title: Report: Stem cell applications in neurological practice, an expert group consensus appraisal.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Neurologists in their clinical practice are faced with inquiries about the suitability of stem cell approaches by patients with a variety of acute and chronic (namely neurodegenerative) disorders. The challenge is to provide these patients with accurate information about the scope of stem cell use as well as at the same time, empowering patients with the capacity to make an autonomous decision regarding the use of stem cells.
  
  
  METHODS
  The Indian Academy of Neurology commissioned an Expert Group Meeting to formulate an advisory to practicing neurologists to counsel patients seeking information and advice about stem cell approaches.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In the course of such counselling, it should be emphasized that the information provided by many lay websites might be unsubstantiated. Besides, standard recommendations for the stem cell research, in particular, the application of several layers of oversight should be strictly adhered in order to ensure safety and ethical use of stem cells in neurological disorders.
authors: Department of Neurology, Institute of Human Behavior and Allied Sciences, New Delhi, India.
authors: M Gourie
authors: MG
authors: Devi
authors: Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, New Delhi, India.
authors: Alka
authors: A
authors: Sharma
authors: Stem Cell Facility, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
authors: Sujata
authors: S
authors: Mohanty
authors: National Brain Research Institute, Gurgaon, Haryana, India.
authors: Neeraj
authors: N
authors: Jain
authors: Department of Pathology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, India.
authors: Kusum
authors: K
authors: Verma
authors: Department of Neurology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
authors: M Vasantha
authors: MV
authors: Padma
authors: Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
authors: Pramod
authors: P
authors: Pal
authors: Indian Spinal Injuries Center, New Delhi, India.
authors: H S
authors: HS
authors: Chabbra
authors: Department of Neurology, Grant Medical College and Sir JJ Group of Hospitals, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
authors: Satish
authors: S
authors: Khadilkar
authors: Department of Neurology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
authors: Sudesh
authors: S
authors: Prabhakar
authors: Department of Neurology, Dayanand Medical College, Ludhiana, Punjab, India.
authors: Gagandeep
authors: G
authors: Singh
keywords: Cerebellar ataxias; Parkinson's disease; motor neuron disease; multiple sclerosis; muscle disorders; neurological disorders; spinal cord injury; stem cells; stroke