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Blood transfusions for brain bleeding: Large trial in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage patients adds to debate about optimal threshold

A large trial has found no major difference in clinical outcomes between restrictive and liberal blood transfusion strategies for critically ill patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. The study suggests that integrating these results with other research can provide a deeper understanding of the optimal threshold.

SourceThe Ottawa Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 9, 2024

People with migraine at high risk of depression during pandemic

A recent longitudinal study from the University of Toronto reveals that older adults with migraine are at a substantial increase in risk of depression during the pandemic. Increased family conflict, difficulties in accessing healthcare, and caregiving responsibilities were associated with higher risks of depression among this population.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Pain Research·TypeObservational study·DateNov 21, 2024

What’s chubby enough for lower disability after stroke?

A recent study published in Topics in Stroke Rehabilitation found that slightly overweight stroke survivors (BMI 22.1-27.5 kg/m²) have a lower risk of sustaining disabilities compared to those with normal weight. The research suggests that a higher-than-normal BMI may be beneficial for recovering from a stroke with less disability.

SourceKobe University·JournalTopics in Stroke Rehabilitation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 5, 2024

New research confirms that young adults can also have large vessel occlusion strokes thought to happen in older adults, given the rise of stroke risk factors in younger adults

New research confirms that young adults are at risk for large vessel occlusion acute ischemic strokes, which were previously thought to occur mainly in older adults. The study found that nearly 20% of a cohort of 1,200 young adult patients had these strokes, highlighting the need for regular check-ups and prompt treatment.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalJournal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 16, 2024

Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander adults have third highest cardiovascular death rate in the U.S.

A nationwide mortality data study found Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (NHPI) adults have the third highest cardiovascular death rate in the US, with approximately 40% of deaths attributed to coronary heart disease. The study highlights a need for focused interventions to promote cardiovascular health among NHPI adults.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateOct 14, 2024

USC-Caltech team tests new noninvasive tool to predict stroke risk

A team of researchers from USC and Caltech developed a new noninvasive tool to measure brain blood pressure, assessing stroke risk through changes in blood flow and volume during a stress test. The affordable, portable device has the potential to transform stroke care by providing more reliable data than existing questionnaires.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 30, 2024

Chronic loneliness may increase stroke risk among older adults

A new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that chronic loneliness may significantly raise the risk of stroke among older adults. The research suggests that loneliness, experienced chronically, plays an important role in stroke incidence and is associated with a higher risk of long-term disability and mortality.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeObservational study·DateJun 24, 2024

International experts reach consensus on the labeling of spatial neglect

A consensus has been reached by an international team of rehabilitation researchers and clinicians on the standardized labeling of spatial neglect, a common disorder following neurological injury. The panel adopted 'spatial neglect' as the standard term for the disorder, aiming to improve diagnosis, treatment, and research.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalArchives of Rehabilitation Research and Clinical Translation·TypeSurvey·DateMay 29, 2024

Very early blood pressure control confers both benefits and harms in acute stroke

A new study found that very early blood pressure lowering treatment can improve outcomes for patients with intracerebral hemorrhage, but worsen outcomes for those with ischemic stroke. Rapid diagnosis of the type of stroke is crucial in harnessing the benefits of this treatment.

SourceGeorge Institute for Global Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 16, 2024

A blood test for stroke risk? Study finds network of inflammatory molecules may act as biomarker for risk of future cerebrovascular disease

Researchers at UCLA Health have developed a potential biomarker for stroke risk using a network of inflammatory molecules in the blood. The study, published in the journal Stroke, found that patients with higher concentrations of these molecules had an 84% chance of experiencing a stroke during their lifetime.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalStroke·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 1, 2024

Robotic hip exoskeleton shows promise for helping stroke patients regain their stride

A portable robotic device has been developed to improve walking function in stroke survivors by altering gait asymmetry. The study, published in IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering, reveals that the exoskeleton can effectively train individuals to modify their walking asymmetry.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalIEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 4, 2024

Hourly heat exposure and acute ischemic stroke

A study of 82,000 patients found a strong association between hourly heat exposure and the onset of acute ischemic stroke. The findings suggest that high ambient temperatures may contribute to an increased risk of cerebrovascular events under global warming.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 28, 2024

Chronic exposure to air pollution may increase risk of cardiovascular hospitalization among seniors

A new study found that chronic exposure to PM2.5 is associated with increased risk of hospital admission for various cardiovascular conditions, particularly ischemic heart disease and cerebrovascular disease. The study suggests that lowering annual average PM2.5 levels could decrease overall cardiovascular hospitalizations by 15%.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalBMJ·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 21, 2024

Older adults with a history of stroke at high risk of pandemic-induced depression

