A new study has found changes in gene activity, in small blood vessels in the brain following a stroke, may provide the possibility for new treatment(s) to improve a person’s recovery.
My colleague, Judith, has previously written blogs on the symptoms and treatments of strokes and the impact they can have.
I have represented a few clients who have had strokes and I think everyone knows from the NHS campaign that the key to having a more favourable outcome, after having suffered a stroke, is to act FAST. One of the most common forms of treatment, thrombolysis, needs to be given no later than four and a half hours after the onset of stroke symptoms.
The effects of having a stroke can vary from person to person, but people can sometimes be left with quite significant ongoing problems and can be at risk of having further strokes. Here is an infographic showing some of the impacts of stroke:
The new study has identified genes involved in general inflammation, brain inflammation, vascular disease and vessel dysfunction. The vessel dysfunction can lead to the blood-brain barrier being weakened and this affects the movement of substances between the blood and the brain cells. The lead author of the study has stated, “Stroke induces robust alterations in genes governing the blood-brain barrier and endothelial activation, i.e. upregulation of genes leading to blood-brain barrier leakage and downregulation of genes protecting the blood-brain barrier.”
More work and research needs to be done, but Dr Allder (a consultant neurologist who was not involved with the study) has stated, “I can imagine it may open treatments post-stroke, but I also imagine it will create possibilities for new treatments such as dementia and post-brain injuries, especially repetitive brain injuries.”
It is exciting to think that the new study could lead to existing or new drugs becoming available to lessen the brain injuries that occur as a result of a stroke, and potentially other brain injuries, as well as helping improve patients’ recovery.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to the negligence of a medical or health professional, including injury due to the delayed diagnosis of a stroke, then we may be able to help you pursue a claim for compensation. Our leading team of experts are on hand to offer advice, so please get in touch with us on 0161 696 6165 or complete our online enquiry form and we will contact you directly.
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