Jun 5, 2017
Device reads brain signals in stroke patients, converts them into motion
Stroke patients who learned to use their minds to open and close a device fitted over their paralyzed hands gained some control over their hands, according to a new study from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.
By mentally controlling the device with the help of a brain-computer interface, participants trained the uninjured parts of their brains to take over functions previously performed by injured areas of the brain, the researchers said. (more…)
Jun 5, 2017
Brain changes after stroke may lead to increase in alcohol-seeking behavior, at least in animal models, according to research published in the journal Scientific Reports.
Although it is known that excessive alcohol intake (more than two drinks per day) is a risk factor for stroke, there hasn’t been much scientific study about how alcohol-related behavior might change after a stroke has occurred. When researchers at the Texas A&M College of Medicine looked into the issue, they found that strokes in a certain part of the brain increase alcohol-seeking behavior and preference for alcohol. (more…)
Jun 5, 2017
A recent study conducted at Baycrest Health Sciences has uncovered a crucial piece into why playing a musical instrument can help older adults retain their listening skills and ward off age-related cognitive declines. This finding could lead to the development of brain rehabilitation interventions through musical training.
The study, published in the Journal of Neuroscience on May 24, found that learning to play a sound on a musical instrument alters the brain waves in a way that improves a person’s listening and hearing skills over a short time frame. This change in brain activity demonstrates the brain’s ability to rewire itself and compensate for injuries or diseases that may hamper a person’s capacity to perform tasks. (more…)
May 28, 2017
Source: Burden of Stroke Report 2017
Hypertension is the most important risk factor for stroke. Despite this, national data of blood pressure levels or blood pressure control is not systematically collected in most European countries. The accuracy of existing figures is dependent on access to diagnostic testing and monitoring which varies from country to country.
According to WHO estimates, high blood pressure affects 20% of the population in Israel rising up to 39% in Estonia. As observed in previous studies, there is generally a higher prevalence in Eastern European countries. (more…)
May 28, 2017
Urinary tract infections, chronic high blood pressure and bleeding or clotting disorders may increase the risk of pregnancy-associated stroke in women with preeclampsia, a high-blood pressure disorder unique to pregnancy, according to new research in the American Heart Association’s journal Stroke.
Women with preeclampsia are at higher risk of stroke during pregnancy and after delivery. But while preeclampsia affects 3 percent to 8 percent of all pregnancies, pregnancy-related stroke remain rare. (more…)
May 28, 2017
Written by Tom Flaherty
Published on merzsafe.wordpress.com
-Today I would like to talk about a condition called Dysarthria. Stroke survivors often suffer from a condition called Aphasia but little is known about Dysarthria.
Aphasia is a complex language and communication disorder resulting from damage to the language centres of the brain. This damage may be caused by:
a stroke
a head injury
a brain tumour
another neurological illness.
Dysarthria happens when a stroke causes weakness of the muscles you use to speak. This may affect the muscles, as a result you have to move your tongue, lips or mouth when you speak. (more…)
May 26, 2017
25th May 2017- Two of the SAFE Board members, prof. dr Anita Arsovska from Macedonia and dr Ivan Milojevic from Serbia had a successful session at 57th International Neuropsychiatric Congress in Pula, Croatia, presenting SAFE’s work and the latest project- the Burden of Stroke Report.
Talking about promoting prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of stroke, Milojevic stressed out that stroke treatment and care is unfortunately not a priority in many of SAFE member countries. Provision of care is different within Europe as a whole, but also within member countries.
-Our task is to put the experiences of people who have had a stroke and their families at the centre of all our discussions, campaigning and lobbying, acting as an advocate at a European, and local level. (more…)
May 19, 2017
Please see below the interview with Prof. Bo Norving and Markus Wagner, Vice President of SAFE, on the Burden of Stroke Report.
May 19, 2017
Written by Alison Turner
Louis Gustin is 26 years old, and when asked if he remembers what happened to him 2 years ago, he replies, “Yes, I remember perfectly.”
Louis, from the North East of France, was visiting Warsaw at the time, and after a day of strolling and hanging out, he was sitting at a cafe in the old city, chatting with two friends.
“And it was there I had my stroke. Suddenly, my eyes felt strange, mostly the right eye. It all seemed so weird. I saw green in my eye. I remember that I was looking at the two bartenders in front of me. And then, without warning, I could not speak.
They called an ambulance. The paramedic spoke to me in Polish, but I couldn’t even say, “Dzień dobry” (“Hello”). I said nothing. I had no idea what it was. A stroke, for me, that meant nothing. My grandmother had a stroke but she was 80 years old. No, I knew nothing.” (more…)
May 17, 2017
Prague, 16th May 2017– Stroke Alliance for Europe and European Stroke Organisation signed the Memorandum of Understanding in Prague at the first day of the ESOC 2017.
-This is an historic moment that unites both patient organisations and professionals in mutual endeavors to improve stroke care across Europe, said Jon Barrick, the President of SAFE.
In her video message, Valeria Caso, the President of ESO stressed out that this step was very important.
By joining forces, SAFE and ESO are now creating a strong alliance among patients, care-givers and healthcare professionals, including researchers.
ESO President elect Bart Van Der Warp gave a short speech at the event, on behalf of ESO.
New partnership signed and sealed: SAFE and ESO fighting #stroke together. SAFE President Jon Barrick and ESO President elect Bart Van Der Warp
