What Causes Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the myelin—the insulating fat layers that wrap around neurons in the brain and spinal cord. This damage disrupts nerve signals, leading to progressive neurological decline and disabling symptoms.
Common Symptoms of MS:
✔ Muscle weakness, stiffness, and tremors
✔ Coordination and balance difficulties
✔ Vision problems (pain, vision loss, flashing lights, color blindness)
✔ Numbness, tingling, or electric-shock sensations
✔ Bladder and bowel dysfunction
✔ Fatigue, depression, and cognitive issues
MS symptoms can worsen in heat, such as during hot baths or exercise.
Who is Most at Risk?
Women aged 20-50
Individuals of Northern European descent
Those with low vitamin D levels
People living further from the equator
Multiple sclerosis is considered a relatively rare disease, affecting approximately 2.3 million people worldwide.
Stages of Multiple Sclerosis
Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS)
First occurrence of MS-related symptoms before a full diagnosis.
Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS)
✔ Most common form (85% of MS cases)
✔ Unpredictable cycles of relapse and remissionSecondary-Progressive MS (SPMS)
✔ Follows RRMS
✔ Symptoms progressively worsen with shorter remission periodsPrimary-Progressive MS (PPMS)
✔ Rare form with no remissions
✔ Slow and steady progression
Why Choose Stem Cell Therapy?
Currently, there is no known cure for multiple sclerosis. While standard therapies like disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) may slow MS progression, they do not and can not repair myelin damage. Additionally, these therapies often have unpleasant side effects.
How Can Stem Cell Therapy Help?
Stem cell therapy offers a regenerative approach to multiple sclerosis treatment by allowing your body to heal from the inside out by:
✔ Replacing damaged nerve cells with healthy ones
✔ Reducing inflammation in the central nervous system
✔ Restoring lost myelin and protecting neurons
✔ Slowing or reversing disease progression
What are stem cells?
Stem cells are fundamentally the building blocks of life and have the potential to differentiate into many different types of cells within the body. They are undifferentiated cells that can develop into various specialized cell types, including neurons and myelin cells. By injecting stem cells into the body, the damaged tissues can regenerate and allow your body to start healing. This often leads to a reduction in MS symptoms.
Types of Stem Cells Used for MS therapy
At Nashville Regenerative Orthopedics, we exclusively use adult stem cells harvested from your own body (bone marrow or fat tissue) to minimize rejection risks.
How Effective is Stem Cell Therapy for helping heal from Multiple Sclerosis?
Clinical research on stem cell therapy for multiple sclerosis is rapidly evolving. Studies show that stem cell transplants can reset the immune system and suppress MS symptoms for years.
Scientific Evidence & Benefits of Stem Cell Therapy:
✔ Blood Stem Cell Transplantation
- Suppresses MS flare-ups for 4-5 years
- Reduces new lesions by 79% (compared to standard therapy)
✔ Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs)
- Remyelinate (repair) damaged nerve cells
- Reduce nerve scarring & protect against further inflammation
- Improve mobility and reduce disability scores
Who is a Good Candidate for Stem Cell Therapy?
Stem cell therapy is an option when:
✔ MS symptoms are progressively worsening
✔ Standard therapies have failed
✔ DMTs cause severe side effects
At Nashville Regenerative Orthopedics, we evaluate candidates on a case-by-case basis.
How Much Does Stem Cell Therapy Cost?
The cost varies based on:
✔ Number of therapy sessions
✔ Stem cell dose required
✔ Condition severity
Multiple Sclerosis Therapy: How Stem Cell Therapy Compares to Standard Therapies
| Stem Cell Therapy | Regenerates neurons & myelin, reduces inflammation | May require multiple therapies, still being researched, so limited amount of case studies |
| Disease-Modifying Therapies (DMTs) | Slows MS progression, reduces relapses | Can have severe side effects, does not repair nerve damage |
| Corticosteroids | Short-term symptom relief | Weight gain, immune suppression, mood changes |
| Physical & Occupational Therapy | Improves mobility, balance & strength | No impact on disease progression |
Why Nashville Regenerative Orthopedics?
✔ FDA-registered, cGMP-certified, ISO-7 laboratory
✔ Cutting-edge stem cell therapies for healing your body from the inside out
✔ Minimally invasive, outpatient procedures
Meet Our Doctors
Dr. Ethan Kellum, MD
- Pioneer in regenerative orthopedics
- Sports medicine specialist & former NBA team physician
- Expert in non-surgical therapies for MS & joint disorders
Dr. Hemal Mehta, MD
- Board-certified Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation physician
- Specialist in degenerative spinal conditions, non-opioid pain management & neurodegenerative diseases
"Stem cell therapy changed my life. My MS symptoms have dramatically improved!"
Bo Freeman
"I avoided knee surgery thanks to Dr. Kellum’s stem cell therapy!"
Mark A. Chouanard
Frequently Asked Questions
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