[Scalp-nape acupuncture as adjuvant therapy for pharyngeal dysphagia of stroke at recovery stage: a randomized controlled trial].

Objective: To observe the therapeutic effect of scalp-nape acupuncture for pharyngeal dysphagia of stroke at recovery stage on the basis of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and rehabilitation training.

Methods: A total of 42 patients with pharyngeal dysphagia of stroke at recovery stage were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 21 cases in each group. Conventional medical symptomatic treatment was given in both groups.

Propofol protects against blood-spinal cord barrier disruption induced by ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Propofol has been shown to exert neuroprotective effects on the injured spinal cord. However, the effect of propofol on the blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) after ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) is poorly understood. Therefore, we investigated whether propofol could maintain the integrity of the BSCB.

Relationship between vertebral artery hypoplasia and posterior circulation stroke in Chinese patients.

Introduction: Vertebral artery hypoplasia (VAH), which has been found in about 10 % of normal individuals, does not produce symptoms but may be associated with an increased risk of cerebral posterior circulation ischemic (PCI) stroke. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of VAH in Chinese patients with cerebral infarction and investigate whether VAH is an independent risk factor for PCI stroke.

Methods: The medical records of 841 Chinese stroke patients were reviewed retrospectively.