Stroke in the news... November 2025
Our regular update on stories on stroke gleaned from newspapers and magazines from right around the world!
A fascinating round-up of stories for you this minth... including promising new genetic research, microbots delivering stroke drugs directly to blocked vessels, how stroke symptoms can be missed... and why women can be more prone to strokes.
Genetic test hopes to prevent future strokes for thousands of survivors
Described as a 'transformation' in stroke care across NHS Scotland, the test aims to identify the most effective treatment for each patient.
The programme is expected to test 100,000 patients over the next five years, with around 30,000 benefiting from tailored medication. It is also projected to prevent nearly 1,000 secondary strokes over the five-year period, avoiding £17.9m in healthcare costs, as well as £30.6m in wider social care costs.
Millions living with chronic pain more likely to develop high blood pressure, experts say
Doctors are warning that adults affected by chronic pain are also more likely to develop high blood pressure, and that depression resulting from chronic pain may also be a contributing factor. High blood pressure is linked to life-threatening conditions such as heart disease and stroke.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/chronic-pain-high-blood-pressure-b2866712.html
Microrobots can deliver stroke drugs directly to blocked vessels
Doctors often use drugs that break up the blood clot blocking a vessel in the brain. These drugs travel through the whole body, not just the clogged vessel. Researchers have chased a simple idea for years: send tiny machines into the body that carry drugs directly to the problem spot.
https://www.earth.com/news/microrobots-can-deliver-stroke-drugs-directly-to-blocked-vessels/
He collapsed in a nightclub and says people thought he was drunk. He was having a stroke
When someone collapses and becomes unresponsive in a nightclub, it might be easy to assume they’re drunk. But Justus Smith wasn’t drunk. As people partied around him, the 18-year-old was having a stroke.
From contraception to menopause: why women face a higher risk of stroke
Stroke risk in women is shaped by biology and hormones throughout the reproductive years. One important set of risk factors involves high blood pressure during pregnancy. These include conditions such as gestational hypertension and preeclampsia.
Dundee and US surgeons achieve world-first stroke surgery using robot
The medics believe this technology could transform stroke care, as a delay in accessing specialist treatment can have a direct impact on the chances of recovery.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cjw983pvz6lo
"I couldn't speak after my stroke, but now I sing"
Around one in three people in the UK have aphasia after a stroke, which can impact their ability to understand speech, speak, read, write and use numbers. However research shows that some people can sing even if they cannot talk because we use different sides of our brains for speech and music.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvg7rd811jro
“We became carers to our loved ones overnight”
The partners of three stroke victims have spoken about what it is like to suddenly become your spouse's carer. BBC Radio Manchester's Stop a Stroke campaign, launched after presenter Mike Sweeney suffered one earlier this year, aims to raise awareness and support both patients and their carers.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cn9750lx0lvo
Photo by Roman Kraft on Unsplash
