing vessels through a process called angiogenesis.
  • Stem cells possess anti-inflammatory agents that help reduce neuroinflammation and repair damaged neural cells and tissues.
  • Stem cells regenerate damaged cells and help regain motor function in patients.
  • When they reach the injury site, stem cells activate their healing mechanisms and create a conducive microenvironment, facilitating functional recovery.
  • Besides promoting the growth of new and healthy cells, stem cells prevent further death of brain cells.

Types of Stem Cells Used in Stroke Recovery Treatment

Stem cell therapy for post-stroke recovery is a revolutionary treatment that reduces the adverse impacts of stroke and helps patients recover faster, thus leading a healthy life. Although several types of stem cells have shown the potential to promote the brain’s functional recovery after a stroke, mesenchymal stem cells have gained the most attention regarding their therapeutic benefits.

Mesenchymal stem cells are immature adult cells found in various tissues and organs of the human body. They are classified as pluripotent cells depending on their differentiation and regenerative characteristics. The three types of mesenchymal stem cells that make ideal candidates for stem cell therapy to regenerate damaged neurons are:

• • Bone marrow tissue
  • Adipose or fat tissue
  • Human Umbilical cord tissue

Benefits of Stem Cell Therapy For Stroke Survivors

Stem cell therapy offers numerous advantages that other alternative treatments or medications fail to provide. Emergency medical intervention is necessary to restore the flow of oxygenated blood to the brain, such as endovascular procedures or intravenous medications. However, these treatments save lives at the moment of the stroke, and the chances of recurrence remain, which necessitates the need for post-stroke recovery treatment like stem cell therapy.

• • Stem cell therapy is a minimally invasive and quick procedure requiring only one or two hours to complete.
  • There is no lengthy rehabilitation period; patients can return to routine within one to two days.
  • Stem cells promote functional recovery of the damaged region in the brain by activating the body’s healing response and stimulating cell repair.
  • Mesenchymal stem cells derived from umbilical cord tissue are easy to procure.
  • Umbilical cord tissue-derived stem cells are hypoimmunogenic and have zero risks of cell rejection because they can evade the host’s immune system.
  • Stem cell therapy is safe and effective with no adverse or long-term side effects.

Read Also: Healing Power Of Stem Cell Therapy: A Comprehensive Guide

What To Expect After Receiving Stem Cells

Patients are expected to notice the following significant and sustained improvements in their neurological function and overall health after a few weeks of receiving stem cells.

• • Increase in physical mobility or body movements
  • Better body balance and coordination
  • Increase in strength and energy levels
  • Better control over bladder and bowel movements
  • Improved speech
  • Increased ability to eat and swallow independently
  • Improved memory and concentration

It is essential to understand that every human body is different, so results may vary. Moreover, the location of the brain damage, the severity of the injury or brain lesion, and the timing of the stroke onset determine the effectiveness or impact of stem cell therapy.

Cost of Stem Cell Treatment For Post-stroke Recovery

The cost of stem cell treatment for post-stroke recovery might be higher than traditional treatment alternatives, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and medications. However, there is no denying that the outcomes of mesenchymal stem cell therapy are sustainable or long-lasting, unlike the other treatments. It helps enhance patients’ overall quality of life.

The factors that influence the cost of stem cell therapy are:

• • The source or types of stem cells used.
  • The method of stem cell extraction.
  • The clinic’s location.
  • The number of stem cell doses.

Stem cell therapy in Mexico is comparatively cheaper than in other countries, and it is currently the top preferred place for stroke patients worldwide. Life Altering Stem Cell Therapy Institute is a top-rated clinic offering advanced, high-quality stem cell treatment for stroke recovery.

Introduction – An Overview of Myocardial Infarction

A heart attack or Myocardial Infarction (MI) occurs when the blood supply to the heart is suddenly cut off due to the formation of clots in the heart arteries. The reduced flow of oxygen to the heart causes the death of the tissues of the cardiac muscles. MI is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity across the world. It damages the cardiovascular function of the MI survivors, leading to a permanent loss or damage to cardiomyocytes or cardiac muscle cells. After the heart attack, the formation of scar tissue lowers the ability of the heart to pump blood properly and regulate the heart rate effectively.

As mentioned earlier, MI is a life-threatening emergency, and a delay of a few minutes can cause death or irreparable damage to the heart. Chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, heart palpitations, and sweating are some of the prominent symptoms noticed in heart attack patients. In most cases, vascular surgeons will perform angioplasty to remove narrow clogged arteries and reduce the risk of further cardiac failures.

Stem cell therapy has shown vast potential in cardiac tissue repair and regeneration. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have recently emerged as a promising treatment to restore cardiac function and improve the conditions of patients experiencing pro-longed impacts of myocardial infarction.

The Promise of Stem Cells For Repairing Heart Muscles

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that can potentially develop into cells and tissues. Stem cell therapy uses this unique property to repair or replace damaged tissues, thus improving cardiac outcomes.

