Thrombolysis for elderly stroke patients; disability with organically-unexplained symptoms

Summary: <p>Intravenous thrombolysis is the only curative treatment for acute ischaemic stroke, but is only licensed for patients up to 80 years old. Dr Paul Guyler, Southend Hospital NHS Trust, UK, discusses the evidence for outcomes in those over this limit, and whether or not doctors should treat off-licence.</p><p>Also in this July edition, Dr Alan Carson, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK, on his research into disability, distress and employment in neurology outpatients who’s symptoms can’t be explained organically, and why they don’t fit the stereotypes.</p><p>See also:</p><p>Intravenous thrombolysis in acute ischaemic stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis to aid decision making in patients over 80 years of age http://tinyurl.com/ar9emm3</p><p>Disability, distress and unemployment in neurology outpatients with symptoms ‘unexplained by organic disease’ http://tinyurl.com/acmtha7</p>