Where Can I Get Stem Cell Treatment for Spinal Cord Injury?

A spinal cord injury can change a life in an instant, often leading to permanent paralysis, chronic pain, and a loss of independence. With no definitive cure, patients are left navigating a complex and frustrating road to recovery.

New advances in stem cell therapy are changing the outlook, offering a way to repair nerve damage and restore movement. In this article, we’ll cover the top destinations for stem cell therapy, how the treatment works, and what to look for when choosing a clinic.

Table of Contents

1. Best Destinations Offering Stem Cell Treatment for Spinal Cord Injury
2. Choosing a Stem Cell Treatment Center
3. Cost of Stem Cell Treatment for Spinal Cord Injury
4. Spinal Cord Injuries and Stem Cell Therapy: How It Works

Best Destinations Offering Stem Cell Treatment for Spinal Cord Injury

If you’re considering stem cell therapy for traumatic spinal cord injury, location makes a difference. Some countries stand out for their convenient legislation, progressive treatments, experienced specialists, and affordable care.

According to Bookimed’s research, Mexico, Turkey, and Colombia are top destinations for stem cell therapy. Each offers unique advantages, from support on the state level to leading clinics. Let’s take a closer look.

Country	Top clinics	Highlights	Cost Range
Mexico	Cellular Hope Institute Immunotherapy Regenerative Medicine Medical Center Juventa Giostar Stem Cell Therapy Clinic	Mexico allows a broader application of stem cell therapies regulated by COFEPRIS. It’s a popular destination for U.S. residents, including high-profile patients.	$5,000 - $15,000
Turkey	Memorial Şişli Hospital Liv Hospital Medipol Medical Center	Turkey is a significant hub for regenerative medicine, supported by regulations from the Ministry of Health and the Turkish Academy of Sciences. Turkish clinics are accredited by international bodies and comply with GMP standards.	$8,000 - $15,000
Colombia	Reju Medical Clinic	INVIMA, Colombia’s FDA equivalent, strictly regulates stem cell treatments. It is growing in popularity among international patients, including professional athletes.	$7,000 - $11,000

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Stem cell therapy for spinal cord injury in Mexico

Mexico is a go-to destination for Americans seeking stem cell therapy. This is primarily because, in the US, the FDA hasn’t yet approved stem cell therapy for spinal cord injury beyond a few clinical trials. On the other hand, Mexico’s health authority, COFEPRIS, allows and regulates the broader application of stem cells, including for spinal cord injuries. In Mexico, US residents can get legal, advanced care without traveling too far from home.

🏆 Best stem cell therapy clinics in Mexico

Guided by the Ranking Policy, Bookimed has analyzed over 150 stem cell clinics worldwide to find the best options for stem cell therapy. These Mexican clinics represent the optimal balance of pertinent treatments, accreditations, popularity, and patient satisfaction:

Stem cell therapy for spinal cord injury in Turkey

Turkey is a major hub for medical tourism, including regenerative medicine. The Turkish Ministry of Health regulates stem cell treatments. The Turkish Academy of Sciences actively supports research through the TÜBA Stem Cell Work Group. These efforts ensure high standards of care and a collaborative environment that encourages scientific advancements.

🏆 Best stem cell therapy clinics in Turkey

Stem cell therapy for spinal cord injury in Colombia

Colombia is gaining recognition for a wide range of available stem cell treatments, including for spinal cord injury. Stem cell therapy is approved and strictly regulated by INVIMA, the country’s FDA equivalent. Colombia has especially gained traction as a destination for sports injury treatment with stem cells. It is frequented by professional MMA fighters and wrestlers.

Choosing a Stem Cell Treatment Center

For patients with spinal cord injury, finding the right stem cell therapy center can make all the difference. This treatment is still in its early stages, so choosing a reliable clinic with appropriate expertise is crucial. Here are some tips to guide your decision:

1️⃣ Check regulatory approval 

The clinic should be certified by the country’s health authority (like COFEPRIS in Mexico or INVIMA in Colombia). Their stamp of approval means the treatments meet safety and quality standards and lowers the risk of ineffective or unsafe therapies.

2️⃣ Verify experience and credentials

Look for clinics with a strong track record in spinal cord injury treatment. Specialists experienced both in regenerative therapies and orthopedics are more likely to understand the complexities of these injuries.

3️⃣ Ask about the source of stem cells

Different types of stem cells are used to treat spinal cord injuries, each with its benefits. Confirm that the clinic uses ethically sourced, high-quality cells suited for nerve regeneration.

4️⃣ Look for transparent treatment protocols

A reputable clinic will provide detailed information about how they process and administer stem cells. Be wary of places that make vague promises without clear explanations—they might not be trustworthy.

