There has been lots of variation in the time used in clinical trials for stem cell transplantation after SCI; however they have all reached one consensus that stem cell transplantation should be done as early as possible to prevent further nerve damage due to inflammation and to allow optimum recovery of the injured nerves.

Optimum timing of 1-2 weeks after the injury has been suggested to provide the best results (7, 9); though multiple trials have administered stem cells after that time window with positive benefits being reported – with even some showing benefits in people with chronic SCI (> 1 year).

Given the impracticality of this time window following such a significant injury, which could be associated with other non-neurological complications, we would usually suggest an optimum time window of around three months following the injury – as used by most clinical trials reporting clinical benefit (8, 10).

Despite our recommendations – supported by clinical data – and our best efforts to provide the optimum medical service, we still need to advise that clinical benefit is not 100% guaranteed.