Stem Cell Treatment of Cerebral Palsy: Efficacy and Safety Insights of Stem Cell Therapy for Cerebral Palsy

In cerebral palsy patients, stem cell therapy heals damaged brain cells, nerve and muscle cells. Preventing and minimizing disorders increases the patient's quality of life at home and in the community and reduces the problems related to the disease.

• Stem cells are used in the treatment of Cerebral Palsy due to their ability to transform into those cells upon touching damaged brain cells and to treat damaged nerves and muscles.
• The number of cells to be administered is determined according to the age and weight of the patient. The treatment is performed in 3 sessions 45 days apart or in 3 consecutive days.
• The success rate is related to the patient's age, the duration of the disease and the patient's condition. Very advanced cases may require more than one treatment.

What is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy is a group of neurological disorders that affect movement, muscle tone, and posture. It results from damage or abnormal development in the brain, usually before birth or in early childhood. The condition is permanent but does not worsen over time.

The effects vary from mild motor difficulties to severe physical and cognitive impairments. Some children may struggle with coordination or balance, while others may need full assistance with daily activities.

There are four main types:

• Spastic cerebral palsy: causes stiff muscles and difficulty with movement.
• Dyskinetic cerebral palsy: leads to uncontrolled or involuntary movements.
• Ataxic cerebral palsy: affects balance and coordination.
• Mixed cerebral palsy: includes symptoms of more than one type.

Early diagnosis and treatment can help improve mobility, independence, and quality of life.

How does cerebral palsy affect children?

Cerebral palsy affects children in ways that depend on the type and severity of brain injury. The most common challenges are related to movement and muscle control. Many children experience stiffness in their muscles, difficulties with coordination, or involuntary movements. These issues can make walking, grasping objects, or maintaining balance difficult.

Beyond motor symptoms, cerebral palsy may also impact other functions. Some children have speech and swallowing difficulties. Others face vision or hearing problems. Seizures and learning difficulties occur in certain cases, though not all children are affected in the same way.

The condition can also influence social and emotional development. A child may need support with daily activities such as dressing, feeding, or communication. With therapy, assistive devices, and educational support, many children achieve greater independence and improved quality of life.

What are the main causes of cerebral palsy?

Cerebral palsy develops when the brain is damaged or does not form normally during early development. The injury usually happens before birth, but it can also occur during delivery or in the first years of life.

The main causes include:

• Prenatal factors: infections during pregnancy, restricted blood flow to the fetus, or exposure to toxins can interfere with brain development.
• Perinatal complications: oxygen deprivation during birth (birth asphyxia), premature delivery, or very low birth weight increase risk.
• Postnatal events: brain infections such as meningitis, head injuries, or severe jaundice in newborns can lead to cerebral palsy.

In many cases, several risk factors overlap. However, in about one-third of children, no single cause is identified.

What current therapies for cerebral palsy are available?

Treatment for cerebral palsy focuses on improving function, reducing symptoms, and supporting independence. While there is no cure, several therapies help children and adults manage daily challenges.

The main options include:

• Physical therapy: strengthens muscles, improves mobility, and helps prevent contractures.
• Occupational therapy: teaches skills for daily activities such as eating, dressing, and writing.
• Speech and language therapy: supports communication and addresses swallowing difficulties.
• Medications: reduce muscle spasticity, control seizures, or ease pain.
• Surgical interventions: orthopedic surgery corrects bone or joint issues, while selective dorsal rhizotomy reduces severe spasticity.
• Assistive devices: braces, walkers, wheelchairs, and communication aids improve independence.

Therapy plans are individualized, often combining several approaches to meet each child’s specific needs.

How is the Treatment of Cerebral Palsy?

Treatment of cerebral palsy is lifelong and tailored to each person’s needs. The goal is not to cure the condition but to improve mobility, independence, and quality of life. Management usually requires a team of specialists, including neurologists, orthopedic surgeons, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists.

Key treatment approaches include:

• Rehabilitation therapies: physical, occupational, and speech therapy form the core of treatment.
• Medical management: medications ease spasticity, reduce pain, or control seizures.
• Surgical options: orthopedic procedures correct bone deformities, and selective dorsal rhizotomy targets nerve pathways to reduce stiffness.
• Supportive care: orthotic devices, wheelchairs, and communication aids help with daily function.
• Emerging treatments: research into cell therapy and stem cell therapies is exploring new possibilities for brain repair and improved outcomes.

