Nerve 'Zap' Treatment May Speed Stroke Recovery


By webmd.com

An implanted device that provides electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve leading to the brain enhanced arm movement in a small group of stroke patients, researchers report.

Evaluating 17 stroke patients with chronic arm weakness who also received intense physical therapy, scientists found that three-quarters improved with vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), while only one-quarter of those receiving "sham" nerve stimulation did.

"Arm weakness affects three of every four of our stroke patients and persists to a disabling degree in at least 50 percent of them, so it's a hugely important problem in the long term," explained study author Dr. Jesse Dawson. He's director of the Scottish Stroke Research Network and a clinical researcher at University of Glasgow.

"A unique aspect of this [device] is that patients can deliver the brain stimulation technique in their own home during exercise . . . which is an important breakthrough that opens a huge number of possibilities for increasing patient access to this potential treatment," Dawson added.

The study was funded by the VNS device's manufacturer, MicroTransponder Inc., based in Texas.

About 700,000 Americans suffer a stroke each year, two-thirds of whom need post-stroke rehabilitation to help them regain skills lost due to stroke-related brain damage, according to the U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

The vagus nerve is the longest nerve leading to the head, which passes through the neck and down into the abdomen. Surgically implanted just below the collarbone, the VNS device stimulates the brain with small electrical pulses through an internal wire as patients simultaneously move.

All 17 study participants (average age nearly 60) had the device implanted, but Dawson and his team randomly assigned half to receive VNS and half to receive "sham" stimulation. All had suffered clot-caused strokes and took part in six weeks of intensive physical therapy. Their strokes had occurred up to five years prior to the study and had caused chronic arm weakness.

Not only did more patients receiving VNS experience enhanced arm movement, but those patients continued to improve throughout the 90-day study period, Dawson said.

Stimulating the vagus nerve, Dawson said, triggers the release of various chemicals in the brain, two of which are known to increase the brain's potential to recover after injury.

"We can conclude that VNS does drive a change and have an effect for patients recovering from stroke, but we can't [yet] conclude there's magnitude enough to introduce it into clinical practice," he said.

A larger clinical trial enrolling 120 patients from the United States and the United Kingdom will begin this summer, Dawson added.

Dr. Daniel Labovitz is director of the Stern Stroke Center for the Montefiore Health System in New York City. He said the new research was promising, but the study's design and small number of participants made it difficult to discern if results are "sustainable."

"I think it's exciting to at least be working toward proof of concept -- that we can influence the brain to organize itself and enhance recovery long after a stroke occurs," said Labovitz, who wasn't involved in the new research.

"This is the holy grail of rehabilitation," Labovitz said. "And this technique may be the first time where we can actually get the brain to heal itself better than just having the patient move their limb around [during physical therapy]."

Dawson pointed out that implanting the VNS device does carry certain potential risks, such as infection around the device; anesthesia complications; and temporary hoarseness due to vocal cord trauma.

The study was presented at the recent International Stroke Conference in Houston. Research presented at medical meetings should be considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Source: http://www.webmd.com/stroke/news/20170301/nerve-zap-treatment-may-speed-stroke-recovery

Sunday, May 10, 2026

Using Flonase For Ear Congestion: What Patients Should Know

Dealing with ear congestion can take a real toll on daily life, affecting sleep, work performance, and overall well-being. While many people try to manage symptoms with lifestyle adjustments alone, medication often plays a central role in achieving meaningful relief, particularly when symptoms are moderate to severe or recurring. The understanding of asthma as primarily an inflammatory condition has shifted treatment emphasis toward anti-inflammatory therapies. Inhaled corticosteroids are considered the most effective long-term controller medications available. Leukotriene receptor antagonists provide an oral alternative for patients who prefer or cannot use inhalers. Short-acting beta-agonists remain the first-line treatment for quick relief of acute symptoms and work by rapidly relaxing the smooth muscle around the airways to restore normal airflow within minutes. Healthcare professionals frequently discuss Flonase as a potential treatment for patients presenting with ear congestion. The data supporting flonase for ear congestion provides a useful resource for patients who want a thorough understanding of how this medication has been studied and what clinical experience suggests about its effectiveness. One of the practical considerations with Flonase is timing. Some patients find that taking the medication at a consistent time each day helps maintain stable effects. Food interactions, if any, should be noted since they can affect how well the active ingredient fluticasone is absorbed. Patients are encouraged to review the full prescribing information or consult a pharmacist for personalized guidance. Treatment of ear congestion does not always follow a one-size-fits-all approach. The asthma and respiratory health section on asthma and respiratory health covers the range of treatments that might complement or serve as alternatives to Flonase, helping patients and providers find the combination most suited to individual needs.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.