A. Assara, a 71-year-old male from Libya, has been grappling with a complex medical condition. He suffers from the sequelae of a stroke, which has led to left-side hemiplegia, in addition to diabetes and hypertension. His health journey took a significant turn in the summer of 2008. After experiencing a fit of rage, he suddenly developed slurred speech and profound weakness on the left side of his body. Urgent medical attention was sought, and a CT scan of his head revealed an abnormal signal image in the right thalamus.
For over five years since then, he has been severely hampered by the movement dysfunction on the left side of his body, which has had a profound impact on his daily life. Simple tasks like dressing, eating, and walking have become extremely challenging. Due to these persistent and debilitating symptoms, he was admitted to our hospital.
Since the onset of his condition, he has been receiving physical rehabilitation therapy and nerve nutrition medication in an attempt to improve his condition. On June 25th, 2013, he took a new step in his treatment by receiving a round of stem cell treatment in our Beijing hospital, with the hope of achieving more significant improvements in his physical function and quality of life.
Pre-Treatment Condition (Before the First Course of Treatment)
• Abnormal Muscular Tension on the Left Side
The muscular tension of the left side of A.Assara's body deviated severely from the normal state. The muscles felt either overly rigid, causing restricted movement and an inability to relax properly, or in some areas were flaccid, lacking the necessary tone to support basic functions.
• Weak Muscle Strength and Poor Motor Ability on the Left Side
The muscle strength of his left-side body was alarmingly weak. Simple tasks that require muscle power, such as lifting a lightweight object with his left hand or taking a step with his left leg, were nearly impossible. His left-hand grip was so feeble that he couldn't hold a pen to write or grasp a cup without dropping it. In terms of motor ability, his left-side movements were uncoordinated and jerky. When trying to walk, his left leg dragged behind, and his left-arm swung in an uncontrolled manner, lacking the smoothness and synchronization needed for normal ambulation.
• Diminished Sensation on the Left Side
The sensation on the left side of A.Assara's body was markedly poor. He had a reduced ability to feel touch, temperature, and pain in his left arm, hand, left leg, and foot. He might not notice if something was touching his left hand gently or if he was exposed to a hot or cold surface on the left side of his body.
• Slurred Speech
A. Assara's speech was slurred, making it challenging for others to understand him clearly. His words were often jumbled together, and he had trouble pronouncing certain sounds correctly.
First Course of Stem Cell Treatment (June 2013)
Outcomes After the First Course of Treatment
• Normalized Muscular Tension on the Left Side
The muscular tension on the left side of A.Assara's body has returned to a normal state. No longer is there the abnormal rigidity or flaccidity that once plagued his movements. His left-arm and left-leg muscles now have the appropriate tone, allowing for natural and unrestricted motion. This normalization of muscular tension is a crucial step in his recovery, as it lays the foundation for improved physical function.
• Muscle Strength Enhanced
The muscle strength of his left-side body has shown a remarkable improvement. Previously, the weakness had severely limited his mobility, but now, he can voluntarily move his left limbs with much greater ease. He can lift his left arm to reach for objects, and his left-hand grip has strengthened enough to hold various items firmly. Standing independently has become achievable for him, a significant milestone in his rehabilitation journey. With the support of an assistant, he can even walk a few steps.
• The Sensation on the left
The sensation on the left side of A.Assara's body has been substantially restored. He can now clearly feel touch, temperature, and pain in his left arm, hand, left leg, and foot. This restoration of sensation is not only important for his awareness of his body but also for his safety. This improved proprioception allows him to perform tasks more accurately and with greater confidence, knowing that he can rely on his senses to guide his movements.
• Speech Clarity Improvement
His speech has become notably clearer compared to before. The slurring that once made communication difficult has significantly decreased. He can now pronounce words more distinctly, and his sentences flow more smoothly. Although he may still have some minor difficulties in certain complex pronunciations, the overall improvement in his speech has greatly enhanced his ability to communicate with others.
• Normal Blood Glucose Level
A. Assara's blood glucose level has stabilized within the normal range. Given his history of diabetes, this is a significant achievement.
• Well-Controlled Blood Pressure
His blood pressure is now well-controlled. Hypertension, which was an additional burden on his health, has been managed effectively. A stable blood pressure not only supports his physical recovery but also gives him peace of mind, knowing that his cardiovascular system is functioning properly and that he is at a lower risk of serious health events.
Progress Summary & Future Outlook
A.Assara's current progress is a beacon of hope for his future. With normal muscular tension, improved left-side strength, and restored sensation, he's set to achieve greater independence. As his walking ability continues to improve, he may soon stroll unaided. Clearer speech will open doors to better social and medical interactions. Maintaining normal blood glucose and blood pressure will safeguard his overall health. In the coming months, he could return to many of his former activities, fully integrating back into his community, enjoying a life free from the severe limitations that once held him back.
