Topic: Health

Scientists have discovered that a common type of stroke is not caused by fatty plaque in arteries. Instead, it's linked to changes in brain blood vessels. This finding may lead to new treatments.

A team of researchers from the University of Edinburgh and international collaborators has made a groundbreaking discovery about the cause of lacunar ischemic stroke. They found that this type of stroke is not primarily caused by fatty plaque building up inside arteries, as many had assumed.

The study involved 229 people who had experienced either a lacunar stroke or a mild non-lacunar stroke. The participants underwent clinical and cognitive evaluations and MRI brain scans shortly after their stroke and again one year later. The imaging allowed scientists to assess stroke type, monitor signs of small vessel disease, and identify any new areas of brain injury that developed over time.

The analysis showed that narrowing of large arteries was not associated with lacunar stroke or with small vessel disease. In contrast, artery widening showed a strong connection to lacunar stroke. Patients with enlarged arteries were more than four times more likely to have experienced a lacunar stroke. The researchers also found that artery widening was linked to more severe small vessel disease, faster progression of brain damage, and a greater likelihood of developing new 'silent' strokes - small areas of brain tissue damage caused by interrupted blood supply that can occur without obvious symptoms.

The findings suggest that future therapies should focus on the underlying damage affecting the brain's small blood vessels rather than on fatty plaque in larger arteries. Studies such as LACI-3 are currently investigating whether existing medications, including cilostazol and isosorbide mononitrate, can help protect the brain, lower the risk of additional strokes, and reduce long-term problems involving memory, mobility, and dementia following lacunar stroke.

Why It Matters

This discovery may lead to new treatments for a common type of stroke that affects millions of people worldwide. It's especially important in India, where stroke is a leading cause of death and disability.

Key Facts

• A study involving 229 people found that lacunar ischemic stroke is linked to changes in brain blood vessels, not fatty plaque in arteries.
• Artery widening was a strong predictor of lacunar stroke, with patients more than four times more likely to experience it.
• The findings may lead to new treatments for lacunar stroke, which affects millions of people worldwide.

Key Terms

Lacunar ischemic stroke

A type of stroke caused by damage to the brain's small blood vessels.

Small vessel disease

A condition where the brain's small blood vessels are damaged, leading to problems with memory, mobility, and dementia.

Implications

This discovery may lead to new treatments for a common type of stroke that affects millions of people worldwide. It's especially important in India, where stroke is a leading cause of death and disability.