Emerging treatments
Hemostatic therapy
Cilostazol (a phosphodiesterase-3 inhibitor) has been shown to have protective properties on endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, and the blood-brain barrier; clinical trials are needed to investigate if such properties would be of benefit in hemorrhagic stroke or prevention of hematoma expansion.[157][158][159]
Novel rehabilitation techniques
Noninvasive brain stimulation with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) are being studied. Such methods may increase functional recovery, when compared with traditional physical therapy, via neuromodulatory pathways.[160][161][162] However, there is insufficient evidence to currently support their use in clinical practice. A device that uses brain-computer interface control of a robotics-powered exoskeleton may help stroke survivors regain hand and arm function. The device is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for patients 18 years and older who are at least 6 months post-stroke to facilitate muscle re-education and for maintaining or increasing range of motion. An exoskeleton (robotic hand brace) opens and closes the affected hand using spectral power from electroencephalographic (EEG) signals from the unaffected hemisphere associated with imagined hand movements of the paretic limb.[163]
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