What are the significant advances in the treatment of stroke?
1920s Contrast angiography developed. 1940s Indicator dilution technique used to measure brain blood flow and function. 1950s Recognition that atherosclerosis (fatty buildups of plaque in artery walls) in carotid (neck) artery could cause stroke, often preceded by transient ischemic attack (TIA) or “mini-stroke” as a warning symptom. First carotid endarterectomy performed (surgery to clean plaque deposits out of the carotid artery). Artificial heart valves introduced for patients with rheumatic heart disease. When combined with blood thinners in most patients, they lowered risk for some kinds of stroke. 1960s Severe hypertension (high blood pressure) identified as a treatable risk factor for stroke. Start of a decline in the number of strokes (incidence) and number of people dying from stroke (mortality). Doppler ultrasonography developed (a method for evaluating blood flow in blood vessels in the neck and elsewhere). 1970s Demonstration that aspirin is effective in preventing stroke.
