Ultrasound Capable of Improving Survival After Haemorrhagic Strokes, Study Finds

Pulsing ultrasound waves might be a non-invasive way to improve an individual’s survival after a haemorrhagic stroke, according to a new study.

For Raag Airan, an assistant professor of radiology at Stanford University, it all started with a mistake. He accidentally left an ultrasound device on for too long while attempting to activate drugs in the brains of mice.

“What I saw was that the spots of drug that I put in the brain [of the mice] were just like smeared out, like being transported further throughout the brain in a [cerebrospinal] fluid that usually clears gunk from the brain,” Airan told New Scientist.

Curious about the implications this could have on haemorrhagic strokes, he and a team decided to run tests on mice — pulsing ultrasound waves through the skulls of a certain group for 10 minutes each day. One week into the test, around 50% of the mice not receiving ultrasound treatment passed away, compared to one-fifth of those that were.

“We increased survival by about 30 [percentage points] with just three 10-minute sessions of ultrasound.”

While Airan and his team hope to eventually test the ultrasound approach on humans, haemorrhagic strokes require urgent treatment. He claims there’s a plan to conduct a trial involving individuals with Alzheimer’s disease in 2026.

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Disability Benefits for Strokes in Canada

A stroke can have a profound impact on an individual’s ability to perform their job duties — even with appropriate treatment.

For Canadians who can’t work, short-term disability (STD) and long-term disability (LTD) benefits can provide a crucial financial lifeline.

How These Benefits Help

• STD: Provides temporary financial support for individuals unable to perform their job duties.
• LTD: Offers income replacement for individuals unable to return to work for an extended period of time.

To qualify for STD or LTD benefits, medical documentation is essential to demonstrate how your condition prevents you from working.

Sadly, insurance companies often deny legitimate LTD claims — including in cases involving strokes — adding unnecessary stress to an already difficult situation.

SEE ALSO
• Medical Conditions that Qualify for Disability in Canada
• Denied LTD? Seek Legal Advice Before Appealing the Decision
• Pocket Disability Lawyer: Real-Time Insights on Your Rights

📺 WATCH: Next Steps for Canadians After a Disability Claim is Denied

Claim Denied? Contact Us

If your insurance company prevented you from accessing disability benefits following a stroke, or for another medical condition, connect with an experienced disability lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.

Our compassionate team regularly resolves issues involving STD, LTD, critical illness, life insurance, and mortgage insurance claims.

We’ve helped countless Canadians secure the compensation they’re owed. Contact us today for a FREE disability consultation.