Optic Nerve Atrophy - Pediatric

[jl129]

My daughter (1 yr old) was born 35 weeks premature and needing a platelet transfusion at birth.  
Therefore, after conducting several test, the doctors surprisingly found that she had suffered a stroke during the pregnancy.  
The doctors said that they were all surprised with this finding, since she never showed any clinical signs/symptoms.  
The stroke affected the left side of her brain; gross motors section.

A few months later, she was diagnosed, with optic nerve atrophy.  
The ophthalmological report reads “optic nerve pallor both eyes variable esotrophia, nystagmus both eyes”.  

My concern, among her gross motor delays, is her vision.  Since doctors hear in the US have told us there’s no available treatment at this time I am currently doing my own research on optic nerve treatment.  I have found that there are several countries providing stem cell treatment for this condition.  I'm trying to get informed on its pros and cons.  What are the risk in treating the optic nerve with stem cells from donated umbillical cords?  

[jl129]

Thanks again.  I appreciate your help:)

[sweetpea03]

I've heard of side effects and problems with certain patients, but can't remember where I saw it. Every person reacts differently to certain treatments, so you just have to be careful. Make sure you really trust who is doing the treatment on your child.

[jl129]

Thank you. Do you of any reported side effect or problems with this treatment?   I have found a number of positive cases, but really none that have gone wrong or stating that the patients were hurt by it.

[sweetpea03]

I'm sorry to hear about the diagnosis. I don't want you to get your hopes up about the stem cell treatments, but there are a couple "success" stories I've heard about using it. As with any new treatment you risk further damage that cannot be fixed and adding to the problem that is already there. A benefit of going through with it would be that it can help to restore her vision. It's a personal decision you will have to make, as to what you want to do for your child. You can wait and see for a while and if there are problems, then really look into the treatment abroad that you can go for. Good luck