World first: Paralysed man walks again after cell transplant from his NOSE

A pioneering therapy that involves transplanting cells from the nasal cavity has made it possible for a paralysed man to walk again.

16:15 21 October 2014

Darek Fidyka, who was paralysed from the chest down following a knife attack in 2010, is now able to walk again following a successful, if somewhat strange, treatment that involved transplanting cells from his nasal cavity. The pioneering and 'historic' work was carried out by surgeons in Poland in collaboration with scientists in London. 

 

Darek said that it was "an incredible feeling. When you can't feel almost half your body, you are helpless, but when it starts coming back it's like you were born again."

 

Meanwhile, Prof Geoff Raisman, chair of neural regeneration at University College London's Institute of Neurology, who led the research team said that the breakthrough was “more impressive than man walking on the moon.” 

 

The treatment, a world first, used olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) – specialist cells that form part of the sense of smell. These act as pathway cells that enable nerve fibres in the olfactory system to be continually renewed. 

 

Darek was going through the treatment and after two years, he can now walk outside the rehabilitation centre using a frame. In addition, he recovered some bladder and bowel sensation and sexual function. 

 

He said: "I think it's realistic that one day I will become independent.

 

"What I have learned is that you must never give up but keep fighting, because some door will open in life."