Some Hemorrhagic Strokes Can Have Transient Symptoms

Sandeep Kumar, MD Assistant Professor of Neurology Harvard Medical School Director, Inpatient Stroke Service Department of Neurology, Stroke Division Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Boston, MA 02215

Dr. Sandeep Kumar

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Sandeep Kumar, MD

Assistant Professor of Neurology
Harvard Medical School
Director, Inpatient Stroke Service
Department of Neurology, Stroke Division
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Boston, MA 02215

Medical Research: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?

Dr. Kumar: Transient deficits that start suddenly and typically last for a few minutes to a few hours are the hallmark of a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or a minor ischemic stroke. In this single-center observational study, we have reported similar clinical presentation in some patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) that are difficult to distinguish from cerebral ischemia based only on clinical signs and symptoms.

Medical Research: What should clinicians and patients take away from your report?

Dr. Kumar: Physicians should be aware that transient signs and symptoms can occur in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage, especially those with minor hemorrhages. All such patients should undergo prompt brain imaging with a CT scan or a brain MRI to eliminate any bleeding. This is especially important before administering any antithrombotics or anticoagulants.

Medical Research: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?

Dr. Kumar: We need prospective studies possibly using novel neuroimaging techniques to better understand the basis of this phenomenon. It may provide valuable insights in understanding the mechanism of recovery after ICH that can be exploited to develop therapies.

Citation:

Kumar S, Selim M, Marchina S, Caplan LR. Transient Neurological Symptoms in Patients With Intracerebral Hemorrhage.JAMA Neurol. Published online January 04, 2016. doi:10.1001/jamaneurol.2015.4202.

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Sandeep Kumar (2016). Some Hemorrhagic Strokes Can Have Transient Symptoms 

Last Updated on January 4, 2016 by Marie Benz MD FAAD

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