Swift stroke treatment 'crucial' to avoid brain injuryRSS Feed

Swifter assessment and treatment for suspected stroke victims is associated with better outcomes and a reduced risk of brain injury in patients, it has been claimed.

Experts at the US University Hospitals Stroke and Cerebrovascular Center have underlined the importance of quick, effective care in the face of findings which indicate that the use of a clot-busting stroke drug is still very low in the country.

Tissue Plasminogen Activator, tPA, must be administered intravenously within 4.5 hours of the onset of stroke symptoms in order to be effective at reducing the risk of acquired brain injury, but the overall rate of use remains very low, according to scientists.

Commenting on the trend, University Hospitals Dr Cathy Sila explained: "As rapid tPA treatment is associated with better patient outcomes, patients need to receive treatment as soon as possible.

"Our community hospitals have done a tremendous job in identifying eligible patients for tPA treatment and initiating that treatment without delay."

Recent research conducted at Duke University Medical Center concluded that expensive stroke rehabilitation is no more effective than home based interventions.

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Posted by John Sherrington

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