Mailuoning for acute ischaemic stroke
Abstract Background Mailuoning is widely used in the treatment of acute ischaemic stroke in China. Animal experimental studies and clinical pharmacological research indicate that mailuoning might improve blood circulation, prevent ischaemic injury, and protect heart and brain tissue. This review was last published in 2009. As new data have become available, it is necessary to […]
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for acute ischaemic stroke
Abstract Background Most cases of stroke are caused by impairment of blood flow to the brain (ischaemia), which results in a reduction in available oxygen and subsequent cell death. It has been postulated that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) may reduce the volume of brain that will die by greatly increasing available oxygen, and it may […]
Interventions for deliberately altering blood pressure in acute stroke
Abstract Background It is unclear whether blood pressure should be altered actively during the acute phase of stroke. This is an update of a Cochrane review first published in 1997, and previously updated in 2001 and 2008. Objectives To assess the clinical effectiveness of altering blood pressure in people with acute stroke, and the effect […]
Computed tomography angiography or magnetic resonance angiography for detection of intracranial vascular malformations in patients with intracerebral haemorrhage
Abstract Background Intracranial vascular malformations (brain or pial/dural arteriovenous malformations/fistulae, and aneurysms) are the leading cause of intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) in young adults. Early identification of the intracranial vascular malformation may improve outcome if treatment can prevent ICH recurrence. Catheter intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography (IADSA) is considered the reference standard for the detection an intracranial […]
Haemodilution for acute ischaemic stroke
Abstract Background Ischaemic stroke interrupts the flow of blood to part of the brain. Haemodilution is thought to improve the flow of blood to the affected areas of the brain and thus reduce infarct size. Objectives To assess the effects of haemodilution in acute ischaemic stroke. Search methods We searched the Cochrane Stroke Group Trials […]
Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor agonists for acute stroke
Abstract Background Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor agonists have been shown to have a neuroprotectant effect in reducing infarct size and improving functional outcome in animal models of cerebral ischemia. However, the sedation effects of GABA receptor agonists have limited their wider application in acute stroke patients due to the potential risk of stupor. Objectives […]
Thrombolysis for acute ischaemic stroke
Abstract Background Most strokes are due to blockage of an artery in the brain by a blood clot. Prompt treatment with thrombolytic drugs can restore blood flow before major brain damage has occurred and improve recovery after stroke in some people. Thrombolytic drugs, however, can also cause serious bleeding in the brain, which can be […]
Glycoprotein IIb-IIIa inhibitors for acute ischaemic stroke
Abstract Background Glycoprotein (GP) IIb-IIIa inhibitors are antiplatelet agents that act by antagonising GP IIb-IIIa receptors on the platelet surface and block the final common pathway to platelet aggregation by preventing the binding of fibrinogen molecules that form bridges between adjacent platelets. Thus, GP IIb-IIIa inhibitors could favour endogenous thrombolysis by reducing thrombus growth and […]
Insulin for glycaemic control in acute ischaemic stroke
Abstract Background People with hyperglycaemia concomitant with an acute stroke have greater mortality, stroke severity, and functional impairment when compared with those with normoglycaemia at stroke presentation. This is an update of a Cochrane Review first published in 2011. Objectives To determine whether intensively monitoring insulin therapy aimed at maintaining serum glucose within a specific […]
Antifibrinolytic therapy for aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage
Abstract Background Rebleeding is an important cause of death and disability in people with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage. Rebleeding is probably related to dissolution of the blood clot at the site of aneurysm rupture by natural fibrinolytic activity. This review is an update of a previously published Cochrane review. Objectives To assess the effects of antifibrinolytic […]