Improving Recovery After Stroke

Stroke.ahajournals.org: 8/02/12

Although stroke is a leading cause of death in the United States and around the world, many people fear this disease because of its nonfatal neurological impairments that lead to disability or dependency. Considerable research has focused on lessening the neurological effects of the acute brain injury. To date, success is limited. Despite these research efforts, only intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular interventions are accepted as effective in limiting the acute effects of ischemic stroke. Although these therapies are efficacious, only 3% to 5% of patients with stroke are receiving reperfusion-based therapies due to the very short time windows for treatment. No medical or surgical intervention is useful in improving outcomes after intracerebral hemorrhage. Read More