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Milestones in treatment
1920s
People start living longer because of improved hygiene, immunization programs and antibiotics. As the standard of living increases, people eat higher fat diets.
1937
Dr. Walter Dandy becomes first to surgically "clip" an aneurysm (weak area of a blood vessel that fills with blood and bulges out) to prevent it from re-bleeding. Surgical clipping technology improves through the decades to prevent an aneurysm from bursting.
1948
Framingham heart study begins in Framingham, Mass. The study, which is still ongoing, first establishes high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and smoking can damage blood vessels. Recognition that fatty buildup in neck arteries could cause strokes.
1950s
Framingham researchers coin term "risk factors", introducing the idea that lifestyle changes could affect the chances of becoming ill.
First carotid endarterectomy performed. The surgery cleans plaque from the carotid arteries, which supply blood to the brain, preventing chances of a blood clot.
Death rate from stroke begins to decline in Canada.
1960s
Ultrasounds introduced. As sound waves pass through the body, ultrasound can identify sizes, shapes and distances of what's inside, including any blockages in blood vessels. High blood pressure is identified as a treatable risk factor for stroke.
Carotid endarterectomies are used increasingly to prevent strokes. Their use peaks in the 1980s, when health authorities start to question the risks of the trend.
1970s
CT scan technology spreads rapidly, giving doctors a cross-sectional view of blood vessels, organs and bones. Doctors can tell whether stroke is ischemic (clot-caused) or hemorrhagic (bleeding).
1971
British scientist John Vane discovers Aspirin's blood-thinning properties. Doctors later recommend it to people who have had “mini strokes” to help prevent a future stroke.
1980s
Using radio waves, MRI technology offers doctors a very detailed view, from any angle, of blood vessels, organs and bones.
Cigarette smoking is conclusively established as a factor for stroke as anti-smoking agencies increase public campaigns.
1987
Clot-buster tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) approved for dissolving coronary clots after heart attacks. It's approved for use in ischemic strokes in 1996. Given within three hours of the onset of stroke symptoms, it can reverse a stroke in progress.
1990s
Prevention was the buzzword of the 1990s as people trimmed their fatty diets and recognized healthy living could help prevent strokes. More people have surgeries to remove plaque buildup as a preventative measure.
1995
Surgeons begin using tiny micro-coils to treat patients at high risk for a brain aneurysm. A catheter is threaded up through artery in the leg and a tiny platinum coil is deposited in the aneurysm, cutting off its blood supply and preventing it from bursting.
1996
Clot-dissolving drug tPA is approved for use in ischemic strokes.
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CHART
Stroke mortality rates (requires Flash)
ANIMATION
Stroke
SURVIVOR STORY