Umbilical Cord Stem Cells Show Promise for Bell’s Palsy Treatment

A Case of Recovery After Seven Years 

A recent case study published in April 2023 demonstrated the promising role of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells in treating Bell’s palsy. The case involved a 49-year-old woman who had been suffering from facial paralysis for seven years despite undergoing various conventional treatments, such as steroids, acupuncture, and herbal medicine.

After receiving eight stem cell treatments over 14 months, the patient experienced significant improvements. She regained the ability to close her left eye fully, achieved more symmetrical eyebrow positioning, and restored normal lip function. Remarkably, these improvements held steady over a 32-month follow-up, with no recurrence of symptoms.

What is Bell´s Palsy?

Bell’s palsy is a condition that causes sudden, temporary weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles, typically affecting one side of the face. Traditional treatments for Bell’s palsy include steroids and antiviral medications in the early stages, followed by physical therapy or acupuncture. In severe cases, surgical procedures may be considered. However, the effectiveness of these treatments can vary, and many patients continue to seek alternative therapies when conventional methods fall short.

The Role of Umbilical Cord Stem Cells

Umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) are emerging as a promising alternative in the treatment of Bell’s palsy due to their unique properties:

• Anti-inflammatory effects: They help reduce nerve damage and reduce inflammation.
• Neuronal regeneration: These stem cells support the healing and regeneration of nerve cells.
• Minimal rejection risk: Cord-derived stem cells have a lower chance of immune rejection.

This case study highlights the growing potential of Umbilical cord-derived stem cells in treating persistent Bell’s palsy, offering hope to patients seeking effective alternatives when traditional treatments do not work.

References:

Ahn, W.-J. Jung, S. Y. Lee, and K.-H. Lee, ‘Recovery from Bell’s palsy after treatment using uncultured umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells: A case report’, World J Clin Cases, vol. 11, no. 12, pp. 2817–2824, Apr. 2023, doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i12.2817.