Researchers Find New Way to Treat Strokes Caused by Bleeding Inside the Brain

In a recent study, researchers at the University of Leicester have discovered a new way to treat strokes that are caused by bleeding inside the brain.

The study noticed that in those with the most serious type of stroke known as intracerebral hemorrhage, blood pressure lowering reduced the risk of disability as well as increased the chances of recovery by 20 percent.

The study involved more than 2,800 patients from 140 hospitals around the world. The coordinator and co-author of the study was professor Thompson Robinson, Deputy Head of the University of Leicester's Department of Cardiovascular Sciences.

According to Robinson, nearly 1 million people are living with the consequences of stroke in the U.K., and a third with life-changing disability. Half of those who are affected with intracerebral haemorrhage lose their lives within a month, and those who have survived suffer with disability. In addition, there is no specific treatment to cure this type of stroke.

"The results of the study show that intensively reducing high blood pressure within 6 hours of onset of a bleeding-related stroke is safe, and results in a significant shift from being dead and dependent to being alive and independent after stroke," says Robinson.

According to professor Bruce Neal of The George Institute and The University of Sydney, this study challenges the previous understanding of blood pressure lowering in intracerebral hemorrhage.

He continues to state that the new study indicates alteration to stroke management worldwide. The outcome of the illness can be improved by blood pressure lowering using available therapies.

"The study findings are tremendously exciting because they provide a safe and efficient treatment to improve the likelihood of a recovery without serious disability - a major concern for those who have experienced stroke. The only treatment option to date has been risky brain surgery, so this research is a very welcome advance," Neal said.

The study was published in The New England Journal of Medicine.