For the first time, a federally-approved clinical trial is underway to determine whether stem cells from a child’s cord blood can improve symptoms of cerebral palsy.

The trial, which is expected to include 40 children, is looking at kids with cerebral palsy whose umbilical cord blood was banked at birth. Stem cells are thawed and then injected intravenously back into the body during a series of treatments.

So far, 13 kids have been accepted to the Food and Drug Administration-approved research effort. Though early in the study, some participants are reporting progress.

Since completing treatments a year ago as part of the trial, 3-year-old Allison Thurman of St. Clair Shores, Mich. has better speech and more use of her legs, her mom said. The improvements were notable even just two weeks after the treatments, reports The Detroit News. To read more click here.

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