Stem Cell Therapies to Treat Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy defines a variety of physical manifestations related to movement and posture. Originating in the brain, Cerebral Palsy causes muscles to be stiff or rigid, or weak and uncontrolled. Affecting children who carry the condition into adulthood, cerebral palsy may also cause vision problems such as depth perception, lack of balance, as well as uncontrolled muscle movements, or a combination of all the muscular and neuro manifestations mentioned above.

In some cases, toddlers or small children diagnosed with cerebral palsy may overcome their symptoms as they age, but many others suffering from moderate to severe forms of the condition must live with their symptoms for their entire life.

Cerebral palsy is caused by some form of damage or injury to the brain, often occurring during development or the birthing process.

Therapies for Cerebral Palsy
No cure has been found to permanently treat the disabilities and manifestations of symptoms of Cerebral Palsy in children or adults. However, stem cell research and technology focusing on umbilical cord stem cell therapies in the treatment of Cerebral Palsy have been under study in recent years. The focus of such studies is to integrate transplanted stem cells into injured areas of the brain, restoring lost function and mobility.

To date, the most traditional and alternative therapies for treatment of Cerebral Palsy include:

• Physical therapy
• Drug therapies (Klonopin, Dilantin, anti-seizure medications, Botox, Baclofen, Tegretol)
  Surgery
• Magnetic Therapy - (Magnetic Molecular Energizing - MME)
• Amino Acid Therapy
• Stem Cell Therapies (embryonic stem cell lines, umbilical cord stem cells, germ-cell-derived stem cells)

Many stem cell therapies focus on reducing spasticity in the muscles.
Stem cell therapies such as those called CD 34+ and CD 133+ have been used for about a decade.  Very specialized stem cells that have shown promise in migrating to and repairing white matter brain damage, such stem cell therapies injected into those experiencing a variety of cerebral palsy symptoms have enjoyed fairly promising outcomes.

Who Benefits From Stem Cell Therapy Targeting Cerebral Palsy?
Children experiencing a lack of muscle tone, the ability to breathe properly, swallowing difficulties, immunodeficiency, and difficulty with movement, including lack of balance, difficulty walking, and using fine motor skills may benefit from stem cell therapies targeting certain areas of the brain that affect movement and function. Repeated stem cell injections may be necessary, through subcutaneous or intravenous injection.

How Much Do Cerebral Palsy Stem Cell Therapies Cost?
Whilst clinical trials for stem cell therapies are underway in the United States, the FDA has not yet approved stem cell treatments in the United States. However, the prospective costs of stem cell therapies range between $10,000 and $50,000, depending on the type of stem cell, frequency of injections, and length of therapy.

Facilities around the world, including those found in Mexico, Europe, and Southeast Asia are able to offer stem cell therapies, including umbilical cord derived stem cells, for an average of about $8,000 a vial, with prices decreasing as the number of vials needed increases.

How Do I Select a Stem Cell Provider?
Ask questions:

• Can you offer proof that these stem cell therapy treatments work?
• Can I speak with former patients who have undergone such therapies?
• Who are (and what are the credentials) of the physician or surgeon administering stem cell therapies or treatments?
• How long has the organization offered such treatments?
• How safe is the treatment? Are there risks involved?

Many facilities worldwide offer stem cell therapy, but it's important to locate accredited and experienced physicians who deal with stem cell treatments. Doctors specializing in oncology or neurodegenerative disease processes should be trained, certified and accredited through country of origin or international accreditation and certification boards and should also belong to organizations or associations of their specialty.

Check references and resources to determine whether physicians or specialists are trained, experienced and accredited with placenta stem cell therapy treatments with his or her country of origin and that facilities provide state-of the art technology and equipment and have a well maintained, trained and educated staff.