Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting for vertebral artery stenosis
Abstract Background Vertebral artery stenosis (narrowing of the vertebral artery) is an important cause of posterior circulation ischaemic stroke. Medical treatment (MT) e.g. controlling risk‐factors and drug treatment, surgery, and endovascular treatment (ET) are the prevailing treatment strategies for symptomatic vertebral artery stenosis. ET consist s of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (balloon catheter through the skin), […]
Occupational therapy for cognitive impairment in stroke patients
Abstract Background Cognitive impairment is a frequent consequence of stroke and can impact on a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. Occupational therapists use a range of interventions when working with people who have cognitive impairment poststroke. This is an update of a Cochrane Review published in 2010. Objectives To assess the impact of occupational […]
Antiepileptic drugs for the primary and secondary prevention of seizures after stroke
Abstract Background Seizures after stroke are an important clinical problem and may result in poor outcomes. The indications of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) for seizure prophylaxis after stroke remain unclear. This is an updated version of the Cochrane Review previously published in 2014. Objectives To assess the effects of AEDs for the primary and secondary prevention […]
Oral antiplatelet therapy for acute ischaemic stroke
Abstract Background In people with acute ischaemic stroke, platelets become activated and can cause blood clots to form and block an artery in the brain, resulting in damage to part of the brain. Such damage gives rise to the symptoms of stroke. Antiplatelet therapy might reduce the volume of brain damaged by ischaemia and also […]
Intravenous thrombolytic treatment and endovascular thrombectomy for ischaemic wake‐up stroke
Abstract Background About one in five strokes occur during sleep (wake‐up stroke). People with wake‐up strokes have previously been considered to be ineligible for thrombolytic treatment because the time of stroke onset is unknown. However, recent studies suggest benefit from recanalisation therapies in selected patients. Objectives To assess the effects of intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular […]
Environmental enrichment for stroke and other non‐progressive brain injury
Abstract Background Rehabilitation is effective for recovery after stroke and other non‐progressive brain injuries but it is unclear if the rehabilitation environment itself, outside of limited therapy hours, is maximally conducive to recovery. Environmental enrichment is a relatively new concept within rehabilitation for humans. In this review, this is defined as an intervention designed to […]
Information provision for stroke patients and their caregivers
Abstract Background A stroke is a sudden loss of brain function caused by lack of blood supply. Stroke can lead to death or physical and cognitive impairment and can have long lasting psychological and social implications. Research shows that stroke survivors and their families are dissatisfied with the information provided and have a poor understanding […]
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for stroke recovery
Abstract Background Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) might theoretically reduce post‐stroke disability by direct effects on the brain. This Cochrane Review was first published in 2012 and last updated in 2019. Objectives To determine if SSRIs are more effective than placebo or usual care at improving outcomes in people less than 12 months post‐stroke, and […]
Anticoagulants for acute ischaemic stroke
Abstract Background Stroke is the third leading cause of early death worldwide. Most ischaemic strokes are caused by a blood clot blocking an artery in the brain. Patient outcomes might be improved if they are offered anticoagulants that reduce their risk of developing new blood clots and do not increase the risk of bleeding. This […]
Local versus general anaesthesia for carotid endarterectomy
Abstract Background Carotid endarterectomy may significantly reduce the risk of stroke in people with recently symptomatic, severe carotid artery stenosis. However, there are significant perioperative risks that may be minimised by performing the operation under local rather than general anaesthetics. This is an update of a Cochrane Review first published in 1996, and previously updated […]