A chronic condition affecting the central nervous system, primarily the brain and spinal cord, is called multiple sclerosis [“MS”]. It is brought on by the immune system attacking healthy nerve fibres in the brain and spinal cord as well as the fatty sheathing that surrounds and insulates those fibres, known as myelin. Inflammation brought on by this attack damages myelin and nerve cell functions, changing electrical signals in the brain. MS is unpredictable and has varying effects on each patient; some may be just minimally affected, while others may lose their ability to walk, write, or speak.
1. Clinically isolated syndrome (CIS)- A single, first-episode condition known as a clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) is one in which the symptoms endure for at least 24 hours. Relapse-remitting MS may be identified by a clinician if a further episode develops.
2. Relapse-Remitting MS (RRMS)- it is the most prevalent type. Approximately 85% of MS cases are first identified as RRMS. In RRMS, there are periods of remission, during which the symptoms either completely or partially disappear, followed by episodes of new or worsening symptoms.
3. Primary Progressive MS (PPMS)- The symptoms of PPMS develop over time without early relapses or remissions. Some people could go through periods of stability as well as times when their symptoms get worse before getting better. About 15% of MS patients also have PPMS.
4. Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS)- People will initially go through bouts of remission and relapse, but the illness will eventually start to advance steadily.
• Muscle Weakness
• Numbness and tingling
• Lhermitte’s sign
• Bladder problems
• Bowel problems
• Fatigue
• Dizziness and vertigo
• Tremor
• Sexual dysfunction
• Spasticity and muscle spasms
• Vision problems
• Depression and etc.
Apart from injectables and oral medicines, certain therapies are being emerged for the treatment of MS. These include-
1. Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase (BTK)- A new treatment for secondary-progressive MS and relapsing-remitting MS is BTK inhibitor. It functions primarily by regulating the immune cells called microglia and B cells in the central nervous system.
2. Stem Cell implantation- An MS patient's immune system is destroyed during stem cell transplantation therapy, which is followed by the implantation of healthy stem cells. The ability of this treatment to reduce inflammation and "reset" the immune system in MS patients is still being researched. Fever and infections are potential adverse effects.
MS can be treated with stem cells by medical professionals. They can do stem cell transplants, in which an individual with MS receives healthy stem cells to swap out certain types of cells in their body.
Different stem cell types are used in various types of stem cell treatment.
1. Mesenchymal Stem Cell therapy: it is a viable alternative to conventional multiple sclerosis (MS) treatments. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been studied as a potential treatment for multiple sclerosis because they can develop into many cell types, including nerve cells, and can decrease immune response.
Under this therapy, a physician extracts a patient's MSCs from their bone marrow, blood, or other tissues during MSC therapy. They subsequently increase the quantity of these cells in a lab and reintroduce them into their body.
Before the therapy is finished, a scientist might in some cases treat these cells. They might do this to improve the cells' capacity to control immune responses that harm the neurological system and to support the cells' capacity to restore myelin.
MSCs appear potential in the treatment of MS, according to a 2020 analysis of a number of pre-clinical and clinical experiment due to the following factors-
Their capacity to influence a person's immune system and
the release of trophic factors, substances that support the growth of brain neurons
their ability to differentiate into a wide variety of other cells
their ability to regenerate
2. Autologous Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT)- With HSCT, medical professionals give you drugs to boost the production of bone marrow stem cells. The stem cells from the blood are then saved for further use. The next step is to administer massive doses of chemotherapy and other potent drugs to significantly suppress your immune system. You may need to stay in the hospital for up to 11 days while this is being done.
The stem cells are injected into your bloodstream by your doctor so that they can develop into new white blood cells and aid in the development of a robust immune system in your body. Additionally, you'll be prescribed antibiotics to help you fight off infections and other ailments until your immune system is able to function normally once more.
Our cost of stem cell therapy for multiple Sclerosis is relatively low compared to other nations with comparable levels of healthcare and amenities. One of the main factors influencing the decision of hundreds of patients from around the world to travel to Mumbai or Delhi for medical treatment is the overall cost of stem cell therapy.
According to estimates, the cost of stem cell therapy at our stem cell centre is at least 60 to 70 percent cheaper than what a patient would typically pay in the UK and the US for the same treatment. Even after additional charges like boarding, hotel prices, meal costs, research costs, and length of hospital stay are taken into account, the average cost of stem cell therapy in Delhi, Mumbai or India remains inexpensive.
Conclusion-The inexpensive cost of stem cell therapy enables patients from all over the world, particularly those in developing nations, to access top-notch medical care. Most patients from these underdeveloped, technologically backward nations lack access to excellent medical care and highly specialized treatment.
Hundreds of people from these nations flock to India every year in the hopes of receiving treatment without having to worry about paying a hefty price tag because stem cell therapy in India is less expensive.
However, it must be noted that the price of stem cell therapy depends on a number of variables. Two important variables that affect the entire Stem Cell Therapy cost bundle are the type of facility the patient chooses for their treatment and the city and the expenditure the patient is willing to spend on travel, lodging, and meals.
The efficacy of stem cell therapy in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) varies depending on several factors, including the type and stage of the disease, the patient's overall health, and the specific treatment protocol used. Some studies have found promising results, with some patients reporting improved symptoms and disease development being slowed or even stopped.
Dr. Rajput's stem cell research centre in Mumbai, Delhi is the best hospital for multiple sclerosis treatment.
Sources online suggest that the average cost of treatment is estimated to be 4 to 5 laks however, it is subject to the type of facility the patient chooses for their treatment and the expenditure the patient is willing to spend on travel, lodging, and meals.
A stem cell procedure can aid in reducing the quantity of swollen or inflammatory body parts, making you feel lighter, healthier, and more energised overall. Only patients who are not currently immuno-compromised can utilise it.
Apart from stem cell therapy, medications and injectables, there is a new treatment for secondary-progressive MS and relapsing-remitting MS is BTK inhibitor. It functions primarily by regulating the immune cells called microglia and B cells in the central nervous system.