When someone suffers from a stroke, they are far more likely to suffer from another one. After the first stroke, past studies show that the risk of someone suffering from a second stroke goes up by 23 percent. A stroke can be a devastating event; a second stroke can be catastrophic.
Taking steps to reduce the risk of a stroke before one occurs is smart. However, if you or someone that you care about has already suffered from a stroke, this doesn’t mean that there’s no hope. Even if you’ve already had a stroke in the past, there are things that can be done right now that will reduce the risk of a future stroke. Eating healthily, getting exercise, and the proper medication can all be helpful.
But, new research indicates that a particular surgery might be able to help those with a condition known as artherosclerotic disease. This condition involves a hardening of the arteries because of a buildup of plaque. When this happens, the artery is narrowed, effectively limiting the amount of oxygenated blood that can flow to the brain. People with this condition are at an even greater risk of a second stroke. Instead of a 23 percent chance of a second stroke, individuals suffering from artherosclerotic disease are 37 percent more likely to have a second stroke. However, the new surgical procedure that doctors are working on has been shown to limit the likelihood of a second stroke to just over 10 percent.
This procedure has been developed and advanced by a team from the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. It is currently a Phase II clinical trial. The procedure is known as Encephaloduroarteriosynangiosis, or EDAS, for short. The focus is on rerouting the blood flow to the brain, effectively finding a more efficient and safer way for the brain to get the oxygen-rich blood that it needs to remain healthy. Researchers published their findings so far in the medical journal, Neurosurgery.
When a loved one has a stroke, they may have a whole new set of needs that need to be accounted for. This can sometimes be met by family, but now always. It’s completely normal to struggle and need help as a loved one adjusts to their new reality. If you find yourself in this situation, don’t be afraid to reach out for help.
If you’re located in the Bay Area, we’d love to be your resource for senior care help and advice. The best way to get started is to call and schedule a free consultation. We can help you go over your loved one’s needs and your family’s unique situation. Every individual and scenario is different and each situation calls for slightly different nuances and approaches when it comes to care. You are one of a kind, and your care should be, too.
This service comes with no obligation. We might not even recommend in-home care as the best way to help your loved one meet their needs. Our number one goal is only to help your loved ones meet their goals.
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