An innovative evaluation method is used to study the outcomes and clinical predictions for 97 patients with acute cerebral vascular accidents. The technique involved the participation of several professional disciplines in selecting baseline and treatment variables and making independent predictions about the functional status of patients upon discharge from the stroke treatment center. The data suggest that (1) baseline variables were more important than treatment variables in the participants' predictions about the patients' short-term outcomes; (2) stroke unit staff members were generally successful in predicting patients' functional status; and (3) stroke extensions and other complications are important factors which affect stroke patients' short-term outcomes.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Cerebral blood flow regulation: vascular resistance adjustments in the circle of Willis.

Continuous measurements of systemic blood pressure (BP), cerebral perfusion pressure and CBF were accomplished in the cat during transient hypertension, hypercapnia and bilateral carotid artery occlusion. From these measurements resistance values in the circle of Willis and in the cerebral arteries distal to the circle were calculated. The results indicate that the arteries of the circle of Willis and the arteries distal to the circle of Willis dilate and contract independently.

Angiotensin II↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Cerebral blood flow regulation. II. Vasodilator mechanisms.

Rapid vasicular resistance adjustments in the brain and in the circle of Willis have been continuously measured and enhanced by signal averaging methods. Naftidrofuryl, a drug chemically similar to local anesthetics and to beta adrenergic blocking agents, increases local CBF by reducing resistance in brain and in extracerebral supply arteries. It has also been reported to affect brain metabolism. Other similar drugs merit study for potential effects on CBF and brain metabolism which may be useful in treatment.

Animals↗