Lacunar strokes caused by widening of arteries in brain, study suggests
Summary
A new study found that lacunar strokes, a type of stroke affecting small blood vessels in the brain, are caused by these vessels widening rather than being blocked by fatty deposits. This discovery explains why common treatments like aspirin often do not work well for this stroke type and suggests that new treatments are needed.Key Facts
- Lacunar strokes affect about 35,000 people yearly in the UK and make up 25% of all strokes there.
- Previously, lacunar strokes were thought to result from large artery blockages by fatty deposits.
- The study found lacunar strokes are linked to widening of small brain arteries, not blockages in large arteries.
- Patients with widened arteries in the brain are over four times more likely to have lacunar strokes.
- Common stroke treatments like aspirin and blood thinners are less effective for lacunar strokes.
- The research involved analyzing 229 patients with either lacunar or mild non-lacunar strokes.
- Stroke research receives less than 1% of UK research funding despite stroke being a leading cause of death and disability.
- Experts highlight the need for new drugs that focus on small vessel damage to improve treatment of lacunar stroke.
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