Affiliations: Department of Neurology, Boston University Medical
Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA | Healthsouth Braintree Rehabilitation Hospital,
Braintree, MA, USA | Biotrofix, Inc., Needham, MA, USA | Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General
Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
Note: [] Corresponding author: José Rafael Romero, M.D., Department of
Neurology, Boston University Medical Center, 715 Albany Street, C329, Boston MA
02118, USA. Tel.: +1 617 638 5309 (office); E-mail: joromero@bmc.org;
rromerom@yahoo.com
Abstract: Recent advances in research are modifying our view of recovery after
nervous system damage. New findings are changing previously held concepts and
providing promising avenues for treatment of patients after stroke. This review
discusses mechanisms of neuronal injury after brain ischemia and the attempts
to study neuroprotection options based on such mechanisms. It also considers
measures available at present to improve outcome after stroke and presents new
areas of research, particularly stimulation techniques, neurogenesis and
trophic factors to enhance recovery. In order to improve outcomes, medications
that may be detrimental to recovery should be avoided, while symptomatic
therapy of problems such as depression, pain syndromes and spasticity may
contribute to better results. Continued surveillance and early treatment of
complications associated with acute stroke, along with supportive care remain
the mainstay of treatment for stroke patients in the recovery phase. Present
research on limiting brain damage and improving recovery and plasticity enhance
the prospects for better clinical treatments to improve recovery after
stroke.
