In a nutshell The study examined the impact of pioglitazone (Actos) on acute coronary syndromes in patients with insulin resistance who had a recent stroke. The authors concluded that pioglitazone reduced the risk of heart attack in these patients. Some background Insulin resistance occurs when the body cannot use insulin normally,...
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Using blood cell levels to predict stroke after TIA
In a nutshell This study focused on identifying a factor that would allow doctors to identify TIA patients who are at a high risk of stroke. The authors concluded that patients with increased levels of coated platelets after TIA are at a higher risk of stroke. Some background Patients who have experienced transient ischemic stroke (TIA –...
Read MoreDifferent types of training to improve multitasking in stroke patients
In a nutshell This study looked at different types of physical training to improve gait while carrying out tasks in stroke patients. The authors concluded that both cognitive and motor dual task training could be combined for the most benefit. Some background Cognitive-motor and motor dual tasks involve movement based activities such as walking...
Read MoreDo sleep disorders influence the risk of stroke?
In a nutshell This article described the link between sleep wake disturbances and stroke incidence, recovery and recurrence. The authors concluded that sleep wake disturbances are a risk factor for stroke and negatively affect recovery. Some background Stroke patients regularly experience mental and physical impairments. They commonly suffer from...
Read MoreOccupational therapy to improve independent living following stroke
In a nutshell This meta-analysis reviewed the effectiveness of occupational therapy for improving stroke patients' ability to perform daily takes independently. They concluded that patients who received occupational therapy were more independent than those who did not. Some background Stroke patients commonly experience physical and...
Read MoreFactors associated with an active social life after stroke
In a nutshell This study aimed to identify factors which would predict whether a stroke patient is more likely to partake in social activities long term. They concluded that patients who can drive, can walk more than a few hundred feet and have a wide social network are more likely to partake in social activities long term. Some background Stroke...
Read MoreConstipation – a side effect of stroke
In a nutshell This study provided a meta-analysis of the incidence of constipation in stroke patients. The authors concluded that there is a high occurrence of constipation in stroke patients. Some background Stroke patients usually experience side effects after stroke. This can include constipation. Constipation can lead to prolonged hospital...
Read MoreFDA News Releases and Signing Up for Alerts
You may not know this but you can get warnings from the FDA on problems with prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs. For example, on August 11, a FDA News Release issued this warning about over-the-counter liquid vitamins that are given to young children and those who cannot swallow pills. “The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is...
Read MoreIdentifying new markers to screen for recurrent stroke risk
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...
Read MoreTreating 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....
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