5️⃣ Pick a clinic with a multidisciplinary team

Spinal cord injury treatments require many types of experts, including neurologists, regenerative medicine specialists, and rehabilitation therapists. A clinic with a diverse team can provide a more comprehensive and effective treatment plan.

6️⃣ Look at what patients say

Look for detailed reviews from patients with spinal cord injuries. Real experiences can give insight into a clinic’s success rate, patient care, and the quality of their services.

7️⃣ Ask about rehabilitation support

Effective treatment doesn’t end with the procedure. For spinal injury patients, physical rehabilitation is key. Check if the clinic provides integrated rehab support to help you regain strength and mobility.

8️⃣ Check clinic affiliations

Clinics that work with research institutions or well-known hospitals are often more reliable. These connections help them stay up-to-date with the latest findings in regenerative medicine. This is especially relevant for complex conditions like spinal cord injuries.

9️⃣ Consider travel and accessibility

If you’re traveling abroad, consider the location and what’s included in the package. Some clinics offer comprehensive services that cover travel, accommodation, and transfers. Such packages make it easier for international patients with spinal cord injury to focus on their treatment.

🔟 Get a clear cost breakdown

Stem cell treatment for spinal cord injuries can be costly. Ask the doctor to give you a detailed cost breakdown for all parts of the treatment. This will help avoid surprise charges and give you a clear idea of what you’re paying for.

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Cost of Stem Cell Treatment for Spinal Cord Injury

Since traumatic spinal cord injury is a complex and severe condition, treatment tends to be on the higher end of the price range. On average, stem cell therapy can cost anywhere from $20,000 to $100,000 per treatment session in Europe. Patients may need multiple sessions, which will further increase the total expense.

In Mexico, Turkey, and Colombia, stem cell treatment costs are typically 50-70% lower than in Europe. This significant price difference is due to lower operational costs, wider stem cell therapy approval, favorable exchange rates, and government support for medical tourism. Accredited clinics in these countries follow the regulations of national health authorities while keeping prices more affordable for international patients.

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🤔 Does insurance cover stem cell therapy?

Insurance doesn’t usually cover stem cell therapy for spinal cord injuries. This is because these treatments are still considered experimental and, in the case of the USA, have not received FDA approval for broader use. 

However, it’s worth checking with your insurance provider, as policies vary. For example, some may cover certain aspects of the spinal cord injury treatment, such as related tests or rehabilitation.

🤔 What does the cost of stem cell therapy include?

The cost of stem cell treatment for spinal cord injuries typically includes:

• Initial consultation and diagnosis. Doctors will assess the severity of the injury and determine the best treatment plan.
• Stem cell harvesting and processing. Depending on the type of stem cells, this may involve harvesting from the patient’s body or using donor cells. Specialists then process the collected stem cells to ensure clinical safety.
• Treatment administration. This covers the actual procedure, including any necessary equipment and medications.

➕ Additional inclusions in the package offers

Clinics catering to international patients often offer all-inclusive packages with extra services. They intend to make the process smoother and more cost-effective in the long run:

• Travel arrangements and airport transfers. Clinics can provide transportation between the airport, clinic, and hotel. If you decide to opt for Bookimed’s support, your personal coordinator can also assist you with booking flights.
• Accommodation. Packages may include hotel stays for the duration of the treatment, ranging from a few days to several weeks.
• Language assistance. Clinics may provide translators for international patients to ensure clear communication with the medical team.
• Rehabilitation services. Since functional recovery is critical for spinal injury patients, packages might also include physical therapy sessions to support the healing process.

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Spinal Cord Injuries and Stem Cell Therapy: How It Works

To make an informed decision, it’s important to understand how spinal cord injuries affect the body and how stem cell treatments work to repair the damage.

What do we know about spinal cord injuries?

A spinal cord injury disrupts the crucial connection between the brain and the rest of the body. This can result from trauma, such as car accidents, falls, or sports injuries, as well as from illnesses like tumors or infections. 

There are two main types of spinal cord injuries:

• Complete spinal cord injury, where there is no function or sensation below the injury site, and
• Incomplete spinal cord injury, where there is some ability to move or feel, depending on the severity of the damage.

In addition to mobility issues, these injuries can cause:

• chronic pain;
• muscle spasms;
• complications with bladder, bowel, and respiratory functions. 

The biggest challenge is that the spinal cord does not naturally regenerate, which limits recovery options. That’s why stem cell therapy is gaining attention as a potential breakthrough.

How can stem cell therapy help?

