The drug etanercept holds hope for treating brain inflammation that comes after a stroke, researchers have found. The effect can be realized years after a stroke.
The drug works by neutralizing a cytokine (small cell-signaling protein molecules that are used extensively in intercellular communication) that initiates and amplifies inflammation.
When etanercept was administered to three stroke patients, all demonstrated improvement in areas such as motor function, gait, hand function, sensory deficits, spatial perception, speech and cognition within 10 minutes.
While strokes are emergencies, nonetheless, be aware of this new drug and ask your physician about it especially if you have heightened stroke risk factors.