Researchers say a drug used to treat hemophilia may be the first effective medical treatment for hemorrhagic stroke.
Researchers are studying NovoSeven, a drug that helps stop bleeding, and its role in reducing the amount of blood that collects in the brain after a hemorrhagic stroke.
"This study of NovoSeven is an exciting development that gives us hope in furthering the treatment of hemorrhagic stroke, which is the deadliest form of stroke," said Dr. Dan Hanley, vice chairman of the National Stroke Association.
Intracerebral hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts and blood collects, putting pressure on the brain and causing brain-cell death.
Recognizing stroke symptoms, calling 91l and treating stroke as an emergency are critical to surviving a stroke.
"I had no idea about stroke and no one in my family really ever had a stroke," said Donna Cameron, a 73-year-old hemorrhagic stroke survivor.
The day Cameron had a stroke, she woke up from a nap dizzy and disoriented. She realized it was an emergency and tried to call 911, but kept hitting the wrong numbers on the phone. She persisted and finally got an operator. Getting help quickly may have saved her life.
"Time is very important for hemorrhagic stroke because every second the brain is compressed, brain cells are dying," said Dr. Joseph Broderick, chair of the department of neurology at the University of Cincinnati. "The quicker we can stop the bleeding and prevent more blood from collecting, the better the patients will be."
NovoSeven is being studied in a worldwide clinical trial and is not currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration for hemorrhagic stroke treatment.
For more information on stroke, contact the National Stroke Association at (800) STROKES (787-6537) or www.stroke.org.
Stroke Symptoms
* Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
* Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
* Sudden difficulty seeing in one or both eyes
* Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
* Sudden severe headache with no known cause
Source: National Stroke Association
Note to editors: May is National Stroke Awareness Month -NU
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