A new study from the University of Toronto found that older Canadians with a history of stroke experienced depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. Among those with no lifetime history of depression, immigrant status and family stressors were associated with an increased risk of incident depression.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalInternational Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 21, 2024

Menopause and migraines: New findings point to power of prevention

A new study found that women with migraines and long-term hot flashes or night sweats are at increased risk of heart disease and stroke. However, the research suggests that focusing on prevention and correcting unhealthy habits can help most women mitigate this risk. Women who have experienced both migraines and vasomotor symptoms for ...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalMenopause·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 14, 2024

Time to treatment with intravenous thrombolysis before thrombectomy and functional outcomes in acute ischemic stroke

Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) plus thrombectomy demonstrates significant benefits over thrombectomy alone when administered within a short timeframe after symptom onset. This study, based on individual participant data from six randomized clinical trials, found IVT before thrombectomy to be time-dependent and statistically significant.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 7, 2024

Kessler Foundation study reveals spatial neglect occurs after brain injury as well as stroke

A Kessler Foundation study found that spatial neglect affects a substantial percentage of people with traumatic brain injury, with an incidence rate of 38% post-TBI. The study also revealed that right brain damage is more likely to result in spatial neglect, highlighting the need for timely treatment and screening guidelines.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalAnnals of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateDec 21, 2023

Women stroke survivors believe they will receive worse care in the emergency room

A national study of approximately 3,500 women found that those with a history of stroke are more likely to believe they won't receive adequate emergency care due to their gender and race. This perception may lead to delays in treatment for stroke patients, highlighting the need for improved healthcare equity.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalStroke·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 6, 2023

Differences in mortality rates for fatal cerebral haemorrhage between Finnish university hospitals

A study of nearly 10,000 subarachnoid hemorrhage cases in Finland found significant variations in mortality rates among university hospital districts. Patients treated at Helsinki University Hospital and Oulu University Hospital had the lowest mortality rates, with a difference of 52% compared to Turku University Hospital.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNeurology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 2, 2023

USC develops new preclinical system to better turn lab discoveries into effective treatments

A research team from USC Keck School of Medicine has developed a more rigorous system for conducting preclinical research on stroke treatments, identifying the strongest candidate for further study. The system uses a network of laboratories and animal models that resemble typical stroke patients to test new therapies.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 20, 2023

Unhappy family or trauma in youth leads to poor health in old age

Researchers found that adults who experienced violence, financial stress, or separation from parents as children were more likely to experience physical and cognitive impairments. Adverse childhood experiences can have lifelong consequences, including difficulty walking, carrying out daily activities, and problems with memory.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateAug 2, 2023

The Texas Heart Institute delivers a new first in heart failure treatment using cell therapy

A new cell therapy has demonstrated significant benefits in improving the heart's pumping ability and reducing the risk of cardiovascular death, heart attack, or stroke in patients with chronic heart failure. The therapy, using mesenchymal precursor cells (MPCs), also showed a strong signal in reducing inflammation and improving microv...

SourceTexas Heart Institute·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 27, 2023

Cleveland Clinic study finds common artificial sweetener linked to higher rates of heart attack and stroke

A new study by the Cleveland Clinic found that high levels of erythritol, a popular artificial sweetener, are associated with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Researchers studied over 4,000 people and found those with higher blood erythritol levels were at elevated risk of experiencing a major adverse cardiac event.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalNature Medicine·DateFeb 27, 2023

Large stroke trial finds intensive blood pressure lowering after clot removal worsens recovery

A large stroke trial found that intensive blood pressure lowering after clot removal compromises the return of blood flow to the affected area, leading to more brain tissue deterioration and major disability. The study suggests that this increasingly common treatment strategy should be avoided in clinical practice.

SourceGeorge Institute for Global Health·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 28, 2022

Feasibility study of novel core-strengthening intervention shows promise for maximizing trunk and balance rehabilitation outcomes after stroke

Researchers tested a core-strengthening program using the AllCore360º to improve trunk function, balance, and mobility after stroke. The study showed promising effects on functional outcomes, including improved lateral control of posture and standardized treatment dosage.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalBrain Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 12, 2022

For stroke survivors, modified cardiac rehabilitation can reduce the chances of death by 76%

A modified cardiac rehabilitation program has been shown to reduce mortality rates among stroke survivors by 76%. The program, which includes medically supervised exercise and therapy, improves functional capacity, mobility, self-care, and cognition. This finding has the potential to change the future of stroke care.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateMay 3, 2022

Treatment for spatial neglect based on immersive virtual reality offers advantages over traditional therapies

Researchers developed a user-centered virtual reality system to engage stroke survivors with spatial neglect in intensive therapy, showing promising results. The system uses head-mounted displays and hand-tracking technology to deliver standardized treatment in an engaging environment.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalAnnals of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 11, 2022