Drawing by numbers an easy way to predict those at risk of fatal strokes?

Posted 09/05/2012

The British Medical Journal has published details of a study showing that a simple test asking people to connect numbers in the correct numerical order as fast as they can, can be a good indicator of those who are most at risk of later death following a stroke.In the study the test was given to healthy men between the ages of 67 and 75. The study looked at 1,000 men over a period of 14 years. Men who scored in the bottom third were found to be three times as likely to die after a subsequent stroke as those in the highest third. Researchers think that what is being demonstrated is possible early changes in the brain resulting from otherwise hidden damage to the blood vessels.This is a relatively small study and further research is needed, but it seems this very simple test which is easy to apply might prove to be a very valuable tool in helping to identify and then treat, those at risk of later fatal stroke.Trefine Maynard, a medical injury solicitor at Ashtons Legal said: “This is a fascinating and encouraging study. What is particularly exciting is to see the work being put into prevention, which is always better than having to deal with injury once it has occurred. Development of quick easy and cheap tests that could be readily and widely accessible and could, it seems, help to identify those who would most benefit from early treatment, is very welcome. Being able to identify people before hidden damage has actually caused any lasting damage would be a huge step forward”.