Removing blood clots from the brain, where they cause strokes, is a delicate business. Researchers have now developed a new treatment to dissolve clots, using surgery to apply new drug close to the clot. Patients undergoing the new approach showed a reduction in the size of the clot by over half. A new treatment that… [Continue Reading]
New Surgical and Drug Approach for Removing Blood Clots in the Brain
June 6, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Four Drugs in One Pill Cuts Heart Disease Risk
June 3, 2011 By Leave a Comment
A combination of drugs in a single pill is effective at cutting the rate of cardiovascular disease in at-risk patients, new research suggests. Larger trials are underway to confirm the findings, but the study indicates that the pill is effective with few side effects. The world’s first international polypill trial has shown that a four-in-one… [Continue Reading]
Link Between Fluid Retention and Heart Attack/Stroke Risk
February 24, 2011 By 1 Comment
When the body retains fluid, blood pressure rises, which can be a medical concern. A new report also links an increase in blood pressure due to fluid retention to risk of heart attack and stroke. Several medications, now off the market, are known to cause fluid retention in the body, because of the increased heart… [Continue Reading]
Understanding the Mechanisms of Blood Clotting After Stroke Could Help Diabetic Patients
January 23, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Diabetic patients tend to have increased bleeding during strokes, which increases the severity of their condition and has a strong impact on outcome. New research has demonstrated one potential mechanism for treatment. Scientists have discovered a protein that interferes with the normal clotting process in diabetic blood vessels, suggesting that blocking the function of the… [Continue Reading]
Mechanisms Promoting Cell Survival After Brain Injury Discovered
January 12, 2011 By Leave a Comment
The molecular pathways that lead to the survival or death of brain cells is a critical area of research that could help scientists devise ways to help patients with strokes or brain injuries. Scientists have recently demonstrated levels of a protein that promotes survival in the cells of the brain drops significantly after injury. Mice… [Continue Reading]
Researchers Launch Search for Genetic Variation Linked to Stroke
December 30, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Some risk factors for stroke have been identified, such as smoking and high blood pressure. A new research consortium, however, seeks to identify genetic risk factors. Examining the DNA sequences of thousands of patients and healthy controls will reveal sequence changes that correlate with stroke. Researchers hope to identify stroke subtypes, which may help direct… [Continue Reading]
Fried Fish Consumption Linked to Higher Rate of Strokes
December 23, 2010 By Leave a Comment
While fish is often considered one of the healthiest sources of protein, the method of preparation could make a big difference to whether it does you good, new research shows. Individuals living in parts of the country with a higher incidence of strokes, and African-Americans, who are also at higher risk, consume more fried fish… [Continue Reading]
Turmeric Compound Helps Stroke Recovery in Animal Models
December 15, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Researchers working to discover new drugs naturally found in plants have found that a compound in the spice turmeric that has a strongly protective effect on the brain. The compound can prevent damage and death of brain cells, and improves memory in animal models. Scientists have shown that the compound improves the outcome of stroke… [Continue Reading]
Kickstarting Nerve Growth Has Big Benefits in Stroke Models
December 7, 2010 By Leave a Comment
New research in mouse has shown that inhibiting a protein that blocks the regrowth of nerves has a big impact on stroke recovery. Scientists caused mice to have a stroke, then treated them with an antibody that blocks the function of a protein called Nogo. They found that motor control and behavior were significantly improved… [Continue Reading]
Insulin Resistance Appears To Be Associated With Increased Stroke Risk
October 11, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Insulin resistance, a condition in which insulin produced by the body becomes less effective in reducing blood glucose levels, appears to be associated with an increased risk of stroke in individuals without diabetes. Insulin resistance originates from several factors, including genetics, a sedentary lifestyle and obesity, according to background information in the article. The condition… [Continue Reading]