New insight into 'some' strokes

Doug Young
Doug Youngon Friday, October 26 2018
2 Comments

We have recently discovered some very interesting information on the reason for 'some' strokes, possibly relevant to all bleeds. Improvements in MRI resolution over the past year allow far higher definition scans, and in the case of my partner, what was initially thought to be simply a spontaneous bleed was found to be cerebral amyloid angiopathy. CAA has traditionally been diagnosed during autopsy, which isn't much use to live victims. It is uncertain how many bleeding strokes are really CAA because as we've discovered, many neurologists don't understand how to diagnose the reasons for a brain bleed. To be fair, a standard CT scan often doesn't show any more than a big blob until months after the event, and the waiting time for an MRI scan rules it out for most victims. The view that CAA is rare prevails although without MRI, there is no definitive test. In all probability, a lot of CAA-related bleed cases die without anyone knowing any more than they suffered a non-specific  brain bleed. Presently even neuorologists who are aware of CAA tend to tell their patients 'there is no treatment', although that is not strictly correct. After considerable research, we put together a team of specialists who have significant experience, albeit experimental at this point, but which appears to be at least holding the CAA at bay.

If anyone who is experiencing repetitive bleeds is interested in exploring further, contact me on 0488531824 / brizzie@live.com and I'll provide details of our experiences / professional contacts. Note that my partner is otherwise physically fitter than the proverbial Mallee bull with no significant residual disabilities, consequently she is a perfect candidate for research into CAA. I understand that people with multiple medical problems may not be considered 'suitable candidates' although the decision on whether or not to treat them will be made by the appropriate professionals.

 

2 Responses
Doug Young avatar
Doug Young

Several months down the track and the anti-CAA medication appears to be having the desired effect. The patient is going for an MRI on Friday 7th December with a view to checking for any new microbleeds which I understand are definitive of CAA. Another MRI is scheduled for June 2019, shortly before a review by the hematologist in Melbourne.  If as is hoped there is no further evidence of CAA after twelve months, we will have good reason to believe the medication is working.  Assuming we get to that point, next thing is to figure why the amaloid protein that makes the cerebral blood vessels fragile is present in excess. Is too much amaloid being created or is insufficient being broken down ?

 

I'd appreciate contact to compare notes on  0488531824 / brizzie@live.com from anyone who has suffered a bleed that might be caused by CAA, or a carer / supporter of a person who has suffered a bleed.  I get the impression that not every medical practitioner is aware of CAA, indeed the most commonly used brain scans (CT) don't appear to have sufficient definition to see microbleeds and the waiting list for an MRI is usually such that they aren't commonly used on brain injury patients. Traditionally the diagnosis of CAA is made during a post mortem, hardly much use to someone trying to stay above ground level.

Doug Young avatar
Doug Young

I get the distinct impression that rubygarciaa is attempting to profiteer from the misfortune of others.  As an advocate for victims of the guardianship racket who have been abused and parasitized by non-constitutional kangaroo tribunals and their criminal cohorts in official guardian / administrator - trustee organizations, I have the utmost contempt for those who seek personal gain in in situations like this.  Be assured that I will follow this matter up with a view to ensuring that real estate parasites do not get to use brain injury victims as a ready source of business.

Loading reply form...