Woman afflicted by Motor Neurone Disease now leads normal life

Cellular therapy to the rescue
Visakhapatnam: M A Vasanthalaxmi from Andhra Pradesh started complaining of inability to comfortably get up after sitting on the floor. She also used to fall while walking, had weakness and pain in the back and developed stammering speech. For three years she suffered all of these and despite visiting many doctors was not able to notice any improvement in her condition.

Her health kept deteriorating and that is when stem cell therapy came to her rescue. Within just four months of treatment, Vasanthalaxmi could manage to walk and speak complete sentences as well. Vasanthalaxmi is a home maker and it was in 2013 that she noticed the above mentioned problems. “I had started experiencing pain in my lower and upper back, also had difficulty to grasp objects properly. This was the reason that initial diagnosis showed cervical spondylitis.

It was only after consulting a neuro physician that Motor Neurone Disease (MND) was diagnosed. There was hardly any progress despite visiting umpteen doctors and taking medications. Generalised weakness and involuntary muscular spasm and contractions were also a part of the problems faced my family then suggested cell based therapy,” said Vasanthalaxmi.

Dr Pradeep Mahajan Regenerative Medicine researcher from StemRx explained her condition in detail to the family and advised 3 sessions of cellular therapy. “Vasanthalaxmi was also advised supportive physiotherapy, yoga and acupuncture. Following the first session, the patient showed reduction in general weakness. She also regained strength in her lower limbs to a certain extent.

Her ability to grasp objects also showed improvement. After 4 months of treatment, she could walk with occasional support and did not lose balance or fall. She can also speak full sentences which she was unable to before treatment,” said Dr Mahajan. Dr Mahajan said, “Autologous cell based therapy can treat many incurable diseases.

MSCs can differentiate into different types of tissues and have immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory potential. This means they escape body’s immune mechanisms and aid in treatment of various autoimmune, chronic inflammatory and degenerative conditions. MSCs can also differentiate into neural cells and hence can be used to treat various neurological conditions”.

Despite the fact that she is showing good improvement in symptoms and her condition has stabilized, she has few complaints such as occasional stiffness in her limbs. Periodic follow ups are essential to track her progress and plan further treatment sessions (as needed). The patient has also been advised to follow physiotherapy and yoga sessions along with diet modification which will enhance recovery.

What is Motor Neurone Disease?
Motor Neurone Disease is a fatal, rapidly progressive disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. It attacks the nerves that control movement so muscles refuse to work (sensory nerves are not usually affected) and can leave people locked in an increasingly failing body, unable to move or talk and eventually breathe.