Human embryonic stem cells in the treatment of patients with spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a neurological condition which paralyzes the patient below the level of injury and could occur due to damage, infection and tumors. Presently, there is no cure for SCI. The treatment options used for SCI include corticosteroid (methylprednisolone sodium succinate), surgical interventions, and physiotherapy and lowering of body temperature. The research on treatment options for SCI has been shifted to cell-based therapies. Use of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) has been explored in animal models in which these cells have been found to hold a potential to repair and regenerate.