Successful treatment depends on early intervention, regular follow-up, and adapting the plan as the child grows.

What is Stem Cell Therapy for Cerebral Palsy?

Stem cell therapy for cerebral palsy is an experimental approach that aims to repair or replace damaged brain cells. Unlike traditional treatments that only manage symptoms, stem cell therapies target the underlying injury in the developing brain.

Stem cells have the ability to transform into different types of cells, including nerve cells and supporting brain tissue. Researchers believe they may help by:

• Replacing or repairing damaged neurons.
• Releasing growth factors that protect brain tissue.
• Reducing inflammation that worsens brain injury.
• Promoting new connections between nerve cells to improve movement and function.

Most studies use stem cells from the child’s own bone marrow, umbilical cord blood, or donor sources. These cells are either infused into the bloodstream or directly transplanted to affected areas.

At present, stem cell therapy for cerebral palsy is offered only in clinical trials or specialized centers. Results show promise, but long-term safety and effectiveness still need further confirmation.

Which types of stem cells are used in treatment?

Several stem cell types are being studied for cerebral palsy treatment. Each has unique properties that may support brain repair:

• Umbilical cord blood stem cells: Collected at birth, these cells contain hematopoietic stem cells that may reduce inflammation and promote brain healing.
• Bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMCs): Taken from the patient’s own marrow, these mesenchymal stem cells can release growth factors that protect nerve cells and stimulate repair.
• Adipose-derived stem cells: Sourced from fat tissue, these cells are rich in mesenchymal stem cells and are being investigated for their regenerative potential.
• Neural stem cells: Found in the developing brain, these can give rise to nerve cells and glial cells, but their use is still largely experimental.
• Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs): Adult cells reprogrammed to act like embryonic stem cells. They offer research opportunities but are not yet used clinically due to safety concerns.

Most clinical trials focus on umbilical cord blood and bone marrow–derived stem cells, as these are easier to collect and carry lower ethical risks.

How does stem cell transplantation support recovery in cerebral palsy?

Clinical studies like "Progress in clinical trials of stem cell therapy for cerebral palsy" shows that stem cell transplantation supports recovery in cerebral palsy by addressing damage in the developing brain rather than only treating symptoms. The transplanted cells do not replace the entire brain tissue but act in ways that promote repair and function.

Key mechanisms include:

• Neuroprotection: stem cells release growth factors that protect surviving neurons from further injury.
• Neuroregeneration: they encourage the growth of new nerve cells and strengthen existing connections.
• Anti-inflammatory effects: they reduce harmful inflammation in the brain, which can worsen damage.
• Remyelination: some stem cells help restore the protective myelin sheath around nerves, improving signal transmission.
• Support for blood flow: stem cells stimulate new blood vessel formation, enhancing oxygen and nutrient delivery.

These combined effects may lead to better muscle control, reduced spasticity, and improved cognitive or sensory functions. However, outcomes vary, and research is still ongoing to define who benefits most and which cell sources are safest.

What makes stem cell therapy different from other cell therapies?

Stem cell therapy differs from other cell therapies because of the unique ability of stem cells to transform and repair. While most cell therapies use mature or specialized cells to replace or support damaged tissue, stem cells offer broader potential.

Key differences include:

• Versatility: stem cells can develop into multiple cell types, including nerve and support cells, while other cell therapies use fixed-function cells.
• Regenerative capacity: they promote brain repair through regeneration, not just symptom management.
• Paracrine effects: stem cells release growth factors and signaling molecules that reduce inflammation, stimulate healing, and protect neurons—effects not seen with most other cell therapies.
• Potential for integration: some stem cells may integrate into damaged brain networks, while other therapies mainly provide support without integration.
• Broader research focus: stem cell therapies are studied in clinical trials for many neurological conditions, positioning them as a frontier in regenerative medicine.

In cerebral palsy, this difference means stem cell therapy aims to improve brain function at its source, not just manage motor symptoms as rehabilitation or medication does.

How Effective is Stem Cell Treatment for Cerebral Palsy?

Effectiveness of stem cell treatment for cerebral palsy is still under investigation. More research is needed, but early results are encouraging. Clinical studies and ongoing stem cell research suggest potential benefits in motor skills, spasticity reduction, and overall quality of life.

Several cell therapies for CP have shown improvements in children’s mobility, speech, and daily function. Gains are often modest but meaningful, especially when combined with rehabilitation. The most consistent outcomes come from cord blood–derived and bone marrow–derived stem cells.

