Treatment Options
Umbilical cord blood is a rich source of stem cells -- immature, blood-producing cells found in blood and bone marrow. Scientists believe that selected cord blood cells produce chemicals that travel to the brain, where they signal brain cells to reduce inflammation or stimulate the formation of new connections between nerve cells called neurons. In addition to offering hope for young children with autism and cerebral palsy, cord blood infusion therapy may hold promise for other brain injuries, including encephalopathy in newborns and stroke in adults.
