Best Stem cell therapy for neuropathy Clinics and Costs in 2024

What is stem cell therapy for neuropathy?

Stem cell therapy uses the body's natural repair system to heal damaged tissues. Stem cells are unique cells capable of transforming into other types, including nerve cells. They also secrete growth factors that reduce inflammation and encourage healing.

Peripheral neuropathy happens due to the damage of peripheral nerves—those outside the brain and spinal cord. It causes symptoms like pain, numbness, and muscle weakness. Stem cells can reduce inflammation and trigger nerve regeneration.

💡 Hear regenerative medicine specialist Isabella Bernaschina explain what makes stem cells unique:

▶️ Watch Bookimed’s exclusive interview with Dr. Bernaschina here.

How does stem cell therapy work for neuropathy?

1️⃣ Reduces inflammation

Peripheral neuropathy often causes chronic inflammation, which overexcites nerve fibers and causes persistent pain. Stem cells release anti-inflammatory substances that calm the surrounding tissues and allow nerves to recover in a healthier environment.

👉 What this means for you: Less neuropathic pain, tingling, or burning in your nerves.

2️⃣ Repairs damaged peripheral nerves

Stem cells secrete nerve growth factors that encourage nerve cells to repair themselves, protect existing neurons, and stimulate the regeneration of new nerve fibers.

👉 What this means for you: Improved sensation and mobility. Neuropathy patients regain everyday functions like walking or holding objects without difficulty.

3️⃣ Improves blood flow

Stem cells support the formation of new blood vessels in damaged tissues, enhancing oxygen and nutrient delivery to injured peripheral nerves.

👉 What this means for you: Better blood flow accelerates healing and reduces neuropathic symptoms like tingling and numbness.

4️⃣ Calms overactive nerve signals

After a nerve injury, the body sometimes "misfires" pain signals, even when there’s no real danger or reason for pain. This happens because the nervous system becomes overactive, sending too many pain messages to the brain. Stem cells help fix this by soothing the spinal cord and calming the overactive nerve signals.

👉 What this means for you: Neuropathic pain relief and a more stable nervous system.

5️⃣ Regenerates nerve cells

Stem cells can transform into new nerve cells, replacing those damaged beyond repair.

👉 What this means for you: Over time, this helps rebuild nerve networks, improving overall nerve health and functionality.

What are the benefits of stem cell treatment for neuropathy?

Unlike traditional treatments for peripheral neuropathy, stem cell therapies address the root causes of nerve damage rather than just managing symptoms. 

1️⃣ Long-lasting neuropathic pain relief

Stem cells offer sustained pain reduction without reliance on daily medications that can cause sedation or dizziness.

2️⃣ Deep, natural healing

Traditional treatments do not heal damaged nerve cells; they simply mask symptoms. Stem cells promote nerve fiber repair, restore protective myelin, and improve nerve function. The result is a healthier nervous system that works better in the long term.

3️⃣ Targeted nerve repair

Cleveland Clinic's stem cell research highlights that stem cells can detect nerve injuries and migrate directly to the damaged site. Therefore, the therapy focuses on the areas that need it most, leading to more effective and localized healing.

4️⃣ Fewer side effects

Many first-line drugs treating peripheral neuropathy can cause sedation, dizziness, or other side effects. Stem cell therapies work with the body’s natural processes, avoiding these issues. It offers a safer alternative with fewer disruptions to daily life.

5️⃣ Improved quality of life

By treating neuropathic pain and nerve damage at the source, stem cell therapies can help patients regain mobility, reduce reliance on medications, and lead a more active, fulfilling lifestyle.

Who is a good candidate for stem cell therapy for peripheral neuropathy?

You might be a suitable candidate for stem cell therapy if you have:

1. Chronic neuropathy symptoms

You experience chronic pain, numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness caused by conditions like diabetic neuropathy or nerve injuries.

2. Limited success with conventional treatments

Medications such as gabapentin or duloxetine haven’t worked for you, or you’ve experienced unwanted side effects like dizziness or sedation.

3. Moderate to severe nerve damage

Your nerve damage affects your daily life, but your peripheral nerves are still in a condition where repair and regeneration are possible.

4. Overall good health

You don’t have uncontrolled conditions like severe heart disease or infections that could interfere with the healing process.

5. Commitment to recovery

You’re willing to combine stem cell therapy with lifestyle adjustments, such as managing blood sugar for diabetic neuropathy or engaging in physical therapy to maximize results.

❗ Diabetic neuropathy affects up to 50% of people with diabetes. Find effective stem cell treatment for diabetes.

What neuropathy symptoms can stem cell therapy improve?

By targeting nerve damage, stem cell therapy can reduce:

• Chronic neuropathic pain. Reduces persistent burning or stabbing sensations.
• Numbness and tingling. Restores sensation in affected areas.
• Muscle weakness. Improves strength and coordination.
• Mobility issues. Enhances balance and physical function.
• Hypersensitivity. Calms overactive nerve responses to touch or temperature.

Can stem cells repair nerve damage?

Yes, stem cells can help repair nerve damage. They promote the regeneration of injured nerve fibers, restore the protective myelin sheath, and improve blood flow to damaged areas. Stem cells also reduce inflammation and create a healthier environment for peripheral nerves to heal. While the extent of repair depends on the severity of the damage, patients can expect improvements in sensation, strength, and nerve function.

Can stem cells cure neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy is a complex condition without a definitive cure. Like other treatments, stem cells cannot eliminate neuropathy entirely. However, they can significantly improve symptoms and support nerve repair.

Most current treatments, like anti-seizure medicines or antidepressants, aim to manage symptoms but do little to address the underlying nerve damage. These methods also often come with side effects such as sedation, dizziness, or dependency. In contrast, stem cell therapies not only alleviate neuropathic pain but also support long-term nerve healing.

