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Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies hold incredible potential, not just for entertainment, but also for innovative rehabilitation methods. We’ve seen promising results where VR aids motor recovery by providing engaging, motivating environments for practice.

However, a new study from the University of Bath has issued a crucial warning: the next generation of hand gesture controls being developed for these systems risks excluding millions of people, including many in our stroke survivor community. This is a critical issue that stroke professionals and survivors need to be aware of.

The research highlights that the freehand controls becoming standard in new systems; gestures like pinching, swiping and pressing virtual buttons…are often inaccessible, painful or simply too fatiguing for individuals with even mild upper limb impairments. For a stroke survivor, who may deal with reduced manual dexterity, spasticity or weakness, these design choices can be a major barrier to using technology that could otherwise be a powerful tool for recovery and daily life engagement.

A key finding from the study points to the ubiquitous ‘pinch to select’ gesture. This action relies heavily on the index finger, a joint often significantly affected by conditions like stroke. Current VR systems rarely offer alternative, more adaptable gestures, effectively locking out users who cannot perform this specific, rigid movement. Furthermore, the study noted that tech companies are increasingly favouring smaller, faster gestures in pursuit of efficiency… a trend that exacerbates accessibility issues for those with motor control challenges.

For healthcare professionals, this is a call to action. When considering VR for patient use, we must evaluate not just the therapeutic potential but also the physical accessibility of the interface. The current ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to hand gestures is inadequate. The Bath researchers are advocating for accessibility to be a fundamental part of the design process from the very beginning, not just an afterthought or a ‘nice to have’ feature.

Potential solutions suggested by the study include simple but impactful changes: allowing users to fully remap gestures to movements that are comfortable for them, enabling the amplification of small, controlled movements and offering software-based stabilisation for users with tremors. Such adaptive features would ensure that the benefits of this exciting technology are available to all, regardless of their physical capabilities.

The announcement from the Royal Preston Hospital that it will begin offering 24/7 thrombectomy services by February 1st, 2026, is a major milestone for stroke care in Lancashire and South Cumbria.

This initiative addresses a critical issue that has long plagued stroke treatment; the disparity in care between in-hours and out-of-hours presentations. For patients with severe ischemic strokes caused by a large vessel occlusion, a mechanical thrombectomy is a game-changing intervention that can dramatically improve functional outcomes and reduce long-term disability. Its effectiveness, however, is highly time-dependent, making round-the-clock availability not just desirable but essential.

The situation at Royal Preston highlights a systemic challenge. While some UK hospitals have offered 24/7 thrombectomy for years… St George’s in London was an early pioneer, with others like Barts Health and University Hospital of North Midlands (UHNM) following suit… many still operate with limited hours.

A 2022 Stroke Association report indicated that only a minority of thrombectomy centres were offering 24/7 cover, with many still operating on a limited-hours basis. This has led to a persistent postcode lottery of care, where a patient’s chance of a good recovery is tied to their location and the time of day their stroke occurs. Nottingham’s Queen’s Medical Centre also recently transitioned to a 24/7 service in October 2025, further adding to the growing number of centres providing continuous care. However, to achieve full national coverage, the UK needs to overcome significant hurdles, primarily chronic underfunding and a shortage of specialised interventional neuroradiologists.

Given the historical pace of implementation and the current workforce limitations, making a precise prediction about when the entire UK will achieve 24/7 thrombectomy coverage is hard to do; despite ambitions set by national bodies, past targets have been missed. A realistic, though optimistic, forecast suggests that it could be another five to ten years before all eligible patients across the UK have consistent, 24/7 access to thrombectomy.

Full coverage will require a concerted and well-funded national effort to increase the number of trained specialists, improve hospital infrastructure, and ensure efficient patient transfer pathways.Some countries with well-integrated neuroscience centres, such as Germany, Holland, Canada and parts of the US have achieved significantly higher thrombectomy access rates and broader 24/7 coverage than the UK, demonstrating that this goal is achievable with sustained investment and strategic planning.

Foot drop, a common consequence of stroke and other neurological conditions, presents a significant mobility challenge for so many survivors, including me. Traditional management often relies on ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) and/or compensatory walking strategies, which can be restrictive or increase metabolic cost during ambulation. The development of adaptive footwear, such as the Cadense shoe, represents an innovative approach to mitigating the functional deficits associated with foot drop: via hrough its patented Variable Friction Technology, Cadense aims to reduce tripping hazards and facilitate a smoother, more efficient gait pattern for individuals with neuromuscular weakness.

The core of the Cadense technology lies in its unique outsole design. The sole features two elevated nylon pucks on either side of the shoe’s forefoot, creating a low-friction surface that facilitates a gliding motion during the swing phase of the gait cycle. This allows the foot to slide over obstacles and uneven surfaces more easily, addressing the primary cause of tripping in individuals with foot drop. As the foot comes into contact with the ground during the stance phase, pressure on the shoe activates a recessed, high-friction rubber section of the sole, which provides a stable platform for stopping and toe-off, ensuring users maintain control and confidence throughout the walking process.