Evidence from stem cell clinical trials indicates:

• Some children experience better muscle control and reduced stiffness.
• Functional improvements may last months to years, though long-term durability is uncertain.
• Results vary depending on stem cell type, dose, delivery method, and age of the patient.

While promising, stem cell therapy is not yet a standard treatment. More large-scale trials and systematic reviews are needed to confirm safety and long-term effectiveness. Families should consider therapy only within well-designed clinical studies or specialized centers.

What do clinical trials of stem cell therapy show?

Clinical trials test whether cell-based therapy can improve function in cerebral palsy while establishing safety and efficacy. Results are promising but variable across study designs, cell sources, and delivery methods.

• Designs and cells for cerebral palsy: Trials include randomized and open-label studies using umbilical cord blood, bone marrow–derived MSCs, and other stem cells. Routes are intravenous or intrathecal. Protocols often pair cells with intensive rehabilitation.
• Functional outcomes: Many studies report small-to-moderate gains in gross motor function (e.g., walking, balance) and reduced spasticity. Improvements in cognition, speech, or swallowing are less consistent. Benefits tend to appear within months and may persist with ongoing therapy.
• Who benefits most: Younger children and those treated earlier often show greater response. Higher baseline rehabilitation engagement correlates with better outcomes. Dose, cell type, and single vs repeated infusions influence effect size.
• Safety and efficacy: Short-term safety is generally acceptable. Reported adverse events are usually mild and transient (fever, headache, nausea). Serious complications are uncommon in controlled studies. Long-term safety and durability of benefit still require larger, longer trials.
• Evidence gaps: Sample sizes remain small, endpoints vary, and blinding/placebo controls are inconsistent. Standardized measures and longer follow-up are needed to confirm efficacy and define best practices for cells for cerebral palsy.

Bottom line: Trials suggest stem cell–based approaches can deliver measurable functional gains with manageable short-term risk, but definitive safety and efficacy conclusions await larger, harmonized studies.

What evidence comes from systematic reviews and meta-analyses?

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses combine results from multiple studies to give a clearer picture of stem cell therapy for cerebral palsy. These high-level analyses provide evidence on both potential benefits and limitations.

Findings generally show:

• Motor improvements: pooled data suggest stem cell therapy may enhance gross motor function, particularly when paired with rehabilitation.
• Reduction in spasticity: several reviews report moderate improvements in muscle stiffness and mobility.
• Variation in outcomes: not all patients benefit equally. Younger children and those treated early often show better responses.
• Safety profile: systematic reviews indicate that short-term safety is acceptable, with most adverse effects being mild and temporary. However, long-term safety remains uncertain.
• Evidence quality: many reviews highlight small sample sizes, varied study designs, and limited follow-up periods. This lowers the strength of conclusions.

Overall, systematic reviews and meta-analyses support the potential effectiveness of stem cell therapy but stress the need for larger, standardized clinical trials to confirm long-term safety and consistent results.

Key Systematic Reviews & Meta-Analyses

• Stem cell treatment and cerebral palsy: Systemic review and meta-analysis
  A meta-analysis of eight randomized controlled trials (n≈282) showed that stem cell treatment significantly improved gross motor function (GMFM), with a standardized mean difference of 0.95 (95% CI: 0.13–1.76). Short-term safety appeared acceptable, though study heterogeneity was high.
• Efficacy and safety of stem cell therapy in cerebral palsy: A systematic review and meta-analysis
  This meta-analysis pooled data from nine studies and found that stem cell therapy—especially intrathecal umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells at low dose—achieved significant GMFM improvements at 3, 6, and 12 months. Importantly, adverse event rates were comparable to controls (RR = 1.13; 95% CI: 0.90–1.42).
• Clinical Evidence of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells for Cerebral Palsy: Scoping Review with Meta-Analysis of Efficacy in Gross Motor Outcomes
  A scoping review and meta-analysis concluded that mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) treatment improves gross motor function and Comprehensive Function Assessment (CFA) in children with CP. However, Phase 2 trials indicated potentially stronger benefits from umbilical cord blood therapies.
• Stem Cell Treatment and Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
  From nine studies, this meta-analysis reported that stem cell therapy exerts neuroprotective effects via anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic mechanisms, based on pooled GMF‑66 scores (SMD = 1.5, 95% CI: 0.7–2.3). Gastrointestinal complications occurred in ~21%, and fever in ~18% of patients. Both effects were generally mild.
• A systematic review of cell therapy modalities and outcomes in cerebral palsy
  A broader scoping review of various cell therapies for CP (including MSCs, neural stem/progenitor cells, peripheral mononuclear cells, and others) analyzed 60 studies involving over 1,400 patients. Favorable outcomes were reported in 54 trials (~90%), with low rates of serious adverse events (~0.41%). MSCs and BM-MNCs were among the safer options, though efficacy varied by cell type, dose, and delivery route.

