In a nutshell This trial examined whether elevated lipoprotein(a) levels result in an increased risk of recurrent ischemic stroke. The authors concluded that patients who have had one ischemic stroke and have high Lp(a) levels are at a greater risk of further vascular (blood vessel) events. Some background Stroke patients are commonly at a higher...
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Treating post-stroke depression with antidepressant therapy
In a nutshell This review summarized data from several trials which looked at antidepressant therapy for patients with post-stroke depression. The authors concluded that there is a potential benefit of antidepressant drugs for these patients. Some background Post-stroke depression (PSD) is a common occurrence after stroke. The main risk factors...
Read MoreChanges in sexuality post-stroke
In a nutshell This study examined whether patients experienced sexuality changes after stroke. The authors concluded that sexuality post-stroke varies between patients and should be discussed with healthcare providers. Some background Stroke can cause long-term physical and mental impairments. This can affect patients socially and psychologically....
Read MoreExercise recommendations following stroke
In a nutshell This review includes recommendations on exercise and physical activity for stroke patients. The authors concluded that exercise programs can greatly increase quality of life for stroke patients. Some background Stroke patients often experience long term disability and cannot live independently due to mental and physical disabilities....
Read MoreA link between alcohol consumption and stroke?
In a nutshell This study examined the link between alcohol consumption and stroke. The authors concluded that light consumption of alcohol could decrease the risk of ischemic stroke. In contrast, they noted that heavy consumption of alcohol increased the risk of all types of stroke. Some background Light alcohol consumption is considered...
Read MoreDo multivitamins protect against stroke?
In a nutshell This study looked at whether taking multivitamins was protective against different types of stroke. The results suggest that regular multivitamin use and high fruit and vegetable intake lead to a reduced risk of ischemic stroke. Some background Studies describing the benefits of multivitamins are controversial. Some studies suggest...
Read MoreUsing electrical impulses to improve muscle problems after stroke
In a nutshell This analysis explored whether neuromuscular electric stimulation (NMES) is an effective treatment option for stroke patients with spasticity. The authors concluded that NMES combined with other treatment techniques is both effective and a viable option for stroke patients with spasticity and motion problems. Some background Stroke...
Read MoreAre stroke patients at a higher risk of bone fractures?
In a nutshell This meta-analysis aimed to determine whether stroke patients experience fractures more commonly than non-stroke patients. The authors concluded that stroke is associated with an increased risk of fractures. Some background Stroke patients commonly have post-stroke physical and mental disabilities which can affect their...
Read MoreUsing mirrors to improve unilateral neglect symptoms after stroke
In a nutshell This trial examined whether mirror therapy is effective at improving symptoms of unilateral neglect in stroke patients. The authors concluded that it is a simple and effective therapy. Some background Stroke patients commonly experience unilateral neglect, which means that one area of the brain was damaged resulting in a lack of...
Read MoreCan a CT help to predict recurrent stroke?
In a nutshell The authors were interested in whether a CT was effective at identifying causes of cardioembolism, which is directly linked with stroke recurrence. They concluded that patients with larger and more complex aortic plaques were at a higher risk of recurrent stroke. They also concluded that CT was as effective as other invasive procedures in...
Read MoreNerve stimulation combined with motor function training for stroke patients
In a nutshell This trial examined whether nerve stimulation combined with motor function training improved motor function in stroke patients. They found that peripheral nerve stimulation and motor function training is effective for patients with severe upper extremity motor impairment. Some background Stroke patients are...
Read MoreTherapy to improve memory after stroke: short-term and long-term effectiveness
In a nutshell This review attempted to determine whether memory rehabilitation therapy is effective at improving memory defects in stroke patients. The authors concluded that there was an improvement in memory immediately following treatment but this improvement was not long-term. Some background Cognitive problems after stroke are very common for...
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