Penumbra, New Treatment For Stroke Victims

Every year thousands of people suffer from a stroke. It can be mild where the effects can soon wear off, or it can be serious where the patient is immobilized.

Effects suffered can be numbness, weakness, or paralysis of the face, arm, or leg, typically on one side of the body. Vision problems can also occur in one or both eyes, such as dimness, blurring, double vision, or loss of vision.

Confusion, trouble speaking or understanding is other forms that affect the patient. Symptoms vary depending on whether the stroke is caused by a clot or bleeding. The location of the blood clot or bleeding and the extent of brain damage can also affect symptoms.

In Washington US, a new device has been brought out it is called Penumbra, It is a newly approved device and the latest in a series of inside the artery attempts to boost recovery from a stroke which is the nations No 3 killer.

Penumbra is like a tiny vacuum cleaner for the brain: it suctions out clogged arteries in the hope of stopping the brain attack before it does permanent harm. It is a new treatment for stroke victims.

Penumbra is an option for patients who miss out on the early care care, it can be tried up to eight hours after a stroke strikes or if standard TPA treatment fails.

Penumbra is a tiny tube, the specialist thread the tube inside a blood vessel at the groin and push it up the body until it reaches the point where the blood vessel is clogged. It sucks up the clot bit by bit to restore the blood flow. It works just like a vacuum cleaner.

This treatment is still being studied by doctors and it depends on the seriousness of the stroke on whether it can be used. It is a learning curve at present although good results have been shown and the Californian based Penumbra Inc received a surprise speedy approval from the Food and Drug Administration in late December.