Update on Stroke: Advances and Treatments
It used to be that the only treatments available for stroke victims were those that helped to prevent recurring attacks.
Since then, medical research has identified medications which can be used to prevent strokes, as well as reverse the damage from the acute stroke.
This is welcome news, especially since more than 500,000 Americans suffer a stroke each year. Risk increases with age, and doubles every decade for people over 55 years old.
Most strokes occur due to a sudden loss of blood flow to the brain, caused by clots or blockages. Others are the result of bleeding in the brain from burst blood vessels or arteries. During a stroke, brain cells die, causing the victim to lose function in certain body parts. This can cause paralysis, speech problems, loss of feeling, reasoning or memory deficits, coma, or even death.
Those at highest risk for stroke are people over the age of 55 who have high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, diabetes, circulatory disorders, carotid artery disease, or family/personal history of stroke. Smoking, heavy drinking, lack of exercise and high fat/sodium intake can also add to your risk.
t-PA Provides New Hope
The most promising advance in stroke treatment is t-PA, a "clot-busting" drug that dissolves blood clots and can actually reverse the damage to brain tissue. In order to be effective, t-PA must be administered intravenously within three hours after a stroke occurs.
"It is absolutely crucial that patients recognize the signs of stroke as soon as they happen, so they can receive the medical attention they need at the right time," said Dr. David Duncan, Neurologist at MKMG.
"Some patients who are treated with t-PA will recover with minimized functional deficits," he said. "About 10% of victims may experience a significant improvement of their symptoms."
Protective medications, which may help to prevent or repair stroke-associated nerve damage, are currently being developed.
Prevention
While the results of t-PA are dramatic, preventing a stroke before it occurs is a far better option. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential to stroke prevention, and medications can also be effective. Which type of drug to use depends on a patient’s health history.
Those over 55 years old who are at risk for stroke and who have no history of bleeding disorders or gastrointestinal problems can help prevent stroke by taking blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin, TiclidR or PlavixR.
Coumadin, an anti-coagulant drug, can reduce risk in people with abnormal heart valves or rhythms. Cholesterol-reducing drugs have proven effective in those with high cholesterol, and anti-hypertensive drugs are important in patients with high blood pressure.
"We are fortunate to have so many prevention and treatment options," said Dr. Duncan. "The key is to recognize the symptoms of stroke in time to benefit from treatment."
Signs of Stroke
It is crucial to recognize warning signs of stroke as soon as they occur. Seek immediate medical attention if you or someone you know has experienced:
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Sudden weakness, numbness or paralysis of the face, arm or leg (especially on one side of the body)
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Sudden loss of speech or difficulty talking
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Sudden difficulty understanding language or confusion
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Sudden loss of vision (in one eye or to one side) or blurred vision
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Sudden, severe headache with no apparent cause
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Sudden loss of balance or coordination
For more information on stroke symptoms, prevention and treatment, contact MKMG’s Neurology Department at 242-1485. | 
