Motor-neuron-diseases-Case-Mr. Ji

Case：Mr. Ji from China

Nationality：

China

Age：

54 years old

Diagnosis：

Motor neuron diseases

First Admission Date：

Nov 2005

Second Admission Date：

Mar 2006

Background

Mr. Ji is a Chinese 54 years old male patient suffering from motor neuron disease (ALS). His disease onset was from May, 2004, then he was diagnosed as motor neuron disease in local hospital in March, 2005. He received 1st round stem cell treatment in our hospital in November, 2005, 1 year after the disease onset; he received 2nd round stem cell treatment in our hospital in March, 2006, 2 years after the disease onset.

Pre-Treatment Condition（Before Stem Cell Treatment）

1. Head/Neck & Upper Limbs
- Weak head turning/shoulder shrugging.
- Upper limb "trailer syndrome"; severe atrophy in escaping muscles, thenar muscles, and shoulder muscles.
- Restricted upper limb mobility (e.g., reaching objects).
2. Muscle Strength Grading
- Left upper limb: Distal 2/5, proximal 0/5.
- Right upper limb: Distal 2/5, proximal 0/5.
- Lower limbs: 3-/5 strength.
3. Neurological Signs
- Normal muscle tone; weak tendon reflexes.
- Positive Hoffman (bilateral) and Babinski’s sign (right).
- Intact sensation (pain, temperature, proprioception); cold extremities.
- Soft neck; negative Kernig’s sign.
4. Diagnostic Findings
- EMG (Peking Univ. Third Hospital): Extensive neurogenic damage.

Treatment Plan

Two courses of stem cell therapy
Surgical method: Lumbar puncture
Efficacy monitoring plan over 1 to 12 months post-treatment

After the First Course of Treatment (1 month)

1. Enhanced Swallowing Function
- Swallowing ease improved significantly; reduced choking risk.
- Safer and more comfortable food/liquid intake.
2. Improved Left-Hand Mobility
- Left-hand fingers now fully extend; reduced stiffness/flexion.
- Partial restoration of daily task independence.
3. Right-Arm Strength Increase
- Regained ability to lift right arm effortlessly.
- Improved upper limb functionality for basic movements.
4. Strengthened Walking Ability
- Increased gait stability, strength, and endurance.
- Greater freedom of movement and confidence in mobility.

After the Second Course of Treatment (6 month)

1. Improved Respiratory Function
- Easier breathing in supine position; reduced discomfort during rest.
- Enhanced oxygen intake and comfort.
2. Head Control Restoration
- Ability to maintain upright head posture for extended periods.
- Reduced neck muscle weakness/atrophy impact.
3. Right Lower Limb Sensation Boost
- Increased strength and relaxation in right leg muscles.
- Improved mobility and walking stability.
4. Speech Clarity Enhancement
- Noticeably clearer articulation and communication.
- Boosted confidence and social independence.

Symptom	Improvement
Weak head turning; inability to shrug shoulders.	Improved head straightening; upright posture maintained.
Severe atrophy (escaping, thenar, shoulder muscles); distal strength 2/5, proximal 0/5.	Enhanced left-hand mobility (finger extension); right arm lifting ability restored.
Muscle weakness (3-/5 strength); cold extremities.	Right lower limb sensation improved; stronger gait stability.
Severe swallowing difficulty; slurred speech.	Swallowing ease increased; speech clarity restored.
Bilateral Hoffman (+), right Babinski (+); EMG-confirmed neurogenic damage.	Reduced muscle tension; no involuntary emotional outbursts.
Breathing discomfort in supine position.	Easier supine breathing; improved oxygen intake.
Limited mobility (reaching, walking); reliance on caregivers.	Strengthened walking ability; partial task independence regained.

Progress Summary & Future Outlook

The patient's recent improvements are highly encouraging. With easier breathing while lying down, better head control, a stronger right lower limb, and clearer speech, the future looks promising. In the coming days, he may achieve more stable breathing in various postures, gain the ability to hold his head up for even longer. His limb strength could further increase, potentially allowing for more complex movements. Continued speech improvement may enable seamless communication, gradually leading to a more normal and fulfilling life.