Risks

1. What types of risks/side effects could occur during or after stem cell procedure?

• Complications are rare but is still being studied.
• Pain or discomfort at the puncture site is not unusual but is the most likely adverse event to occur.
• Bleeding or bruising could occur. This is usually stopped by applying pressure and/or ice to the puncture site. This is more common if you take Aspirin, Warfarin, Clopidogrel (Plavix and Iscover).
• Symptoms may return again. This may require further treatment.
• Failure of local anesthetic which may require a further injection of anesthetic or a different
  method of anesthesia may be used.
• Nerve damage, is usually temporary, and should get better over a period of time. Permanent nerve damage is rare.
• Infection, requiring antibiotics and further treatment.
• Damage to surrounding structures such as blood vessels, organs and muscles, requiring further treatment.
• A blood clot or excessive bleeding from the puncture site. This may require other treatment and/or corrective surgery.
• An allergy to injected drugs may occur, requiring further treatment.
• The procedure may not be possible due to medical and/or technical reasons.
• Stroke or stroke like complications may possibly occur but is extremely rare.
• Local anesthetic toxicity.
• Death may result with any procedure but would be exceedingly unlikely.