Evidence from both human and animal studies demonstrates the distinct capability of stem cells to form heart muscle cells and blood vessels through the production of growth factors. In simple terms, stem cells have promising cardiac regeneration potential.

Regenerative medicine holds promise for heart repair after acute myocardial infarction as these cells decrease inflammation, repair damaged cardiac tissues, and regenerate healthy cells in the heart.

Types Of Stem Cells Used For Treating Myocardial Infarction

Mesenchymal stem cells derived from human umbilical cord tissue (Wharton’s Jelly) have shown high efficacy in treating Myocardial Infarction and other cardiovascular diseases. These cells are present in the connective tissues that surround the umbilical cord. With their proliferation potential, they can multiply and differentiate into cells of any type, including cardiomyocytes or heart muscle cells.

Besides Wharton’s Jelly mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs), there are a few other sources of cell collection for stem cell therapy for post-stroke and post-heart attack recovery.

• Adult stem cells: You can find stem cells in the tissues of various parts of the human body, such as bone marrow and adipose or fat tissue. These cells are suitable candidates for medicinal applications in cardiac tissue regeneration because they can differentiate and form heart muscle cells and blood vessels.
• Pluripotent Stem Cells (IPSCs): Induced cells created by reprogramming adult stem cells to restore their undifferentiated state and make them capable of renewing and differentiating into any cell type.
• Embryonic stem cells: Cells are from the inner cell mass of early-stage human embryos or blastocysts, the stage before implantation. These cells are undifferentiated cells used in stem cell treatment to support the growth and restoration of healthy cells in the affected areas.

Process of Stem Cell Therapy For Heart Attack

Stem cell therapy for myocardial infarction involves several steps, starting from the collection to administration and post-treatment care. We have also mentioned how stem cells are procured and prepared before injecting to the patients.

1. Stem cell collection – Stem cells are obtained either from a donor, as in the case of umbilical cord tissue and embryonic stem cells, or from the patient’s body, such as bone marrow or adipose tissue, which is a minimally invasive procedure.
2. Stem cell expansion – After the stem cells are collected and harvested, they are cultured for expansion in a laboratory setting to prepare regenerative medicine for the patients. The number of stem cells increases due to the expansion process.
3. Stem cell administration – The delivery of stem cells to the site of injury or myocardium through various methods. These could be intravenous infusion or intracoronary injection, in which the cells travel throughout the body to reach the injured cardiac muscles. Another technique is directly injecting the stem cells into the heart to get the myocardium faster. Based on the patient’s age, current health condition, and other factors, stem cell therapy varies from patient to patient.
4. Stem cell differentiation – After the cells reach the injured site, they engraft into the surrounding tissue. After integrating the stem cells, the differentiation process begins, where they develop into specialized heart cells and start regenerating the damaged tissues.
5. Post-treatment monitoring – Patients receiving stem cell treatment are continuously monitored to observe improvement in their cardiac function and overall health. Regular tracking of their health progress helps healthcare providers understand the extent of inflammation reduction and cardiac tissue regeneration.

Benefits of Stem Cell Treatment For Myocardial Infarction

Several studies on stem cell therapy confirm that the use of stem cells induces therapeutic effects in patients affected by myocardial infarction. The cells induce metabolic regeneration of myocardial avital tissue with increased oxygen intake and improve blood perfusion in the injured region. It enhances the condition of heart attack survivors in the following ways.

• Enhances cardiac function – Mesenchymal stem cells significantly improve heart function and lower the size of infarcted heart tissue. It shows promising results in improving left ventricular ejection fraction, a primary measure of heart function.
• Reduces risk of adverse events – Stem cell therapy is highly effective in helping patients cope and recover from the long-term effects of myocardial infarction. Also, it prevents the risk of heart attacks in the future.
• Promotes tissue regeneration – One of the significant reasons stem cell therapy is considered a reliable treatment for treating cardiovascular diseases is the ability of the stem cells to repair and regenerate tissue to restore the proper functioning of the heart.
• Improves the flow of the blood to the heart – Administration of stem cells reduces inflammation in the injured heart muscle cells and encourages myocardial perfusion. As the blood supply to the heart muscles improves, the patient’s condition also progresses.

Clinical Trials Showing Positive Outcomes In Patients

Several studies and clinical trials have shown that stem cell therapy using mesenchymal stem cells is safe and feasible for post-myocardial infarction recovery. These trials also affirm the effectiveness of the treatment for heart failure and other cardiac diseases.

A systematic study of 11 clinical trials that involved 647 patients concluded that mesenchymal stem cells have resulted in better function of the heart muscles, particularly the myocardium. Another study in 2015 involving 80 heart attack patients shows that all the patients experienced a reduction in adverse and significant cardiovascular events post-therapy.

Further, a study on the rat model in 2016 indicated that administering mesenchymal stem cells derived from the human umbilical cord or Wharton’s Jelly boosted the growth of new blood vessels in the heart, eventually improving cardiac function.

