Head Position May Not Affect Outcome After Stroke

WEDNESDAY, June 21, 2017 -- New research might turn conventional stroke treatment on its head.

An international study suggests doctors need not ask patients to lie on their backs, eyes trained on the ceiling, for the first 24 hours of their recovery -- a popular way to prevent complications. It appears patients do just as well if their heads are elevated, the study found.

Early Care by Cardiologist May Lower Stroke Risk for A-Fib Patients

MONDAY, June 26, 2017 -- Patients with a common heart rhythm disorder who receive a cardiologist's care soon after diagnosis are less likely to suffer a stroke, a new study finds.

Atrial fibrillation, or A-fib, is an irregular, often rapid heart rate that increases the risk of stroke and other complications. It affects between 3 million and 5 million Americans.

Heavy Teens May Be Setting Themselves Up for a Stroke

WEDNESDAY, June 28, 2017 -- As more young adults are hospitalized for stroke each year in the United States, new research from Sweden hints at a reason why: Teens who become overweight during adolescence appear to face a higher stroke risk later.

"According to our results, avoiding excessive BMI increase between 8 and 20 years of age would lower the risk of stroke and cardiovascular diseases," said study author Dr. Jenny Kindblom, of the University of Gothenburg. BMI, or body mass index, is a measure of body fat.

Horse Therapy Could Rein In Stroke's Damage Years Later

THURSDAY, June 15, 2017 -- It may not be for everyone, but a new study suggests that the smooth stride of a gentle horse may help stroke survivors regain lost mobility and balance years after their brain attack.

"I don't think we're ready to say that once you've reached the last phase of stroke recovery, you should get on a horse," said Dr. Daniel Lackland, a spokesperson for the American Stroke Association.

Hospitals Vary in Moving Stroke Patients to Comfort or Hospice Care

THURSDAY, May 25, 2017 -- U.S. hospitals differ greatly in how often they move new stroke patients from treatment to comfort or hospice care, researchers report.

Comfort care refers to medical care designed to ease suffering for a patient near death.

Cirrhosis Could Raise Stroke Risk

MONDAY, June 5, 2017 -- Cirrhosis -- a stiffening of liver tissue that's often tied to excessive drinking of alcohol -- may also raise an older person's odds for a stroke, a new study suggests.

"In a nationally representative sample of elderly patients with vascular risk factors, cirrhosis was associated with an increased risk of stroke, particularly hemorrhagic stroke," wrote a team led by Dr. Neal Parikh, of Weill Cornell Medicine and New York-Presbyterian Hospital in New York City.