How effective is stem cell treatment for peripheral neuropathy?

Stem cell therapy for peripheral neuropathy is still a new approach, so there aren’t definitive success rates yet. However, clinical trials have shown that stem cells successfully target damaged nerves, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. 

For example, in one notable study, patients:

• Have experienced significant pain reductions after a stem cell injection. Average pain scores dropped from 7.5 to 4.3 within 6 months.
• Reduced their medication use within 6 months.

How much does stem cell therapy cost for neuropathy?

The cost of stem cell therapies for peripheral neuropathy varies significantly depending on the country and clinic, from $5,000 to $50,000.

🌎 In the United States, prices can range from $20,000 to $50,000 per treatment. However, these treatments are not FDA-approved for neuropathy. Experimental or off-label use can contribute to higher costs and potential risks.

🌎 In contrast, Mexico offers stem cell treatments starting at $8,500. Stem cell therapies are allowed and regulated by COFEPRIS, Mexico’s FDA equivalent.

❗ When looking for stem cell therapies, consider not only the cost but also the clinic’s reputation and compliance with regulations. Consult with a Bookimed medical coordinator to determine the best and safest option for your case.

Does insurance cover stem cell therapies for neuropathy patients?

Insurance does not usually cover stem cell therapies for peripheral neuropathy. Most insurance plans, including Medicare, only cover FDA-approved stem cell treatments for specific conditions, such as certain cancers and blood disorders. Since stem cell therapy for neuropathy lacks FDA approval, patients must pay for it out-of-pocket.

How do I find effective stem cell treatment for neuropathy near me?

Focus on reputable clinics with a history of success in regenerative medicine. Start by checking for:

• Years of expertise in stem cell treatments.
• Accreditation by health councils or international organizations.
• Clinics that customize treatments to your condition.

If you're open to traveling for high-quality care, consider the best destinations for stem cell therapies: 

• Mexico is close to the U.S. and Canada. It is a popular hub for stem cell treatments frequented by high-profile patients.
• Turkey is ideal for patients from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. It is home to advanced medical technologies and internationally accredited hospitals.
• Thailand is best for patients from Asia or Australia. It combines excellent medical care with the chance to recover in a tropical environment.

According to Bookimed’s analysis, the following are the best stem cell clinics for peripheral neuropathy in these destinations:

What to expect from stem cell therapy for peripheral neuropathy?

1️⃣ Harvesting stem cells

Stem cells can be taken from your own body (e.g., bone marrow, adipose tissue) or other sources like umbilical cord blood (through stem cell banks).

2️⃣ Preparing the treatment

The harvested stem cells are purified, cultured, and sometimes multiplied in a lab to maximize their effectiveness.

3️⃣ Stem cell delivery

• Intravenous (IV). Stem cells are delivered via a vein, circulating through your bloodstream to reach damaged nerves.
• Intrathecal (IT). Stem cells are directly injected into the spinal cord.

Recent Cleveland Clinic studies show that intravenous (IV) and intrathecal (IT) methods are equally effective in treating neuropathic pain. IV transplantation is a safer and quicker option because it avoids direct injections into the spinal cord.

4️⃣ Recovery

Stem cell injection for peripheral neuropathy is usually an outpatient procedure. Doctors will monitor you briefly, and you will be able to resume normal activities within 1 day.

How long does it take to see results from stem cell therapy for neuropathy?

Results from stem cell treatments for peripheral neuropathy can take weeks to months to appear.

• Initial effects. You may notice reduced pain and inflammation within a few weeks.
• Long-term results. Nerve repair and functional improvements typically occur over 2-6 months as the cells regenerate damaged nerves.

The timeline varies depending on the severity of the neuropathy and individual healing factors. Regular follow-ups with your doctor will help track progress and decide whether you need additional treatments.

What types of stem cells are used for treating neuropathy?

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are the most commonly used stem cells for treating neuropathy. They are highly effective for nerve repair because they can reduce inflammation, promote nerve regeneration, and regulate the immune system.

There are a few subtypes of MSCs:

• Bone marrow-derived MSCs can be taken from the patient’s hip bone. Bone marrow stem cells are widely used for their ability to repair nerve damage and reduce pain.
• Adipose-derived MSCs are harvested from adipose tissue (fat) through liposuction. They are popular because they provide a large amount of cells with a less invasive procedure. 
• Umbilical cord-derived MSCs come from donated umbilical cords and are young cells rich in regenerative properties.

Is stem cell therapy safe for peripheral neuropathy patients?

Stem cell treatments have been well-tolerated across several studies, with no significant side effects. Possible adverse reactions may include:

• discomfort at the injection site;
• swelling;
• temporary fatigue.

Overall, stem cell treatment is an appealing alternative to traditional treatments, which often come with side effects like dizziness, nausea, and dependence.

✅ The best way to ensure safety is to choose a reputable stem cell clinic with experienced medical professionals and proper facilities. Bookimed can help you find trusted clinics with the right expertise for your needs.

Resources

1. Mayo Clinic. (2023). Peripheral neuropathy. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peripheral-neuropathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20352061
2. Cleveland Clinic. (2016). Stem Cell Therapy for Neuropathic Pain: New Findings Show Promise. https://consultqd.clevelandclinic.org/stem-cell-therapy-neuropathic-pain-new-findings-show-promise
3. Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience. (2023). Cell therapy for neuropathic pain. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10008860/
4. Brain Sciences. (2023). Stem Cell Therapy in Diabetic Polyneuropathy: Recent Advancements and Future Directions. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9954679/
5. Stem Cells International. (2020). Stem Cells in the Treatment of Neuropathic Pain: Research Progress of Mechanism. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7785341/