Released: 5/29/2013 8:00 AM EDT Source Newsroom: Mayo Clinic Newswise JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Devices snaked into the brain artery of a patient experiencing a stroke that either snatch and remove the offending clot or pump a dissolving drug into the blockage should primarily be used within a clinical trial setting, say a team of vascular neurologists at Mayo Clinic in Florida. In a commentary published in the May 29 issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings, the physicians say the devices, known collectively as endovascular stroke therapy, should predominantly be limited to use within clinical trials. This is necessary, they say, in order to determine which patients might benefit from use of these devices, and what the risks of such interventional procedures are, when compared to the current standard of care for ischemic stroke. Ischemic stroke, the most common form of stroke, results from a blockage that restricts blood flow in the brain. A growing number of physicians who treat stroke are currently using these tools, so the recommendation to limit their use to clinical trials will be controversial, acknowledges Kevin Barrett, M.D., co-medical director of Mayo Clinics Primary Stroke Center in Florida. Dr. Barrett co-authored the commentary with James Meschia, M.D., and … Continue reading →

WEST ORANGE, NJ--(Marketwired - May 29, 2013) - In recognition of May as National Stroke Awareness Month, Kessler Foundation highlighted its stroke rehabilitation research and funding of employment initiatives to improve the lives of people with disabilities. While many researchers strive to improve mobility after stroke, scientists at Kessler Foundation focus on what are known as "hidden disabilities," which often go undiagnosed and untreated, but greatly limit independence and quality of life. Spatial neglect -- a hidden disability that affects up to 70 percent of stroke survivors -- is of special interest to researchers at Kessler Foundation. "Paralysis and weakness are well recognized, while hidden disabilities are often overlooked," said A.M. Barrett, M.D., Director of Stroke Research at Kessler Foundation."However, recovering mobility can be slower when people have problems with communication, memory, functional vision and perception of one's environment. Even people with mild strokes can have hidden disabilities that are highly disabling, causing problems with many functions including self care, driving, reading and navigating one's surroundings. These disabilities prolong hospitalizations and rehabilitation and increase the risk for injury and other complications." She is also Chief of the Neurorehabilitation Program Innovation at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation and Professor of Physical Medicine … Continue reading →

SYDNEY, May 29, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- A landmark study has revealed a new way to treat intracerebral haemorrhage which stands to help millions of people worldwide. The George Institute for Global Health studyfound that intensive blood pressure lowering in patients with intracerebral haemorrhage, the most serious type of stroke, reduced the risk of major disability and improved chances of recovery by as much as 20 per cent. The study, which involved more than 2800 patients from 140 hospitals around the world was announced today at the European Stroke Conference in London, and published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Intracerebral haemorrhage kills 30 60 per cent of sufferers and leaves 50 per cent of survivors disabled. Study lead and neurologist, Professor Craig Anderson of The George Institute and The University of Sydney said the study challenges previous thought about blood pressure lowering in intracerebral haemorrhage. "The study findings will mean significant changes to guidelines for stroke management worldwide. They show that early intensive blood pressure lowering, using widely available therapies, can significantly improve the outcome of this illness. "We hope to see hospital emergency departments around the world implement the new treatment as soon as possible; it's a safe … Continue reading →