Round 2: Stem Cells and a Chronic Dural Leaker

stem cells and dural leaker

In September I blogged on the remarkable results obtained by using the Regenexx-SCP stem cell procedure in a chronic dural leaker (spontaneous CSF leak). The patient has been unable to work for many years and has scoured the world for experts in this field. She had never gotten more than a few weeks of relief (which was defined as more than a few hours spent upright each day) with conventional blood patching using fibrin glue (Tisseal). She even inadvertently contracted a viral illness from a bad batch of fibrin glue. She came back out in October for round 2 of her epidural blood patching using the Regenexx-SCP procedure and here is her redacted report (she is now Dr. Schultz’s patient):

Since our last communication, I have seen a gradual trend to improvement.  My headache escalates more slowly with hours logged upright; the past 2 days my h/a has not been more than moderate despite being upright closer to 12 hours total.  When I exercise, it does reduce my total hours upright for obvious reasons, so striking a balance is an ongoing effort.  I am getting more accomplished with less strategic planning!

While my functional status is far from normal and I still endure significant headache, the gap between where I was and fully functional has closed significantly.  I am now able to be upright all morning CONSISTENTLY.  That was my goal for confidently returning to [work] part-time.  My afternoons are still spent recumbent so that I can recover enough to be upright again later, but the hours recumbent are fewer.

While I have been hopeful for such favorable results from the start, honestly, I am a bit surprised, after TEN plus years of dealing with this CSF leaking.  I saw Dr. ____ when I was in LA for a conference.  He was thrilled to see me looking so well and obviously has a great deal of interest in my outcome.

This Thanksgiving was met with more reason to be thankful.  THANK YOU and your team!

We continue to be encouraged by her progress and are all thankful that she continues to do well!

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Chris Centeno, MD is a specialist in regenerative medicine and the new field of Interventional Orthopedics. Centeno pioneered orthopedic stem cell procedures in 2005 and is responsible for a large amount of the published research on stem cell use for orthopedic applications. View Profile

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NOTE: This blog post provides general information to help the reader better understand regenerative medicine, musculoskeletal health, and related subjects. All content provided in this blog, website, or any linked materials, including text, graphics, images, patient profiles, outcomes, and information, are not intended and should not be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please always consult with a professional and certified healthcare provider to discuss if a treatment is right for you.

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