Paralyzed Man Walks after New Spinal Treatment Using Nose Cells
Dino Lirios | | Oct 22, 2014 08:34 AM EDT |
(Photo : businessinsider.com) Bulgarian Darek Fidyka (R) walking with the aid of leg-braces and parallel bars after revolutionary treatment to repair a severed sinal column.
A paralyzed Bulgarian man has begun walking again with the help of a revolutionary spinal treatment.
The groundbreaking spinal treatment is already being touted by British scientists as "more impressive than a man walking on the Moon."
Following a knife attack in 2010, Darek Fidyka was paralyzed from the chest down. He describes not being able to feel almost half his body as feeling helpless or lost.
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Now, however, Fidyka can walk using a frame. This happened after he received treatment where the nerve cells from his nose were transplanted into his severed spinal column.
"When it begins to come back, you feel you've started your life all over again, as if you are reborn. It's an incredible feeling, difficult to describe," Fidyka said.
One of the key factors in the treatment were the Specialist Olfactory Ensheathing Cells (OECs) which form part of the sense of smell.
These cells are pathway cells that allow for nerve fibers to be continually regenerated.
Thus, two procedures were needed: one to take out the OECs and the other to place the cultured cells into the spinal cord.
Scientists believe these cells implanted above and below the injury allowed the damaged nerve fibers to reconnect.
Geoff Raisman, chair of neural regeneration at University College London's Institute of Neurology, essentially likened it to a bridge that provided the fibers a pathway to grow back and restore function.
Three months after the surgery, Fidyka started to see the results of his surgery as his left thigh began putting on muscle.
Three months after that, he was able to take his first steps with the aid of parallel bars and leg braces. Now, he's able to walk outside using a frame and has regained some feeling in his bladder and bowels.
TagsSpine, Paralyzed, Darek Fidyka, OEC, Specialist Olfactory Ensheathing Cells
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