Stem Cell Therapy For Heart Attack – Post-Treatment Care

Following a healthy lifestyle post-treatment is crucial to ensure speedy recovery and prevention of further events of heart failure. High blood pressure affects the coronary arteries, so controlling blood pressure is necessary for every patient.

Following a heart-healthy diet, such as avoiding oily and fried foods, reducing intake of trans fat and red meat, and inclining more toward a plant-based diet, can help accelerate the recovery process. Furthermore, quitting smoking and avoiding a sedentary lifestyle are also effective in improving heart health and enhancing the quality of life post-treatment.

Read Also: Stem Cell Therapy: Ischemic Stroke Recovery Breakthrough

Introduction – What is Ischemic Stroke?

Ischemic stroke is a devastating neurological and cerebrovascular disease characterized by the sudden loss of blood flow to the specific areas of the brain, typically in the vascular territory, resulting in a corresponding loss of neurological function. Obstruction of blood flow to the brain leads to a reduction in oxygen and nutrients, resulting in physical and cognitive impairment.

Blood clot, also known as thrombus, caused by atherosclerosis or plaque formation in the arteries, is identified as the most common cause of Ischemic stroke. Fortunately, as per recent studies, Mesenchymal stem cell therapy has become a novel hotspot for research due to its remarkable potential to help patients recover from Ischemic stroke.

Stem Cell Therapy For Ischemic Stroke: Therapeutic Mechanism Of Stem Cells

Stem cells have vast potential to minimize or eliminate the effects of ischemic stroke and promote recovery in patients. Stem cell therapy for Post-stroke recovery aims to repair or replace the damaged brain tissues and restore the lost cognitive function. MSCs demonstrate therapeutic benefits in treating severe neurological disorders, including acute ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, ischemic brain injury, and chronic stroke.Now, let us unwind the healing mechanisms of stem cells for post-recovery in stroke patients.

Self-renewing Capacity – The high capabilities of stem cells for self-renewal and the ability to form various cell types, such as adipocytes, osteoblasts, neurons, chondrocytes, etc., aid in the speedy recovery from the cognitive and neurological effects of stroke. They regenerate the neural cells and brain tissues lost due to stroke.

Reduces Neuroinflammation – Stem cells reduce neuroinflammation and aid in the modulation of immune response in stroke survivors. Administration of stem cells promotes neuroprotection, angiogenesis, and endogenous neurogenesis, improving overall cognitive function.

Releases Growth Factors – Stem cells stimulate the production and differentiation of cells surrounding the affected areas, reduce inflammation, and promote neuroregeneration. After administration, they migrate to the injured regions of the brain, fostering innate healing and reducing oxidative stress.

Repairs Damaged Neurons – When a patient gets an ischemic stroke, the blood supply to the brain is disrupted, causing the death and damage of neurons. Stem cell therapy utilizes the unique properties of stem cells to differentiate and form any cell type to repair damaged tissues. The stem cells differentiate into brain cells and regenerate damaged neurons, thus making this treatment an ideal solution for stroke recovery.

Immune-privileged – Mesenchymal stem cells, obtained from human umbilical cord tissue following normal and healthy births, are fresh cells with minimal chances of cell rejection. They are immune-privileged, which makes them ideal for regenerative medicine treatment for ischemic stroke recovery.

How Effective Is Stem Cell Therapy For Treating Ischemic Stroke?

One of the questions that most stem cell therapy clinics come across from stroke survivors and their families is what is the efficacy of stem cell treatment. As per the opinions of stem cell experts, the effectiveness and durability of the therapy rely on several factors. These include the patient’s age, severity of the ischemic stroke, overall health condition, past ailments, pre-existing diseases, medications, and any other underlying conditions.

Also, the recovery time after a stroke may vary from individual to individual. Some may respond to stem cell treatment after a few weeks, while some may take a month or two. In general, stem cell therapy provides long-lasting results where patients can experience significant improvements in neurological function and overall health for an extended period.

What are the eligibility criteria to qualify for stem cell therapy?

Various factors are taken into account by stem cell doctors to determine whether you are eligible for stem cell treatment. First, the patient should have a stable medical condition and be able to travel abroad. They should not be suffering from any active infection or undergoing cancer treatment.

Furthermore, the doctors will review the patient’s medical history to understand the overall health condition. Other eligibility criteria that determine whether an individual is a suitable stem cell candidate are:

• The patient’s age.
• The type of stroke.
• The severity of the stroke.
• The location in the brain affected by the stroke.
• The types of stem cells they can use for treatment.

Improvements Noticed In Stroke Patients After Stem Cell Treatment 

Statistical data on the preliminary efficacy of cell therapy for post-stroke recovery reported by patients shows that nearly 85% of them have experienced sustained progress in their health.

The significant signs of improvements observed in the patients after three months of treatment include:

• Improvement in stamina and energy levels.
• Better body balance and coordination.
• Regained strength in muscles and joints.
• Improvement in vision.
• Enhanced memory and concentration.
• Improvement in speech.
• Ability to eat independently.