The Impact of MS on Daily Life and How Stem Cell Therapy Can Help

Occupational therapy, diet and lifestyle changes are essential components of managing multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms, but they don’t get to the root cause of the disorder. However, stem cell therapy can.

Stem cell therapy is an innovative treatment that can reduce MS symptoms by treating the underlying nerve damage that causes MS.

Keep reading while we discuss how stem cell therapy works, how it can alleviate MS symptoms, and the limitations and risks of using stem cells for MS.

What is Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disorder that causes debilitating physical and emotional symptoms.

In people with MS, the immune system recognizes the body as a threat and attacks the protective layer (myelin sheath) that protects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. This damaged nerve fiber disrupts communication between the brain and the body.

How Does MS Affect Daily Life?

Physical Impact

The physical symptoms of multiple sclerosis can be debilitating. People with MS can experience a range of physical symptoms including:

Weakness
Balance issues
Vision problems
Fatigue
Mobility issues
Pain
Numbness

Image Source : brut carniollus on Unsplash

Physical symptoms vary depending on the individual, the severity of the disease and disease progression. People may also experience a remission in symptoms, with no symptoms reappearing for a long period of time.

Emotional and Psychological Impact

MS can also cause emotional and psychological effects, such as cognitive issues and mood disorders. Living with MS can also be emotionally exhausting as symptoms make it hard to complete everyday tasks and enjoy life. People with MS may often feel stressed, irritable, anxious and frustrated.

MS can also impact a person’s ability to socialize. Symptoms like dizziness, weakness, and vision problems can be distracting and as a result, it can be difficult to recognize social cues or relax during social events.

Work can also be a challenge when living with MS. Symptoms can change day-to-day, making it difficult to be consistent and maintain focus at work.

How Stem Cell Therapy Works for MS:

While there’s no known cure for MS, using stem cells for MS treatment can significantly reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.

When introduced to the body, stem cells differentiate into cells that the body needs, stimulating the growth of new healthy cells and repairing damaged ones. In treating MS, stem cells can differentiate into nerve cells and work to repair the damage to the myelin sheath.

Research shows that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) contain cytokines, mediators and signaling molecules that regulate inflammatory responses and contribute to tissue regeneration. Inflammation plays a significant role in MS, which means by reducing inflammation, MSCs can reduce symptoms and slow or stop the disease.

Limitations and Risks:

For people who have been living with MS for a long time and have significant nerve damage, stem cell therapy may be less effective. For people with early signs of MS, stem cell therapy may be able to stop disease progression.

Stem cell therapy isn’t a miracle cure, but many MS patients see an improvement in their symptoms. The success of stem cells for MS also depends on other factors, including lifestyle and diet.

In general, MSC therapy is safe, but contraindications like active oncology, infectious diseases or stroke in the last three months can make treatment unsafe. The most common side effect of stem cell therapy is a small fever post-injection, but this is rare and typically passes on its own.

Accessibility and Cost:

The accessibility of stem cell treatment depends on the country you live in. For example, in the US there are no FDA-approved MSC treatments.

Traveling to a country with fewer regulations and a lower cost of living can help you find quality stem cell treatment at an affordable price. For example, stem cell treatment from Swiss Medica in Serbia costs between €7,000 and €25,000.

The most important factor determining the price of stem cell treatment is the severity of the disease. People with chronic cases of MS typically need more stem cell doses, increasing the cost.

In conclusion

The emotional and physical effects of multiple sclerosis can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Fortunately, stem cell treatment can reduce symptoms and slow the progression of MS by reducing inflammation, modulating the immune system and regenerating damaged nerve cells.

While research supports the effectiveness of stem cell therapy for MS, it’s not a miracle cure and can be less effective for severe cases of MS. Treatment prices can also be a barrier for some people. However, finding high-quality, affordable treatment is often possible in countries with a lower cost of living.

Joshua White is a passionate and experienced website article writer with a keen eye for detail and a knack for crafting engaging content. With a background in journalism and digital marketing, Joshua brings a unique perspective to his writing, ensuring that each piece resonates with readers. His dedication to delivering high-quality, informative, and captivating articles has earned him a reputation for excellence in the industry. When he’s not writing, Joshua enjoys exploring new topics and staying up-to-date with the latest trends in content creation.
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