Treatment that allows brain to ‘heal itself ’ may aid stroke victims

Source: Belfast Telegraph
Posted: June 26, 2006

Summary:

Scientists have discovered a new way to make the brain repair itself after a stroke. In testing, fewer rats who suffered an induced stroke were left paralysed after the treatment, which activated stem cells in the brain, researchers found. The discovery will raise hopes for new treatments for stroke that use the body’s ability to heal itself. The discovery will raise hopes for new treatments for a stroke that use the body’s own stem cells to aid healing. Other treatments are less successful because implanted cells come under attack from the body’s immune system.

Commentary: Hopefully this discovery will lead to safe and effective treatments for stroke patients that avoid the risk of cellular immune system rejection.