spinal cord case - alena from russia

Case：Alena

Nationality：

Russia

Age：

19 years old

Diagnosis：

Spinal cord injury

First Admission Date：

August 2017

Second Admission Date：

April 2018

Background

On May 9, 2017, Alena was involved in a severe car accident that resulted in a complete spinal cord injury at T5-T7, along with a cerebral concussion, multiple fractures of the left ribs (3rd-5th and 7th-11th ribs), and a left lung contusion. The severity of the spinal cord injury caused her to lose motor and sensory control over most of her body. As a passionate dancer, she felt as though her life had plunged into darkness.

Facing an uncertain future, Alena and her family began searching for the most advanced treatment options. After extensive research and comparison, she ultimately chose SunMoon Medical, not only for its internationally leading stem cell therapy technology but also for the compassionate care integrated into every patient's rehabilitation journey. She believed that in an environment where expertise and warmth coexisted, she could not only achieve physical improvement but also regain the courage and hope to face life again.

Pre-Treatment Condition（Before Stem Cell Treatment）

1. T5-T7 completed injury, no any feeling below ensisternum;
2. Left upper limb cannot lift up;
3. Waist lack of strength; cannot sit alone;
4. Cannot lay down from the sitting position;
5. Cannot move her own body、stand and walk alone; cannot turn over completely;
6. Cannot feel the presence of legs and waist before surgery.

Treatment Plan

Two courses of stem cell therapy
Surgical method: CT-guided intraspinal injection
Efficacy monitoring plan over 6 to 12 months post-treatment

After the first course Stem Cell Treatment in 2017 August

1. Injury sensation level moved lower about 6 cm;
2. Upper limbs strength increased;
3. Upper limbs can easily lift up higher;
3. Waist strength increased, can sit alone;
4. Lay down by herself from the seat position;
5. Can sense the presence of legs and waist;
6. With external stimulation, the thigh muscles have contraction perception;
7. More feelings of numbness and over inductance from whole leg to feet soles.

After the Second Course Treatment in 2018 April

1. Injury sensation level move lower continually;
2. Upper limbs can lift much higher and easier;
3. Sit alone longer time and more stable;
4. Lay down by herself easily.

Symptom	Improvement
Complete sensory loss below sternum (T5–T7)	Sensory level moved down by ~6 cm
Left upper limb unable to lift	Upper‑limb strength increased; can lift arm higher with ease
Weak waist; cannot sit unaided	Waist strength improved; able to sit independently
Unable to lie down, move body, stand, walk or turn over independently	Can lie down from sitting and begin turning after 1st course; performs these actions easily and fully after 2nd course
No perception of legs or waist	Regained sensation of legs and waist after 1st course and maintained thereafter
No thigh‑muscle contraction perception	With external stimulation, can perceive thigh‑muscle contractions after 1st course
No lower‑limb numbness or hyperesthesia	Developed numbness and heightened sensitivity from whole leg to soles

Progress Summary & Future Outlook

After two courses of stem cell treatment, the patient showed remarkable progress—from complete loss of sensation and mobility below the sternum to improved upper limb strength, independent sitting, regained sensation in the legs and waist, and better trunk control. Continued improvements suggest strong potential for further recovery with ongoing therapy and rehabilitation.