Can Stem Cells Help Regrow Nerves After an Injury

Many nerve injuries leave people with lasting weakness, numbness, or pain, yet scientific progress is revealing a new possibility. Stem cells may help the body regrow damaged nerves, particularly in the peripheral nervous system. Research shows that stem cell therapy can support nerve repair by transforming into helpful cell types which can stimulate axon growth, and improve overall nerve function in both laboratory studies and early clinical research.

Firstly,  stem cells aid nerve regeneration in several important ways. Some stem cells can develop into Schwann-like cells, which are crucial for forming the myelin sheath that allows nerves to conduct electrical signals efficiently. They also release growth factors and neurotrophic molecules that encourage injured axons to regrow and help create a supportive environment for healing. In animal models, stem cell therapy has promoted improvements in muscle mass, nerve structure, and functional recovery, often performing better than treatments that do not include stem cells.

Next, most applications being studied today involve peripheral nerve injuries related to trauma, surgical complications, or neuropathies. There is also ongoing investigation into whether stem cells might help with chronic conditions such as diabetic neuropathy. Although early findings are encouraging, several challenges remain. Researchers are still determining the best sources of stem cells, the most effective ways to deliver them, and how to achieve consistent, reliable results in human patients. As a result, stem cell treatments for nerve injury remain experimental and are not yet part of standard medical practice.

Ultimately, even with these limitations, stem cell therapy represents a promising and rapidly evolving area of regenerative medicine. It offers the potential to restore nerve function in situations where treatments leave significant deficits, but more clinical research is needed to confirm its safety and effectiveness across broader patient populations.

by Anonymous (KQ) at Incisionary

APA References

Aisaiti, Aikebaierjiang, et al. “Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Peripheral Nerve Injury and Regeneration: A Bibliometric and Visualization Study.” Frontiers in Neurology, vol. 15, 5 Aug. 2024, https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2024.1420402.

Bonosi, Lapo, et al. “Stem Cell Strategies in Promoting Neuronal Regeneration after Spinal Cord Injury: A Systematic Review.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences, vol. 23, no. 21, 27 Oct. 2022, p. 12996, https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms232112996.

Fathi, Sara Sayad, and Arash Zaminy. “Stem Cell Therapy for Nerve Injury.” World Journal of Stem Cells, vol. 9, no. 9, 26 Sept. 2017, pp. 144–151, https://doi.org/10.4252/wjsc.v9.i9.144.

“OUP Accepted Manuscript.” Burns and Trauma, 2020, https://doi.org/10.1093/burnst/tkaa002.

“Stem Cells from Muscle Can Repair Nerve Damage after Injury.” UPMC | Life Changing Medicine, 2025, www.upmc.com/media/news/pitt-study-stem-cells-repair-nerve-damage. Accessed 23 Nov. 2025.