Neuro Applications

The motor neuron diseases (MNDs) are a group of progressive neurological disorders that destroy nerve cells. Normally, messages from nerve cells in the brain (called upper motor neurons) are transmitted to nerve cells in the brain stem and spinal cord (called lower motor neurons) and from them to particular muscles that selectively affect motor neurons, the cells that control voluntary muscle activity including speaking, walking, breathing, swallowing and general movement of the body.

There are different forms of motor neuron diseses(MND):-

1. ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) also called Lou Gehrig's which affects both upper and lower motor neurons. ALS is the most common form and accounts for approx. 60% to 70% of all cases.

2. PBP (progressive bulbar palsy) which affects the lower motor neurons of the brain stem, causing slurred speech and difficulty chewing and swallowing. PBP accounts for about 20% of all cases.

3. PMA (progressive muscular atrophy) which affects only lower motor neurons in the spinal cord. PMA accounts for the remaining 10% of cases.

4. PLS (primary lateral sclerosis) which affects only lower motor neurons. PLS is a very rare form of MND. PLS, unlike the other forms, is not fatal. In some very rare cases, patients with PLS eventually have ALS

Researchers have used human stem cells to prepare models of Motor Neuron Diseases in a dish and discover the potential treatment for Motor Neuron Diseases.

There is no standard treatment for the MNDs. The drug "Riluzole" and some others are thought to extend the lifespan of an ALS patient by only a few months. There are less effective medications to slow the progression of Motor neuron diseases that's why patients with MNDs cannot be medically cured. Stem cell is the only option which has some improvements in MNDs patients. Treatment with autologous bone marrow derived Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) provide multiple mechanisms including neuroprotection, immunomodulation and neuroregeneration in MSDs patients after intrathecally/intravenously transplantation. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has the property to differentiate into damaged neuron and regenerate damaged neuron.

Rehabilitation is the part of stem cell therapy. CP patients should have some kind of rehabilitation to help maximize their potential and to help teach techniques which make everyday life easier. Rehabilitation including physiotherapy provides enhanced environment to make stem cell more functional by helping the cell migrating and proliferation fast.

Key Points:-

1. Physical therapy may improve your ability to perform daily activities and make you feel better.
2. Occupational therapy may help you perform daily activities more easily-especially those involving your hands and arms, such as grooming, dressing, and eating. Assistive devices may be used to help you perform daily tasks.
3. Speech therapy may improve your communication skills if cerebral palsy symptoms are making speaking difficult.
4. Cognitive retraining may help improve cognitive impairment caused by cerebral palsy

1. Ichim et al. 2007, Journal of Translational Medicine. Stem cell Therapy for Motor Neuron Disease.