Summary Table of Reviews and Meta Analysis

These systematic reviews and meta-analyses collectively affirm that stem cell and other cell-based therapies for cerebral palsy show promise, especially in improving motor function with acceptable short-term safety profiles. Nevertheless, limitations such as small sample sizes, diverse protocols, and short follow-up durations call for larger, standardized, high-quality trials to solidify conclusions on long-term efficacy and safety.

How effective are stem cell therapies for children with cerebral palsy?

Stem cell therapies in children with cerebral palsy show modest, clinically meaningful gains in many studies. Improvements most often appear in gross motor function measured by GMFM scales. Spasticity may lessen. Speech, cognition, and swallowing outcomes are less consistent.

Effect size varies by context:

• Age: earlier treatment tends to yield larger gains.
• Cell source: umbilical cord blood and bone marrow–derived MSCs show the most consistent signals.
• Delivery: intrathecal routes may produce stronger short-term change than intravenous, but with more transient side effects.
• Severity: ambulant children (GMFCS I–III) often demonstrate clearer functional change than those with severe impairment.
• Rehabilitation: intensive physiotherapy amplifies and sustains benefits.

Durability appears short to mid-term. Many responders maintain improvements for 6–12 months, especially with ongoing rehab. Long-term persistence and the value of repeat infusions remain uncertain.

Safety in pediatric trials is acceptable in the short term. Typical adverse effects are mild and temporary, such as fever or headache. Serious complications are uncommon in controlled settings. Lifelong safety data are limited.

Bottom line: for children, stem cell therapy is not a cure, but it can add incremental functional gains (particularly in movement) when delivered within structured protocols and paired with rehabilitation. Families should consider participation in well-designed clinical trials to maximize safety and outcome tracking.

What are the Safety and Risks of Stem Cell Therapy?

Stem cell therapy for cerebral palsy is considered relatively safe in the short term, but risks remain and long-term safety is not yet fully established. Safety and risk profiles depend on the type of stem cells used, the delivery method, and the clinical setting.

Safety profile observed in clinical trials:

• Most reported side effects are mild and temporary, such as fever, headache, nausea, or pain at the injection site.
• Serious complications, such as infection, bleeding, or immune reactions, are rare in controlled trials.
• No strong evidence of tumor formation has been linked to properly conducted stem cell therapies in children with cerebral palsy.

Potential risks and concerns:

• Immune rejection: donor-derived stem cells may trigger immune reactions, though this is uncommon when using umbilical cord or autologous bone marrow cells.
• Procedure-related risks: intrathecal (spinal) injections carry small risks of bleeding, infection, or nerve injury.
• Unregulated clinics: outside clinical trials, unlicensed stem cell treatments can expose children to poorly tested procedures with unknown risks.
• Unknown long-term effects: while short-term safety is acceptable, data beyond 5–10 years are limited. Researchers are still evaluating whether repeated treatments remain safe.

Balancing safety and efficacy:
Current evidence suggests stem cell therapy can be safely delivered in research settings with careful monitoring. However, it is not risk-free, and families should avoid commercial, unregulated offerings until more long-term safety and efficacy data are available.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Success Rate of Stem Cell Therapy in Cerebral Palsy?

Although the success of the treatment varies according to the age of the patient and the severity of the disease, the success rate of the disease varies in the range of 43 to 87%.

Across meta-analyses and controlled trials, many children experience modest, clinically meaningful motor gains after stem cell therapy, especially with adequate dosing and rehabilitation. Typical pooled effects are small-to-moderate on GMFM; exact “percent improved” varies by study design and thresholds used. Families should interpret “success” as improvement in function, not cure, and look for dose-appropriate, trial-based protocols.

Please check out the Scientific Studies section below for meta-analyses and controlled trials research papers.

Can stem cells help with cerebral palsy?

Stem cells may help children with cerebral palsy by protecting brain cells, reducing inflammation, and supporting repair. Clinical trials show improvements in motor function for some patients, especially when therapy is combined with rehabilitation. Results vary, and treatment remains experimental, offered mainly within regulated research settings.

