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se patients essentially received the same in-hospital treatment, but the pace of recovery from stroke was most likely inhibited for blacks due to a lack of social resources, such as transportation or supplemental in-home care that can otherwise enhance recovery over time, said Dr. Horner.

Getting rapid treatment for an acute stroke can reduce or eliminate the need for extensive rehabilitation. If given within three hours of initial stroke symptoms, a clot-busting drug called t-PA can reverse the effects of a stroke by dissolving blood clots that obstruct blood flow to the brain. Understanding the signs of a stroke, and getting to a hospital within one hour after those symptoms appear can significantly reduce disability.

This study sheds light on racial disparities in recovery rates from stroke. What is clear is that we can reduce the numbers of stroke patients who will require rehabilitation if more patients recognize their symptoms, get to the hospital and are treated rapidly, said John R. Marler, M.D., associate director for clinical trials at NINDS. The sooner the stroke is recognized and the patient begins receiving treatment, the better are the chances for a complete recovery.

The symptoms of stroke are distinct because they happen quickly: sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg (especially on one side of the body); sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech; sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes; sudden trouble walking, dizziness or loss of balance or coordination; or sudden severe headache with no known cause.

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Contact: Margo Warren
301-496-57571
NIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
9-May-2003

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