A stroke is one of the most frightening medical events, even more so because it seemingly comes out of the blue. A stroke can lead to permanent neurological damage or even death. So if you or anyone youre with suffers these symptoms, seek medical help immediately : Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body. The loss of voluntary movement and/or sensation may be complete or partial. There may be tingling in the affected area. Sudden confusion or trouble speaking or understanding. Sometimes weakness in the muscles of the face can cause drooling. Sudden trouble seeing out of one or both eyes. Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination. Sudden, severe headache with no known cause. But a just-released French study gives hope for speedier rehabilitation after a stroke by prescribing the anti-depressant Prozac to patients. Of course, its not surprising that the study also found patients taking the drug were less susceptible to depression after their stroke. Paralysis and/or weakness on one side of the body are the most common physical disabilities after a stroke. Trials suggest that antidepressants might help improve motor recovery after stroke. The lead researcher of the current study published in The Lancet Neurology, Dr. Francois Chollet said the latest research "opens a new pathway" in the treatment of the leading form of stroke, in which a blockage in a blood vessel is the cause of the attack.
Stroke is a major cause of death and long-term disability for Americans, so any agent that helps boost functionality is of great benefit. Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States. Over 143,579 people die each year from stroke in the United States. Each year, about 795,000 people suffer a stroke.But Chollet noted that there are many remaining questions, including the length of treatment and whether Prozac can help with language and vision as well. So whether or not anti-depressant should be prescribed as standard treatment after every stroke will require further studies before medical experts can reach a sure-fire course of treatment. Robin Westen is ThirdAges medical reporter. Check for her daily updates. She is the author of Ten Days to Detox: How to Look and Feel a Decade Younger.See what others have to say about this story or leave a comment of your own.
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