StemCellsChina would like to thank Tessie for writing this Patient Experience for us.
Traumatic Brain Injury 39, USA
Check out Earl's video on Vimeo here or click on the picture below.
Condition
Two years ago, Earl was in a motorcycle accident during which he suffered a traumatic brain injury. After being in a coma for three months and in a vegetative state for a month, Earl thankfully came back to his family. But because of his injury, he was functioning at a highly impaired state. His wife Tessi Anduha describes what it was like when he first got back from the hospital: "It was a really slow process. He'd open his eyes and wouldn't respond to anything, just look around. Then he started saying little sounds about a month after coming out of his coma, smiling, but not recognizing anybody. It took him a while to regain his memory as far as identifying people."
DIAGNOSIS: Liam suffered a brain injury at birth. His mother has a condition called Vaso Previa, in which the umbilical cord forms at a lower point on the placenta. During birth, Liam severed the cord resulting in the loss of 55% of his blood. He was revived after almost fourteen minutes, but the oxygen deprivation he suffered caused brain damage. His specific condition is hypoxic escemic encephalopathy.
TREATMENT: 3 umbilical cord stem cell and nerve growth factor injections with rehabilitation therapy.
START OF TREATMENT: 20 August 2007
REASON FOR COMING TO TREATMENT: The patient's parents are hoping that early intervention will minimize the severity of the sypmtoms he may suffer in later life, specifically the parents are worried about cerebral palsy-like symptoms such as loss of voluntary muscle control and impaired learning. His parents have already witnessed some involuntary arm movement and clenching of the fist and they feel that any small improvements they can offer will benefit Liam in the long term.
See Liam's clips combined and subtitled into one video (and streaming) on Vimeo and YouTube.
BEFORE THE TREATMENT: Liam's young age makes accurate prognosis difficult. In comparison to healthy babies of his age, Liam exhibits a lack of awareness of his surroundings, and is not as reactive to stimuli. His mother, who works in the medical field, has described him as being "Flaccid" and "Floppy," as well as saying that he tends to arch his back and stare blankly. Liam's American pediatrician also reported stiffness in the legs. A major concern is Liam's sleeping behaviour - he can sleep for up to 23 hours at a time.
WATCH LIAM'S VIDEOS BEFORE AND DURING THE TREATMENT:
P A T I E N T E X P E R I E N C E - B R A I N I N J U R Y NAME: Jessica McAfee
AGE: 22
COUNTRY: USA
DIAGNOSIS: Three years ago, the patient was involved in a car accident which left her brain damaged. The damage considerably affected her motor functions and ability to speak.
TREATMENT: Umbilical cord stem cell and nerve growth factor injections with rehabilitation therapy.
REASON FOR COMING TO TREATMENT: The patient's injury had caused her immense difficulties in movement and she needed a wheelchair to get around, though for small distances she could use a Zimmer frame. She found it very difficult to balance and nearly impossible to stand up unassisted. Her speech was slurred and not fully responsive - she had to think about things before she said them. In addition to this she suffered from stomach ulcers.
