New hope for children with cerebral palsy

For the first time, doctors are studying a treatment that has the potential to stop cerebral palsy in its tracks

More than 760,00 children and adults are living with cerebral palsy. It is a group of disorders that can impair brain and nervous system functions. Patients may have issues with movement, learning, hearing, seeing, and thinking. It is caused by injuries or abnormalities in the brain.

Researchers from Duke University Medical Center are studying whether infusions of a child's own cord blood could help improve the symptoms of cerebral palsy.

"If this is beneficial, it could really change the lives of those children," said Dr. Joanne Kurtzberg of Duke University Medical Center.

The theory is cord blood cells can decrease inflammation, coax normal cells into fixing damaged tissues and grow into new cells.

"Cord blood cells can graft and grow into some types of brain cells in the brain," said Kurtzberg.

Patients in a phase-one trial reported improved speech, mobility and movement.

Weston Stephenson's parents banked his umbilical cord blood when he was born. He received his first infusion as part of the clinical trial.

"My hope is that we see a miracle, really," said Weston's mother, Jenny Stephenson.

Kurtzberg's trial is still enrolling patients. To be eligible, your child must have a CP diagnosis, be between 1 and 6 years old and their cord blood must be available. For more information visit Duke University's website.

Go here to see the original:
New hope for children with cerebral palsy