Tissue plasminogen activator (TPA)
There is opportunity to use alteplase (TPA) as a clot-buster drug to dissolve the blood clot that is causing the stroke. There is a narrow window of opportunity to use this drug. The earlier that it is given, the better the result and the less potential for the complication of bleeding into the brain.
Present American Heart Association guidelines recommend that if used, TPA must be given within three hours after the onset of symptoms. Normally, TPA is injected into a vein in he arm. The time frame for use can be extended to six hours if it is dripped directly into the blood vessel that is blocked. This is usually performed by an interventional radiologist, and not all hospitals have access to this technology. Read more…
A stroke is a medical emergency. Anyone suspected of having a stroke should be taken to a medical facility immediately for evaluation and treatment. Initially, the doctor takes a medical history from the patient if he/she is alert or others familiar with the patient if they are available, and performs a physical examination. If a person has been seeing a particular doctor, it would be ideal for that doctor to participate in the assessment. Previous knowledge of the patient can improve the accuracy of the evaluation. A neurologist, a doctor specializing in disorders of the nervous system and diseases of the brain, will often assist in the diagnosis and management of stroke patients. Read more…
A stroke, or cerebrovascular accident (CVA), occurs when blood supply to part of the brain is disrupted, causing brain cells to die. When blood flow to the brain is impaired, oxygen and glucose cannot be delivered to the brain. Blood flow can be compromised by a variety of mechanisms.
Blockage of an artery
• Narrowing of the small arteries within the brain can cause a so-called lacunar stroke, (lacune=empty space). Blockage of a single arteriole can affect a tiny area of brain causing that tissue to die (infarct). Read more…
Have you ever heard, “Don’t mind Steven, he’s just going through the change of life?” That’s right — “he,” not “she.” According to some researchers, the idea may not be so far-fetched.
‘Male Menopause’ Research
The concept of a “male menopause” and the need for hormone replacement therapy as a treatment is still highly controversial, but you wouldn’t know that from one doctor’s attempt to recruit men for his study. Jerald Bain, MD, set out to find 100 subjects to participate in his study — 900 volunteered for the chance to get a male hormone pill for what ailed them. Read more…
Blood donation is carried out when a person voluntarily agrees for blood to be drawn with the intention of donating it. The donated blood may be used for transfusions or it may be separated into individual components to be used as required. The latter procedure is called fractionation.
Blood donation may be of different kinds. In the developed countries unpaid donors give blood to replenish a community supply. In economically poorer countries, however, blood donation is carried out according to demand, as the established blood ties are extremely limited. It may be an altruistic act or it may include a cash payment or incentives other than money. A person can have blood drawn and stored for own future use. Read more…
