Neurogenesis & Physiatry
Using Neurogenesis to Repair Nerve Damage
Neurogenesis is the body’s natural process of growing or re-growing
nerve cells. This process is studied by physiatrists who treat patients
that have lost nerve cells in the brain and / or spinal cord due to disease
or injuries such as traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord damage,
Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy, and stroke. Neurogenesis may
allow these patients to get back some of the function they lost.
Scientists are beginning to learn how to stimulate this process through
methods such as:
-
Exercise – There is evidence to suggest that following an exercise program
may effectively trigger the body’s neurogenesis.
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Stem Cell Treatments – Another form of stimulating neurogenesis involves taking cells
from the bone marrow that have not yet fully matured—otherwise known
as stem cells—which are then treated and caused to be returned to
the brain / spinal cord as mature nerve cells, replacing those that have
been damaged.
While there is still a lot to learn about neurogenesis, it is clear that
this process holds the potential for regenerating damaged central nervous
systems safely and effectively for many patients. This is an exciting
area of study with a lot of potential. Ask your Fremont physiatrist at
Washington Township Medical Foundation about neurogenesis as a form of
natural recovery.