Pioneering treatment taking cells from the nose and transplanting them into the spinal cord has seemingly allowed a paralysed man to walk again. Its the first time in the world that the surgery has been undertaken. The olfactory ensheathing cells (which help enable a sense of smell) were removed, grown in culture and then a few weeks later transplanted into the patients spinal cord which had been cut through in a knife attack some two years previously. Small strips of nerve tissue from his ankle were then used to bridge the gap and its believed acted as a pathway for the olfactory ensheathing cells to stimulate the spinal cord cells to regenerate. Its now two years on since the treatment and the patient, Darek Fidyka can walk with the aid of a frame. Mr Fidyka said that was an incredible feeling, adding: When you cant feel almost half your body, you are helpless, but when it starts coming back its like you were born again. You can read more about this - its been described by one of the scientists involved as an achievement more impressive than man walking on the moon - here: bbc.co.uk/news/health-29645760
Posted on: Wed, 22 Oct 2014 12:52:43 +0000