A halt in multiple sclerosis; EDSS improved from 3.5 to 0 over 18 months; consistent improvement maintained for 3 years
Cindy, a 43-year-old female diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS), underwent a selective neural stem cell placement protocol in October 2022. This therapy aimed to address her condition and has shown significant results over the following years.
Diagnosis and Monitoring
MS is primarily diagnosed through MRI findings that indicate subcortical and juxtacortical brain lesions. Functional assessments, such as the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), are also crucial in evaluating a patient’s condition. This study utilized quantitative MRI analysis, alongside self-assessed EDSS scores, to measure functional ability and determine two key outcomes: A) Halt in progression, as evidenced by MRI analysis from 2022 to 2025, and B) Symptomatic reversal, assessed through EDSS.
Key Findings
Following her treatment, Cindy’s MRI scans indicated a total halt in the progression of her MS, with no changes observed in her brain lesions since the therapy. The consecutive MRIs serve as objective measurements confirming the absence of further progression, a method widely regarded and utilized by neurologists to evaluate MS advancement.
The stem cell administration involved selective cerebrovascular delivery of cellular material to the supratentorial region of the brain, addressing neuroinflammatory conditions. Subsequent intrathecal administrations targeted both the brain and spine to promote neurogenesis, complemented by intensive physiotherapy twice daily. Patients are thoroughly informed about procedural methods, associated risks, and realistic expectations before treatment. Baseline autoimmunity assessments, inflammation markers, blood work, and brain and spine imaging are collected before the procedures. Subjects are followed for one year, using subjective assessment tools, with follow-up MRI comparisons made between baseline and one-year post-therapy.
Progression and Recovery
After the therapy, Cindy’s EDSS score improved dramatically, moving from 3.5 to 1 within a month. By three months post-treatment, her EDSS rose to 4, then stabilized at zero by April 2023 (18 months post-therapy), where it has remained as of April 2025. Throughout this period, yearly brain MRI comparisons confirmed no changes in her lesions, indicating a complete halt in MS progression.
Cindy’s improvements, combining subjective EDSS ratings and MRI findings over three years, suggest that this therapy can yield reliable results for patients starting at an EDSS score of 3.5.
Despite the consistent halt in MS progression evidenced through unchanged brain lesion load, Cindy’s motor capabilities fluctuated between EDSS scores of 1 and 4 during the first eight months. This variability highlights a crucial aspect of recovery involving homeostatic instabilities that can occur following effective cellular regenerative therapy.
The fluctuations in EDSS can be attributed to the brain’s limited capacity for complete neurogenesis, a major factor in why MS does not fully resolve with mere lifestyle changes. The persistent nature of secondary and tertiary factors necessitates induced regeneration to overcome established obstructions.
Therapeutic goals focused on regeneration not only tackle resolvable degenerative changes but also result in temporary instability within the nervous and neuroendocrine systems, which have adapted to degenerative conditions. The brain, as an electrochemical organ, strives to maintain stability by adjusting the synthesis, release, and reuptake of neurotransmitters and endocrine signals. Independent regenerative actions affecting the central nervous system, cerebrum, brain stem, anterior forebrain structures, and peripheral nerves may initially lead to miscoordination, which the brain will eventually readjust. This readjustment period typically spans 10 to 18 months.
During this time, symptoms may intensify or mimic MS, leading to increased EDSS ratings. Common experiences include heightened spasticity and phases of flaccid muscle tone until full equilibrium is restored among the central nervous, cerebellar, and peripheral systems. Recovery may range from 10 to 18 months, particularly for MS patients with existing congenital vascular disorders, where progress may be slow and uncertain in the early stages until more consistent improvements are observed.
In summary, Cindy’s case illustrates both the potential and complexities of stem cell therapy in treating MS, highlighting the need for ongoing assessment and support throughout the recovery process.