Unlike other cells in the human body, nerve cells are not able to regenerate. Except, for nerves in the olfactory bulbs, which are involved in the sense of smell.
In a groundbreaking procedure, one of the patient’s olfactory bulbs were removed, cells grown in culture for two weeks & then transplanted into the patient’s spine.
http://www.bbc.com/news/health-29645760
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-10-22/man-with-completely-severed-spinal-cord-walks-again/5831794 / paralysed man able to walk again pioneering therapy transplanting cells nasal cavity spinal cord Darek Fidyka paralysed chest down knife attack walk using a frame treatment surgeons in Poland collaboration scientists London research published journal Cell Transplantation project charting rehabilitation walking again support of a frame helpless Prof Geoff Raisman chair neural regeneration University College London Institute of Neurology research team UK research team leader Prof Geoff Raisman paralysis treatment treatment olfactory ensheathing cells OEC sense of smell pathway cells enable nerve fibres olfactory system continually renewed two operations surgeons removed patient's olfactory bulb grew cells in culture transplanted spinal cord thin strip scar tissue about 500,000 cells 100 micro-injections injury scientists believe reconnect nerve grafts bridge bladder bowel sensation sexual function
Dr Pawel Tabakow consultant neurosurgeon Wroclaw University Hospital Polish research team regeneration of the spinal cord /
