In a nutshell This study investigated the effectiveness of Botulinum toxin A (Botox; BTA) in treating shoulder pain in stroke survivors. Researchers suggested that BTA improves pain and shoulder movement in these patients. Some background A stroke happens when the blood flow to the brain is cut off. This may be due to a blood clot or a burst blood...
Read MoreStroke Posts on Medivizor
Which antiplatelet drug is best for stroke prevention, cilostazol or aspirin?
In a nutshell This study compared two antiplatelet medications that are used to prevent strokes, cilostazol (Pletal) and aspirin. They found that patients treated with cilostazol were less likely to have a second stroke, or a brain bleed compared to aspirin. Some background An ischaemic stroke results from a blockage...
Read MoreLooking for stroke survivors to test three different recovery treatments
In a nutshell This trial is comparing conventional physical therapy, a powered exoskeleton (PE), and a combination of both treatments for stroke survivors. The main outcome will be the change in walking and balance before and after treatment. This trial will be conducted in California, US. The details A stroke happens when the blood flow to the brain...
Read MoreWhich anti-platelet drug is most effective for preventing stroke?
In a nutshell This study looked at the use of antiplatelet medications to prevent stroke. They found that patients taking aspirin or ticlopidine (Ticlid) were less likely to have a second stroke than patients taking clopidogrel (Plavix). Some background The most common type of stroke is called an ischaemic stroke. Ischaemic stroke means that...
Read MoreIs a combination of bempedoic acid and ezetimibe an effective treatment for high cholesterol?
In a nutshell This study looked at the effectiveness of a combination of bempedoic acid (Nexletol) and ezetimibe (Ezetrol) in lowering cholesterol. It found that this treatment combination significantly lowered cholesterol levels. Some background High cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart attack and stroke. Statins are the most commonly used...
Read MoreA combination of cerebellar theta-burst stimulation and physiotherapy can improve rehabilitation in stroke survivors
In a nutshell This study investigated the effect of intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) in the cerebellum area in combination with physiotherapy (PT) in patients after stroke. The study found that iTBS, combined with PT, can promote the recovery of movement and balance after stroke. Some...
Read MoreHigh-intensity cycling improves walking capacity of patients with stroke
In a nutshell This study investigated the effectiveness of high-intensity cycling (HIC) in improving walking capacity in patients with stroke. Researchers suggested that HIC improves the walking capacity of patients with stroke. Some background Stroke is the leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the US. It happens when a blood clot...
Read MoreElectromechanical and robot-assisted gait training improves walking ability after stroke
In a nutshell This study reviewed the effectiveness of electromechanical- and robot-assisted gait training (ERGT) in treating impaired gait (walking) after stroke. Researchers suggested that ERGT combined with physiotherapy improves the walking ability of these patients. Some background A stroke occurs in more than 795,000 patients in the US. It...
Read MoreDo sleep disorders impact the physical recovery of patients with stroke?
In a nutshell This study investigated the impact of sleep disorders (SD) on the physical recovery of patients with stroke. Researchers suggested that SDs negatively affect the physical recovery of stroke survivors. Some background Stroke affects more than 795,000 every year in the US. It consists of a blockage of blood flow to the brain that can...
Read MoreIs rehabilitation at home after stroke more effective than conventional rehabilitation?
In a nutshell This study compared the effect of a conventional rehabilitation (CR) program to a home-based motor training rehabilitation (TR) program for patients with hemiplegia after stroke. The study showed that TR positively impacts movement function in the upper and lower extremities as well as skills...
Read MoreHybrid assistive limb robot training improves daily living activities in patients with stroke
In a nutshell This study investigated if lower limb robot training (LLRT) using the Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL) device improves daily living in patients with stroke. Researchers suggested that HAL improves daily activities and walking ability in these patients. Some background A stroke consists of a blockage of the blood flow to the brain. This...
Read MoreWhich blood thinner is most effective at preventing blood clots and a second stroke in patients with APS?
In a nutshell This study compared different treatments for the prevention of blood lots and stroke in patients with anti-phospholipid syndrome (APS). They found that warfarin (Coumadin) is more effective at preventing stroke than other blood thinners. Some background APS is a disorder of the immune system which leads to excessive blood...
Read More