Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a group of disorders that affects the ability of movement, posture and muscle tone among children. Generally, CP occurs among children even before birth and is characterised by damage to the developing brain. The damage occurring in the brain affects a child's ability to control their movement. 

Risk Factor Associated with Cerebral Palsy

Several risk factors lead to CP among children that including: 

• Prenatal Factors: Occurrence of infection such as rubella, exposure to toxic chemicals or incorrect or harsh medication during pregnancy

• Birth Complications: Premature birth of the child or birth complications. Lack of oxygenation in the brain of the child. 

• Postnatal Factors: Injury, infection, or trauma to the brain after the child's birth. This is the least common risk factor, but it generally occurs at an early stage. 

Conventional Cerebral Palsy Treatment

Currently, there are various conventional Cerebral Palsy Treatments available that focus on management aspects. The popular treatments are as follows: 

• Occupational Therapy: Cerebral palsy occupational therapy focuses on helping with day-to-day activities like eating, walking, using the washroom, playing, getting dressed, etc. The therapy focuses on improving the physical and cognitive abilities of the child, along with the development of their fine motor skills. The therapy improves the chances of independence in children and improves their ability to perform daily life activities. Some common examples included in Cerebral palsy occupational therapy are sensory integration therapy, using adaptive tools, and fine motor training.

• Physical Therapy/ Physiotherapy: Physical therapy focuses on improving the physical movement of the child. The primary focus remains on restoration of the physical independence, social and psychological well-being within their known environment, like home, schools, community, etc. Physiotherapy focuses on improving core motor skills, positioning, sitting, walking, etc. 

• Palliative Care: Medications that can relax stiffness or overactivation of the muscle are prescribed to the children. For children with CP experiencing frequent seizures, standard epileptic medications are provided. 

Despite the presence of various conventional cerebral palsy treatments, none of the therapies promises permanent solutions.  Hence, the interest towards regenerative medicine is growing rapidly among healthcare practitioners.  

Stem Cell Therapy for Cerebral Palsy

Stem cell therapy for cerebral palsy in the area of regenerative medicine is gaining increased interest as it focuses on the curative solution. Stem Cell Therapy is often considered the newest treatment for cerebral palsy that aids in the regeneration of the damaged or degenerated nerves, hence curing the problem and restricting the ongoing changes. The common advantages of using  Stem cell therapy for cerebral palsy include: 

• Increased production of neurotrophic factors that aid in the proliferation and differentiation of the nerve cells

• Increased production of new blood vessels, hence promotes adequate supply of blood and oxygenation in the brain

• Increase brain myelination by boosting the production of oligodendrocytes

• Significantly lowers free radical production, which is responsible for excessive damage to the neurons

• Significant reduction of inflammation in the brain and improvement of  neural connections

The standard type of stem cells that have shown a high success rate in cerebral palsy are mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) obtained from umbilical cord or bone marrow, with the least chances of immune rejection. 

Stem Cells Therapy for Cerebral Palsy: Latest Advances

Researchers believe the significant advancement in the area of stem cell therapy for cerebral palsy is via the use of MSCs and stem cells obtained from umbilical cord blood or the donor or preserved from the own cells. The clinical trials' title dates have shown better success based on various factors such as:

• Age: yonder patient showed better response to stem cell therapy in comparison with older patients

• Complexity: Clinical manifestations based on complex etiologies are classified as spastic CP, ataxic CP, dyskinetic CP, and mixed type. The clinical trials reflected distinct outcomes based on the type of CP.

• Route of administration: Two popular administration routes include intravenous administration and lumbar puncture, while brain surgery and nasal administration were the least common routes of administration. Clinical trials displayed the highest success rate with intrathecal administration (lumbar puncture) with the least side effects that could be managed via medication.

Though the popularity of stem cell therapy for cerebral palsy is growing, there is an intense need for thorough investigation that focuses on minute aspects to gain a definite conclusion. 

Challenges associated with the Newest treatment for cerebral palsy

There are various challenges associated with the success of Stem Cell Therapy for Cerebral Palsy, including:

• Wide range of variability in outcome

• Lack of a standardised protocol globally based on patient type

• Lack of long-term safety evaluation

Stem Cell Therapy for Cerebral Palsy- What to Keep in Mind 

The combinatorial approach, like stem cell therapy with exosomes and medication, can display superior outcomes.

• Parents opting for stem cell therapy for their child must consult renowned clinics and an experienced healthcare practitioner. 

• Stem cells procured must be from a renowned laboratory that strictly maintains the standards for their production. Advancells is a well-acclaimed manufacturer of stem cells that follow stringent regulatory guidelines to assure product quality.