Stem cells are unique because they have the power to transform into many different types of cells in the body. Stem cell therapy aims to repair and regenerate damaged nerve cells in the spinal cord. Here’s how it works:

• Cell replacement. Stem cells can transform into new, healthy nerve cells to replace the damaged ones.
• Repair & support. They release substances that support existing cells, modulate the inflammatory response, and promote tissue repair.
• Stimulated nerve growth. Stem cells can encourage the regrowth of nerve fibers (axonal regeneration), potentially restoring some lost functions.

🎙️ Hear Dr. Bernschina explain why stem cells are so precious:

Different types of stem cells can be used for treating spinal cord injuries:

• Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Often derived from bone marrow, adipose tissue (fat), or umbilical cords. Mesenchymal stem cells are known for their ability to reduce inflammation and repair tissue.
• Embryonic stem cells (ESCs). These are highly versatile stem cells, capable of developing into over 200 different cell types. They can rapidly proliferate and have great potential for repairing complex tissues, including the spinal cord. However, their use is limited by ethical concerns, risks of tumor formation, and the need for immunosuppressive drugs to prevent rejection.
• Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Lab-engineered adult cells that act like embryonic ones. They show significant promise because they preserve the versatility of embryonic stem cells without the associated ethical issues.
• Neural stem cells (NSCs). Naturally inclined to develop into nerve cells, these are used specifically to address neurological damage and offer targeted repair.

Clinical trials and stem cell research

Various studies on stem cells for spinal injuries highlight improvements in mobility, sensory perception, and other crucial functions. Here are just some of the findings:

📊 Yale University clinical trial

Yale University researchers tested how intravenous administration of bone marrow-derived MSCs would impact patients’ motor skills. Over half of the patients showed significant improvements, such as walking and better hand coordination, within weeks after receiving stem cell injections.

The American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale was used to measure motor and sensory functions:

• At 6 months, 12 of 13 patients improved their ASIA grade.
• Notably, 5 patients improved from ASIA C (weak, limited movement) to ASIA D (stronger muscle control, more controlled movement) just one day after the infusion of mesenchymal stem cells.

📊 Mayo Clinic study

A study conducted by the Mayo Clinic looked at the effectiveness of adipose-derived stem cells:

• 7 out of 10 participants showed better sensation, increased muscle strength, and improved bowel function.
• All participants moved up at least 1 level on the ASIA scale, reflecting tangible progress.

📊 PrimeCell Therapeutics clinical trial

A clinical trial by a Californian biotechnology company further demonstrated that stem cell treatment can enhance patients' ability to walk, stand, and regain sensory perception:

• 60% of patients could stand up;
• 40% could walk on parallel bars with braces;
• 28% could walk without braces;
• 16% could walk using crutches.

Patients also showed better sensitivity, motor function, bladder control, and even improvements in sexual function.

⏳ Timing matters: Acute, subacute, and chronic spinal cord injury

Studies show that administering treatment soon after the injury is more effective than in the chronic phase, where scar tissue can hinder the growth of transplanted cells. 

Yoon et al. found that 33.3% of patients treated early improved their ASIA scores. On the other hand, only 5.2% of patients with chronic spinal cord injury showed similar improvements. However, large doses of stem cells led to moderate improvements in motor and sensory scores even in chronic cases.

✅ Safety

Across all of the above studies, stem cell therapy has shown a good safety profile. No severe adverse events were consistently linked to the treatment. 

Mild side effects included:

• headaches; 
• musculoskeletal pain;
• gastrointestinal discomfort. 

The side effects were manageable with standard medications.

What can you expect from the stem cell treatment procedure?

1. 🩺 Initial consultation & diagnosis

A thorough medical examination is needed to assess the extent of the injury and determine if stem cell therapy is appropriate. Specialists will review your medical history and conduct necessary tests.

2. 🔬 Harvesting & processing

• Harvesting. Patient’s own stem cells are collected from bone marrow, fat tissue, or other sources. Alternatively, donor cells may be used (usually from a stem cell bank).
• Processing. In a lab, the stem cells are processed to ensure they are pure and viable for treatment.

3. 💉 Treatment session

There are two main types of stem cell administration for traumatic spinal cord injury:

• Intravenous administration. Stem cells are injected into the bloodstream, allowing them to circulate and reach the injury site. This method is less invasive and delivers supportive cells throughout the body.
• Intrathecal injection. Stem cells are injected directly into the cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the spinal cord. Intrathecal administration allows the cells to reach the injury site more directly, potentially increasing the effectiveness of the treatment.

4. 🩹 Recovery & follow-up

Regular check-ups will let the doctor track your and change the course of treatment as needed. Stem cell treatment can also be combined with physical therapy to maximize the results.

Patient testimonials

Hearing from those who have already undergone stem cell treatment can provide valuable insight. Below are testimonials from Bookimed patients who have shared their experiences with stem cell treatments:

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