How much does stem cell therapy cost for cerebral palsy?

Stem cell therapy for cerebral palsy is expensive, and costs vary by region. In the US, treatment often averages $25,000–$40,000. In the UK and Western Europe, costs usually range from €20,000–€35,000. In Türkiye, world-class clinics provide the same high standards at more affordable averages of $7,000–$15,000, making it a leading destination for families seeking effective, evidence-based care.

Stem cell therapy protocols are determined based on the patient’s age, weight, and disease progression or current condition. The final price is confirmed once the treatment protocol is defined.

Scientific Studies:

1. Eggenberger S, Boucard C, Schoeberlein A, Guzman R, Limacher A, Surbek D, Mueller M. Stem cell treatment and cerebral palsy: Systemic review and meta-analysis. World J Stem Cells 2019; 11(10): 891-903 [DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v11.i10.891]
2. Qu J, Zhou L, Zhang H, Han D, Luo Y, Chen J, Li L, Zou Z, He Z, Zhang M, Ye J. Efficacy and safety of stem cell therapy in cerebral palsy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Bioeng Biotechnol. 2022 Dec 14;10:1006845. doi: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1006845.
3. Novak I, Walker K, Hunt RW, Wallace EM, Fahey M, Badawi N. Concise Review: Stem Cell Interventions for People With Cerebral Palsy: Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis. Stem Cells Transl Med. 2016 Aug;5(8):1014-25. doi: 10.5966/sctm.2015-0372.
4. Sun JM, Song AW, Case LE, Mikati MA, Gustafson KE, Simmons R, Goldstein R, Petry J, McLaughlin C, Waters-Pick B, Chen LW, Wease S, Blackwell B, Worley G, Troy J, Kurtzberg J. Effect of Autologous Cord Blood Infusion on Motor Function and Brain Connectivity in Young Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Stem Cells Transl Med. 2017 Dec;6(12):2071-2078. doi: 10.1002/sctm.17-0102.
5. Megan Finch-Edmondson, Madison C. B. Paton, Annabel Webb, Mahmoud Reza Ashrafi, Remy K. Blatch-Williams, Charles S. Cox, Kylie Crompton, Alexandra R. Griffin, MinYoung Kim, Steven Kosmach, Joanne Kurtzberg, Masoumeh Nouri, Mi Ri Suh, Jessica Sun, Morteza Zarrabi, Iona Novak; Cord Blood Treatment for Children With Cerebral Palsy: Individual Participant Data Meta-Analysis. Pediatrics April 2025; 155 (5): e2024068999. 10.1542/peds.2024-068999
6. Qu J, Zhou L, Zhang H, Han D, Luo Y, Chen J, Li L, Zou Z, He Z, Zhang M, Ye J. Efficacy and safety of stem cell therapy in cerebral palsy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Bioeng Biotechnol. 2022 Dec 14;10:1006845. doi: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1006845.
7. Eggenberger S, Boucard C, Schoeberlein A, Guzman R, Limacher A, Surbek D, Mueller M. Stem cell treatment and cerebral palsy: Systemic review and meta-analysis. World J Stem Cells. 2019 Oct 26;11(10):891-903. doi: 10.4252/wjsc.v11.i10.891.
8. Huang L, Zhang C, Gu J, Wu W, Shen Z, Zhou X, Lu H. A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Human Umbilical Cord Blood Mesenchymal Stem Cell Infusion for Children With Cerebral Palsy. Cell Transplant. 2018 Feb;27(2):325-334. doi: 10.1177/0963689717729379.
9. Paton MCB, Griffin AR, Blatch-Williams R, Webb A, Verter F, Couto PS, Bersenev A, Dale RC, Popat H, Novak I, Finch-Edmondson M. Clinical Evidence of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells for Cerebral Palsy: Scoping Review with Meta-Analysis of Efficacy in Gross Motor Outcomes. Cells. 2025 May 12;14(10):700. doi: 10.3390/cells14100700.
10. Sun JM, Case LE, McLaughlin C, Burgess A, Skergan N, Crane S, Jasien JM, Mikati MA, Troy J, Kurtzberg J. Motor function and safety after allogeneic cord blood and cord tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells in cerebral palsy: An open-label, randomized trial. Dev Med Child Neurol. 2022 Dec;64(12):1477-1486. doi: 10.1111/dmcn.15325.