In a nutshell This study investigated if robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) can improve walking in patients following a stroke. They found that RAGT improved walking in patients after a stroke. Some background A stroke is caused by impaired blood flow to the brain. Following a stroke, some patients may have one-sided paralysis. This is...
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Repetitive peripheral sensory stimulation to treat arm paralysis in patients with stroke
In a nutshell This study investigated the effects of repetitive peripheral sensory stimulation (RPSS) in the recovery of the arm movements of patients with stroke. Researchers suggested that RPSS is a safe and effective treatment for these patients. Some background Stroke is a major cause of disability worldwide. Arm paralysis (absence of movement) is...
Read MoreCan thyroid function tests predict outcomes after a stroke?
In a nutshell This study investigated if fatigue (tiredness) after a stroke is associated with the blood levels of the thyroid hormone TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone). Researchers suggested that TSH levels may have a role in fatigue after a stroke. Some background Stroke is one of the leading causes of death in the US. A stroke consists of a...
Read MoreA link between low vitamin D and brain small vessel disease
In a nutshell This study looked at the link between low vitamin D and cerebral (brain) small vessel disease in patients with a stroke. The authors concluded that patients with low vitamin D levels had a greater burden of cerebral small vessel disease. Some background Cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD) refers to problems associated with small blood...
Read MoreDo testosterone levels affect mood after a stroke?
In a nutshell This study looked at whether the levels of sex hormones in patients who had a stroke? are associated with mood disturbances. The authors concluded that low testosterone levels are linked to anger proneness and emotional incontinence in these patients. Some background Patients who have had a stroke commonly have mood and emotional...
Read MoreCan a mirror help improve motor function after stroke?
In a nutshell This study looked at the effect of mirror therapy on improving motor deficits in patients with stroke. The authors concluded that mirror therapy may be effective at improving motor function in these patients. Some background Patients with a previous stroke regularly experience physical deficits. These include problems with...
Read MoreMeasuring levels of a lipoprotein to predict the risk of recurrent stroke
In a nutshell This study looked at levels of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (a type of fat cell) as a biomarker to predict recurrent stroke. The authors concluded that high levels of this protein are associated with a higher risk of another stroke in patients with minor stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA; when blood flow to a part of the brain...
Read MoreAssociation between antidepressants and bleeding
In a nutshell This study looked at the association between antidepressant medication and abnormal bleeding. The authors stated that antidepressants increase the risk of abnormal bleeding, particularly when combined with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Some background Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) are used to treat...
Read MoreClinical Trials Today
Prior to the 20th century, most people lived about 47 years in the developed world because of infectious diseases. In 1940, the first use of penicillin to treat infectious diseases occurred and penicillin became available in 1945 to the general public. Science and research conducted throughout the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, created more antibiotics so that life...
Read MoreEvaluating the link between atrial fibrillation, anticoagulant treatment and the risk of stroke
In a nutshell This study looked at the association between anticoagulant medication used in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF, irregular heartbeat) and its association with stroke. The authors found that AF is commonly undertreated which can impact the risk of stroke. Some background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the highest risk factors...
Read MoreA novel drug to prevent stroke in patients with cardiovascular risk factors
In a nutshell This meta-analysis examined the safety and effectiveness of ticagrelor (Brilinta) to prevent stroke. The authors concluded that ticagrelor was safe and effective at preventing stroke, heart attack and cardiovascular death in patients with cardiovascular risk factors. Some background Ticagrelor (Brilinta) is a medication used to...
Read MoreIs intense rehabilitation after stroke more beneficial?
In a nutshell This study looked at how intensity of rehabilitation may affect the risk of death in stroke patients. The authors determined that high intensity rehabilitation was associated with a decrease in mortality risk following stroke. Some background Many stroke patients experience post-stroke disabilities. These can have an impact on...
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