And while we do not think our treatment reverses the disability after a stroke, we think it can provide relief as a result of protection against cell death during, and after, the stroke. Additional testing revealed no side effects such as raised blood pressure, inflated heart rate or harmful effects on other chemicals in the brain, Annoura said. Because the results were so promising, the drug will be tested on other brain disorders such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease, he added. The complementary approach is what differentiates the new drug from other stroke medications, Annoura said. He expects the drug to proceed to human clinical trials, he continued.
Strokes can cause paralysis, loss of motor function and cognitive problems.
It interrupts the flow of blood in the brain, which causes cells to die. Ischemic stroke, which accounts for more than 80 percent of all strokes, is the result of a blood clot in the brain, according to the American Stroke Association. More than 600,000 people have a stroke annually. Approximately 160,000 of them die, making stroke the third most common cause of death in the United States, according to the association. By clicking the 'Search' button, you agree to the terms and conditions under Disclaimer .