Tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) in acute ischemic stroke: Outcomes associated with ambulation.

Purpose: Several clinical trials have highlighted general favorable outcomes of intravenous tissue type plasminogen activator (rt-PA) in acute ischemic stroke using different measures including, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Findings from most of these measures indicate that the benefits of rt-PA are time dependent, thus, supporting intensive efforts to fast-track hospital thrombolytic treatment in patients with stroke. Despite the widespread benefits of rt-PA, the effectiveness of this therapy on specific functions such as ambulatory performance of the recovering stroke patient is not fully investigated.

Association of spasticity and life satisfaction after spinal cord injury.

Study Design: Cross-sectional survey; secondary analysis of existing data by linear regression analysis between spasticity and quality of life.

Objective: To identify the relationship between spasticity and life satisfaction as measured by three multi-item factor scales and a rating of overall quality of life among participants with spinal cord injury (SCI).

Setting: Large specialty hospital in the Southeastern United States.