Magnesium is involved in many brain functions, and shows promising neuroprotective effects if given within 12 hours of stroke. Magnesium therapy offers the hope of a safe, effective and inexpensive treatment that can be given to the majority of patients in any hospital. Many people who have had a stroke in the right side of their brain have trouble paying attention and responding to the left side of their body and to space and objects to their left. Such stroke survivors may neglect food on the left side of their plate, fail to shave or apply make-up to the left side of their face, or collide with objects on the left. She is also working with Daltech to develop an 'attention pager' that would be worn on the left to periodically remind the person to pay attention to that side of their body.
Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability in Canada.
Anyone experiencing these symptoms should call 911 immediately. Dalhousie Medical School is launching a series of news tips for release in conjunction with monthly health promotion campaigns.