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...
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Do 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 MoreChocolate, Need I Say More…
Recently published, another research article about the benefits of chocolate! In this case, the Danish are following a large group of people, ages 50 to 64 over a number of years to find out how their consumption of chocolate affects their health. In this study, they looked at atrial fibrillation, a condition in which the upper chambers of your heart...
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 MoreHeart Attacks Aren’t Always Like the Movies
According to the movies, a heart attack is dramatic and obvious. Pain in the left arm and severe chest pain tells you it’s time to call 911. But the reality can be quite different. Nausea can be a symptom in both men and women. Shortness of breath, without doing anything, is a sign. Women may experience dizziness, feel pain in their upper back, or...
Read MoreThe Heart-Brain Connection: New Findings on Stress and Heart Attack
How does stress affect the body? Newly published research may provide clues to the impact of emotional stress on different parts of the body. In their study, the researchers wanted to learn if there was a connection between a specific part of the brain, called the amygdala, and cardiovascular health. The Amygdala There are actually two amygdalae, one on...
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 MoreStroke Types & Treatment: Infographic
Below is an infographic from Mount Sinai Hospital which provides a comprehensive description of the types, treatments as well as the signs of a stroke. Knowing the signs of a stroke can get people to the hospital promptly and reduce the severity and/or risk of disability. Having atrial fibrillation is one of the risk factors for stroke. Check out 5...
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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