Nerves are the cordlike bundles of fibers made up of neurons through which sensory stimuli and motor impulses pass between the brain or other parts of the central nervous system and the eyes, glands, muscles, and other parts of the body. Nerves form a network of pathways for conducting information throughout the body. Now what happens if these conducting pathways are damaged? Your nervous system is involved in everything your body does, from regulating your breathing to controlling your muscles and sensing heat and cold. Nerve pain and nerve damage can be mild. But, because nerves are essential to all you do, nerve pain and damage can seriously affect your quality of life. Recently, there have been studies supporting that platelet rich plasma therapy can actually help to regrow damaged nerves!
Re-growing or repairing nerves once they have been damaged has proven to be a difficult task, however researchers believe Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) may hold the secret to promoting growth. We have known for a long time that growth factors in the blood are able to promote regeneration of cells within the body, including nerves and Platelet Rich Plasma contains a concentrated form of these growth factors. It is thought that by injecting PRP adjacent to the nerves, it can promote nerve regeneration and increase sensation!
A recent study was performed at Hasanuddin University in Indonesia, which examined the use of PRP for nerve regeneration in patients suffering from Leprosy. This rare disease is characterized by skin and nerve degeneration that can lead to severe skin deformities and nerve damage. A double-blind, randomized, control clinical trial was conducted among 60 patients with leprosy peripheral neuropathy. These individuals were injected with either PRP or another substance without growth factors, and the results provided evidence revealing that PRP was beneficial in restoring sensation. These findings reveal another application of the vast regenerative potential of PRP. Although further research is needed to examine the effectiveness of PRP on nerve regeneration, the results provide promising evidence for another application of PRP therapy in the future!
For more information about Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy, Adult Stem Cell Therapy or other Regenerative Medicine procedures contact our office, Cross Bay Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, P.C. located in Howard Beach, NY.