About the Disease
Stroke happens when blood flow to a part of the brain is blocked (ischemic stroke) or when a blood vessel bursts (hemorrhagic stroke). This leads to sudden brain cell damage and loss of functions such as movement, speech, memory, or vision. Many survivors live with long-term disability. Current rehab therapies aim to restore function, but they are often limited. Stem cell therapy is being investigated to repair brain tissue, promote neuroplasticity, reduce inflammation, and improve motor and cognitive recovery after stroke.
Institutes / Trials Offering Stem Cell Therapy for Stroke Recovery
- Stanford University School of Medicine – Stanford, California, USA
- Conducted pioneering trials (e.g., SB623 trial) using modified bone marrow stem cells for chronic stroke patients.
- Results showed improvements in motor function, even years after stroke.
- Stanford Medicine Stroke Stem Cell Research
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine – Miami, Florida, USA
- Participated in MultiStem clinical trials (Athersys Inc.) using adult stem cells given intravenously to improve recovery after ischemic stroke.
- Some studies reported reduced mortality and improved functional recovery.
- Athersys Clinical Trials
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust – London, UK
- Trialed intra-arterial delivery of stem cells in stroke patients, aiming to boost repair in damaged brain regions.
- Early studies show feasibility and potential benefits.
- Imperial NHS Stroke Research
- China–Beijing Tiantan Hospital
- Running multiple clinical trials with neural stem cells and mesenchymal stem cells for ischemic stroke recovery.
- Reports improvements in motor scores and reduced neurological deficits.
