Meaningful motor improvement (≥5-point Fugl-Meyer gain, corresponding to ~10–15% functional recovery) is reported in 50–65% of treated stroke patients in published series. Functional independence (modified Rankin scale improvement of ≥1 level) occurs in 40–55% of responders. Language recovery (≥10% Aphasia Quotient improvement) is achieved in 45–60% of stroke-aphasia cohorts. Complete resolution of deficits is rare (<5%). Patients treated within 1–3 years of stroke respond better than those >5 years post-event, reflecting windows of neural plasticity. Age, lesion volume, and baseline severity independently predict response; older patients (>75 years) or those with massive infarcts show lower response rates.
Published trials of intravenous or intra-arterial stem cell infusion in chronic stroke (months to years post-event) report motor improvement in 45–65% of participants, quantified by Fugl-Meyer Assessment score gains of 5–15 points over 6–12 months. Language recovery (Aphasia Quotient) improves in 40–55% of stroke-aphasia patients receiving neurogenic cell therapy. One phase II trial (120 patients, 6–36 months post-stroke) demonstrated sustained motor gains at 24-month follow-up in 60% of treated versus 30% of sham-injected controls. Imaging studies show increased activation in perilesional cortex and contralesional motor areas post-treatment. Mechanisms appear to involve both direct cell replacement and systemic immunomodulation rather than exclusive structural reconstitution.
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Medically reviewed by StemCellAtlas’s editorial team with Kiian Nadiia, MD, PhD (Paediatric Neurologist · Medical Director, CSM Clinic Network · 12+ yrs in Autism Spectrum Disorders) of partner clinic Stem Plus (Sofia), against ISSCR, FDA & EMA guidance. Educational information, not medical advice; figures indicative.
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