Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common motor disability in childhood, affecting about 2–3 children out of every 1,000 births. It is caused by a sometimes-preventable injury to the developing brain and can affect movement, muscle tone, coordination, speech, and sometimes learning.

For decades, treatment for CP has focused on managing symptoms — including physical therapy, medications for muscle tightness, assistive devices, and sometimes surgery. While these approaches help children improve function and independence, they do not repair the original brain injury.

In recent years, researchers have been studying umbilical cord blood stem cell therapy as a potential way to support the brain’s natural ability to heal. While this treatment is not a cure for CP, research shows it may improve motor skills for some children.

This article explains how cord blood therapy works, what current research shows, and what families of children ages 6–15 should consider.

What Is Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cell Therapy?

Umbilical cord blood is the blood that remains in the umbilical cord and placenta after a baby is born. It contains special cells called stem cells. These cells can be collected safely at birth and stored (banked) for possible future medical use.

In cord blood therapy for cerebral palsy, these stored stem cells are given back to the child through an IV (intravenous infusion).

Unlike some other types of stem cells, cord blood stem cells:

• Are collected safely after birth
• Do not involve embryos
• Have a lower risk of rejection
• Have been shown to be generally safe in clinical trials

How Could Cord Blood Help a Child with CP?

It is important to understand that cord blood stem cells do not “replace” damaged brain cells. Instead, researchers believe they work by helping the brain repair itself.

Studies suggest cord blood cells may:

• Reduce inflammation in the brain
• Release natural growth factors
• Support the brain’s existing repair processes
• Encourage better communication between brain cells

The brain has a remarkable ability to adapt, especially in childhood. This ability — often called neuroplasticity — may help explain why some children show improvement after treatment.

What Does the Research Show?

Clinical Trials

One of the most well-known studies was conducted at Duke University. In that study, children with cerebral palsy received infusions of their own stored cord blood. Researchers found that children who received higher doses of stem cells showed measurable improvements in motor skills.

This helped confirm two important points:

1. Cord blood therapy appears to be safe.
2. Higher doses may lead to better results.

Large Research Review

A major research review published in Pediatrics combined results from 11 clinical trials involving nearly 500 children.

The review found that children who received cord blood treatment had greater improvement in gross motor skills at 6 and 12 months compared to children who did not receive treatment.

An overview of the findings from the American Academy of Pediatrics is available here.

While improvements were generally modest, they were meaningful for many families. Some children gained better balance, coordination, or endurance.

Researchers also found that:

• Higher cell doses were linked to stronger improvements
• Serious side effects were rare
• Younger children often showed the greatest benefit

What About Older Children (Ages 6–15)?

Many early studies focused on children under age 6 because younger brains tend to adapt more easily. However, newer research includes older children and teens.

While improvements may be smaller in older children compared to toddlers, school-aged children and adolescents may still benefit — especially when cord blood therapy is combined with:

• Intensive physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Gait and balance training
• Strength-building programs

An international review summarized by the Cerebral Palsy Alliance also confirmed that cord blood treatment can be effective for some children.

For families of children ages 6–15, it is important to have realistic expectations. Cord blood therapy is not a cure. It does not eliminate CP. Instead, it may provide gradual improvements in motor function that support greater independence and participation.

What If My Child Does Not Have Stored Cord Blood?

Not all families bank cord blood at birth. Researchers are studying whether cord blood from a matched sibling — or sometimes a partially matched donor — may also be safe and helpful.

A study examining donor cord blood infusions showed that the treatment was feasible and safe in children.
Access to treatment continues to expand through research programs and clinical trials.

Is Cord Blood Therapy Safe?

So far, clinical trials show a strong safety profile.

Most side effects are mild and temporary, such as:

• Fever
• Headache
• Nausea

Serious complications have been rare and occur at similar rates in children who did not receive treatment in controlled studies.

As with any medical procedure, families should consult with their child’s neurologist and care team before considering participation in a clinical trial.

What Are Researchers Studying Now?

Ongoing research is exploring:

• Whether higher doses improve results
• Whether repeat infusions may extend benefits
• Expanded access for families without stored cord blood
• Combining stem cell therapy with intensive rehabilitation

As more studies are completed, doctors will better understand which children are most likely to benefit and how to optimize treatment.

The Bottom Line

Umbilical cord blood stem cell therapy is one of the most promising areas of research in cerebral palsy treatment today.

Current evidence shows:

• The therapy appears to be safe
• Some children experience measurable motor improvements
• Higher doses may lead to stronger results
• Younger children often respond best — but older children may still benefit

For families of children ages 6–15, cord blood therapy may offer an additional option to consider — particularly as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation plan.

While it is not a cure, it represents meaningful progress in the search for treatments that do more than manage symptoms — treatments that aim to support the brain’s natural healing abilities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Parents

Q: Is cord blood stem cell therapy a cure for cerebral palsy?
A: No. Cord blood therapy is not a cure for CP. It does not reverse the original brain injury. However, research shows that some children experience improvements in motor skills, balance, and coordination after treatment.

Q: How much improvement can families realistically expect?
A: Improvements are typically described as modest but meaningful. Some children show better endurance, smoother movement, improved balance, or gains in gross motor function. Results vary widely, and not every child responds the same way.

Q: Does age matter?
A: Younger children often show stronger responses in research studies because their brains are more adaptable. However, newer studies include older children and teens, and some school-aged children (ages 6–15) have shown improvements — especially when therapy is combined with intensive rehabilitation.

Q: Is the treatment safe?
A: So far, clinical trials show that cord blood infusions are generally safe. Most side effects are mild and temporary, such as low-grade fever or headache. Serious complications are rare in controlled research settings.
As with any medical treatment, families should speak with their child’s neurologist and care team.

Q: Does my child need to have stored cord blood?
A: Many studies use a child’s own stored cord blood (called autologous cord blood). If your child does not have stored cord blood, researchers are studying whether matched sibling or donor cord blood may also be an option. Availability depends on clinical trial eligibility and medical factors.

Q: Is cord blood therapy approved by the FDA?
A: Cord blood stem cell therapy for cerebral palsy is still considered investigational. It is primarily available through clinical trials or expanded access research programs.
Families should be cautious about private clinics offering unproven stem cell treatments that are not part of regulated clinical trials.

Q: How is the treatment given?
A: Cord blood stem cells are delivered through an IV infusion, similar to receiving fluids or medication through a vein. The procedure itself is typically completed in a single session, though some studies are exploring repeat infusions.

Q: Should therapy continue after treatment?
A: Yes. Research suggests that cord blood therapy works best when combined with ongoing physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other rehabilitation programs. Stem cell treatment is not a replacement for therapy — it is potentially a complement to it.

Q: How can I find clinical trials?
A: Families can search for active trials at clinicaltrials.gov. Your child’s neurologist or care team may also know of research programs enrolling participants.

Research is still ongoing, but cord blood stem cell therapy for cerebral palsy offers exciting potential for CP treatment. Meanwhile, if ongoing medical bills to treat your child’s CP are becoming too much and you feel your child’s situation was caused by medical malpractice, contact the Cerebral Palsy Family Lawyers at Janet, Janet & Suggs. Our lawyers can determine if you have a case for potential monetary compensation.

 

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