As Many as 70% of People Who Are Depressed After Stroke Dont Get Adequate Treatment
March 29, 2012 -- Many people who have a stroke or so-called mini-stroke become depressed afterward, yet up to two-thirds are not getting ample treatment for their depression.
Researchers report that news in the journal Stroke.
"A lot of people are not aware of this risk, Duke University stroke researcher Nada El Husseini, MD, tells WebMD. Even if they are feeling depressed, they dont think its relevant.
But it is. Depression can affect recovery and rehabilitation after a stroke.
Depression needs to be added to the checklist of things that [stroke] patients need to be evaluated for, Chad Miller, MD, an Ohio State University associate professor of neurology and neurologic surgery, tells WebMD. Millerreviewed the study for WebMD.
A stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is interrupted by a blood clot or bleeding. Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability.
Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), often called "mini-strokes," involve stroke-like symptoms that don't last long and don't leave lasting damage. But having a TIA does mean a stroke is more likely.
Symptoms of stroke and TIA include:
Call for emergency medical care if those symptoms occur. Time is crucial for stroke treatment.
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Depression After Stroke Too Often Goes Untreated