Expanding the Time Window to 16 Hours: New Hope for Stroke Victims

In summary, the study found that about half of the stroke patients who underwent imaging had brain tissue conditions that made them eligible for thrombectomy, even if it was past the traditional time window for treatment.
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berkeman
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This looks very promising. It doesn't work for all stroke patients, but so far about half of the patients who went through the imaging procedure did have brain tissue conditions that indicated they would still benefit from removing the clot causing the ischemic stroke. That extended time window can be huge for some stroke victims...

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/24/health/stroke-clots-brain.html
The study showed that the time window could be expanded to 16 hours. However, the findings do not apply to every stroke victim. The researchers used a special type of brain imaging to identify the patients who still had live brain tissue that could be saved if the blood supply was restored. Only about half the patients who were screened qualified for treatment, known as thrombectomy, which uses a mechanical device to pull clots out of a blood vessel.

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This is incredibly promising news. It is great to hear that the time window for successful treatment can be extended and that a special type of imaging can help identify those who would benefit from thrombectomy. This could make a huge difference for many stroke victims.
 

FAQ: Expanding the Time Window to 16 Hours: New Hope for Stroke Victims

1. What is the significance of expanding the time window to 16 hours for stroke victims?

Expanding the time window to 16 hours means that stroke victims have a longer window of opportunity to receive treatment after a stroke has occurred. This is significant because it increases the chances of recovery and reduces the likelihood of long-term disability.

2. How does expanding the time window to 16 hours benefit stroke patients?

Expanding the time window to 16 hours allows for a wider range of patients to receive treatment, potentially saving more lives and reducing the severity of disabilities. It also allows for more time to accurately diagnose and treat the type of stroke, leading to more targeted and effective treatment.

3. What are the potential risks or drawbacks of expanding the time window to 16 hours for stroke victims?

The main potential risk is that patients may delay seeking treatment if they believe they have a longer window of time to receive treatment. This delay could lead to more severe consequences or even death. Additionally, there may be a strain on medical resources and facilities if there is an influx of stroke patients seeking treatment within the extended time window.

4. How does expanding the time window to 16 hours compare to the current standard of 3-4.5 hours for stroke treatment?

Currently, the standard for stroke treatment is within 3-4.5 hours of stroke onset. Expanding the time window to 16 hours provides a significant increase in the amount of time for treatment, offering a greater chance for recovery and reducing the risk of long-term disability. However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of treatment decreases as time passes, so seeking treatment as soon as possible is still the best course of action.

5. What are the next steps for implementing an expanded time window for stroke treatment?

Implementing an expanded time window for stroke treatment will require further research and clinical trials to ensure its safety and effectiveness. It will also require changes in medical protocols and education for healthcare professionals. It is important to proceed with caution and collaborate with experts in the field to ensure the best possible outcomes for stroke patients.

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