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Can stem cell therapy restore neurogenic bladder function?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have neurogenic bladder dysfunction due to an old spinal cord injury, and I recently read that stem cell therapy might help restore some function. How effective is this treatment for nerve regeneration in cases like mine? What type of stem cells are typically used: mesenchymal stem cells, neural stem cells, or another type? Have any successful clinical trials demonstrated significant improvement? What are the potential risks associated with this therapy, and could it potentially reduce my dependence on catheterization or other bladder management strategies?

Kindly help.

Answered by Dr. Sally Attalah

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sally Attalah is an experienced Dental Surgeon with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery earned in 2007, followed by her internship in 2008. She has been an affiliate member of the American Dental Association since 2015, reflecting her commitment to maintaining global standards in dental care. Dr. Sally is dedicated to providing high-quality oral healthcare with a patient-focused approach.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Neurogenic bladder (NB) following spinal cord injury (SCI) is a common complication that disrupts daily activities and significantly reduces quality of life. Stem cell therapy has emerged as a promising treatment option for neurogenic bladder associated with spinal cord injury, with numerous preclinical and clinical studies evaluating its efficacy and safety. Research has shown that stem cell therapy can improve neurogenic bladder function and restore atrophic bladder tissue by promoting angiogenesis, tissue regeneration, and nerve recovery. Various types of stem cells have been explored for this treatment, including mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), immortalized mesenchymal stem cells, placental stem cells, amniotic fluid stem cells, umbilical cord stem cells, adipose-derived stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and bone marrow-derived stem cells.

The probable cause is neurogenic bladder dysfunction due to spinal cord injury.

The treatment plan that can be followed include:

Stem cell therapy remains a promising therapeutic approach for managing neurogenic bladder in individuals with spinal cord injuries, with ongoing research aimed at optimizing its effectiveness and long-term outcomes.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At May 31, 2025
Reviewed At January 2, 2026

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sally Attalah is an experienced Dental Surgeon with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery earned in 2007, followed by her internship in 2008. She has been an affiliate member of the American Dental Association since 2015, reflecting her commitment to maintaining global standards in dental care. Dr. Sally is dedicated to providing high-quality oral healthcare with a patient-focused approach.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sally Attalah is an experienced Dental Surgeon with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery earned in 2007, followed by her internship in 2008. She has been an affiliate member of the American Dental Association since 2015, reflecting her commitment to maintaining global standards in dental care. Dr. Sally is dedicated to providing high-quality oral healthcare with a patient-focused approach.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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