2011 Feb; 11(1) : 67-77. Research advances in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, 2009 to 2010. Traub R, Mitsumoto H, Rowland LP. Eleanor and Lou Gehrig MDA/ALS Research Center, Neurological Institute, Columbia University Medical Center, 710 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA. rt2238@columbia.edu Abstract Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease of upper and…

Peripheral Neuropathy (PN) PN peripheral neuropathy is a degenerative disorder of the nerves (usually of the hands and feet) and has many causes including traumatic injuries, infections (neuritis), metabolic problems and exposure to toxins. One of the most common causes is diabetes, and many cases are due to auto-immune disorders, but frequently, the cause of…

Parkinsons Disease (PD) PD Parkinson’s Disease is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that affects close to one million Americans. PD is a chronic and progressive disorder that is thought to be caused by destruction of the dopamine (an important neurotransmitter) generating cells in the midbrain. The cause of PD is unknown and…

Muscular Dystrophy Muscular dystrophy (MD) is a disease characterized by progressive skeletal muscle weakness, defects in muscle proteins (dystrophin concentration is greatly reduced), and the death of muscle cells and tissue. Diagnosis is based on muscle biopsy, laboratory evaluation (increased levels of creatine phosphokinase) and EMG findings. There are nine major types of MD and most…

Stroke, also known as cerebro-vascular accident, is caused by a disturbance in blood supply to the brain. Stroke affects millions of Americans every year. The result is ischemic brain injury which means that part of the brain has suffered from lack of oxygen and this has resulted in vital tissue destruction. Symptoms vary depending on…

Knee Problems Knee arthritis is a form of degenerative joint disease that affects millions of Americans. There are several alternatives to knee surgery such as injection of cartilage substitutes or steroids. Steroid injection is not favored as a viable long term treatment since the steroids actually damage local tissues over time. Certain types of knee…

Hip Problems and California Stem Cell Treatment Center Hip arthritis is a form of degenerative joint disease that affects millions of Americans. Patients try to delay hip replacement surgery for as long as possible and often seek hip injections with steroids. Steroid injection is not favored as a viable long term treatment since the steroids…

Elbow and Hand Problems Elbow and Hand problems from arthritis of joints of the upper extremity is a form of degenerative joint disease that disables millions of Americans. Certain types of elbow and wrist joint problems including certain tendon problems and ligamentous injuries may not be amenable to cell therapy. It is important to evaluate…

Shoulder problems come from chronic pain from rotator cuff injuries and arthritis of joints of the shoulder disables millions of Americans. Certain types of shoulder joint problems including certain tendon problems and ligamentous injuries may not be amenable to cell therapy. It is important to evaluate each individual case to assess likelihood of success with…

ANKLE PROBLEMS Arthritis of joints of the ankle is a disabling form of degenerative joint disease that often can often follow trauma or surgery and lead to further ankle problems. There may also be associated tendon problems and ligamentous injuries that may or may not be amenable to cell therapy. It is important to evaluate…