For stroke survivors, user testimonials and early reports suggest a positive reception. Reviewers frequently praise the shoe’s ability to reduce their fear of tripping and falling, leading to increased confidence and independence. Many users note that the shoe’s design, which includes an easy-on, easy-off Velcro closure disguised as laces, simplifies their daily routines. The aesthetic is also frequently mentioned, with users appreciating that the shoe looks like fashionable, regular trainers rather than overt medical or orthopaedic footwear. For some, the use of the Cadense shoe has even enabled them to decrease their reliance on or forgo an AFO altogether, although it is important to note this varies based on the individual’s specific needs and the severity of their foot drop.

Early research, including an NIH-funded study at the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab, is investigating the clinical impact of this variable friction technology on gait mechanics and training outcomes.

Cadense adaptive footwear is indeed available for purchase in the UK. The shoes can be bought directly from the Cadense UK website, Cadense.co.uk. The price for a pair of the adaptive trainers is approximately £199.99. Shoppers are often offered free delivery and a 30-day risk-free trial period, allowing users to test the shoes’ effectiveness before committing to the purchase. The availability of different styles and sizes, including wide-fit options, further enhances accessibility for individuals with diverse needs.

While the Cadense shoe offers a promising, non-invasive intervention for foot drop, survivors considering this or any adaptive footwear should consult with a ARNI instructor or other physio to ensure it is appropriate for their specific rehabilitation goals and walking impairments.

A 2025 scoping review titled ‘Stroke at the Hairdresser’s Chair’, which was published in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine, synthesised data from 22 previous studies over five decades to provide a comprehensive look at Beauty Parlor Stroke Syndrome (BPSS), a rare but clinically significant phenomenon.

The review analysed 54 reported cases, finding that a significant majority (79.63%) were women, with occurrences linked to neck hyperextension during salon visits, dental procedures, and other activities. Researchers highlighted that while BPSS is uncommon, its symptoms can overlap with those of a classic stroke, emphasising the importance of thorough patient history and neuroimaging for an accurate and timely diagnosis. The study concluded that preventative strategies, such as providing neck support in salons and raising awareness among both clients and professionals, are essential for mitigating this risk. 

The term ‘Beauty Parlor Stroke Syndrome’, while it may seem colloquial, points to a clinically significant phenomenon: vertebral artery dissection or compression caused by sustained hyperextension of the neck. The setting of a salon shampoo bowl is the most commonly cited trigger, where a patient’s head is tilted backward over a basin’s edge for an extended period, creating mechanical stress on the vessels supplying the brain’s posterior circulation. First described by Dr. Michael Weintraub in 1993, the syndrome highlights how seemingly innocuous, everyday activities can precipitate serious neurological injury, particularly in susceptible individuals.

The underlying pathophysiology centres on compromise of the vertebral arteries, which ascend through the cervical spine to join and form the basilar artery. This critical system supplies blood to the brainstem, cerebellum, and posterior cerebrum. When the neck is hyperextended, especially against a hard surface, this can cause a vessel wall to dissect; a tear that can lead to intramural hematoma formation, luminal occlusion or the release of a clot that embolises to the brain. In other cases, external compression from osteophytes or soft tissues can temporarily restrict blood flow, a phenomenon known as vertebrobasilar insufficiency. The resulting posterior circulation strokes can manifest with symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo, ataxia, visual disturbances, and slurred speech, with symptom onset often delayed for hours or even days.

Epidemiological data, predominantly from case reports and small case series, indicates that while the syndrome is rare, it is disproportionately reported in women. For example, a recent scoping review identified that 79.63% of the 54 cases reviewed were female, with a wide age range from teenagers to the elderly. These findings are critical, as they underscore the need for awareness among patients and salon professionals alike. Risk factors for cervical artery dissection extend beyond the salon, encompassing other activities involving neck hyperextension, such as yoga, painting ceilings, or sudden movements like sneezing. Individuals with pre-existing vascular conditions, such as atherosclerosis, fibromuscular dysplasia or connective tissue disorders, may be at a heightened risk, though the syndrome can also affect young, otherwise healthy individuals.

Raising awareness in the beauty and wellness industries is a crucial preventative measure. Salons can mitigate risk by providing proper neck support, such as rolled towels or cushions, and adjusting chairs to reduce the degree of cervical hyperextension. Patients should be encouraged to communicate any discomfort or neck pain immediately during a shampoo. While the overall risk remains low, the potential for devastating long-term disability; from permanent balance issues to severe neurological deficits… warrants increased vigilance. For clinicians, maintaining a high index of suspicion is essential, particularly when evaluating patients presenting with posterior circulation symptoms following recent neck manipulation. A comprehensive patient history that includes recent activities is vital for accurate and timely diagnosis through neuroimaging. Ultimately, the phenomenon of ‘Beauty Parlour Stroke Syndrome’ is not an urban legend but a clinically confirmed, though rare, condition that necessitates proactive awareness and preventative strategies.

The journey of regaining mobility after a stroke can be arduous, often characterised by the persistence of gait asymmetries and diminished walking endurance. Traditional robotic exoskeletons have offered a partial solution, providing mechanical assistance in structured rehabilitation settings.

However, the inherent variability in stroke-affected gait patterns presents a significant challenge, as many devices struggle to adapt effectively to the unique and often unpredictable movements of individual patients. This rigid approach can inadvertently impede natural joint movements and potentially lead to user discomfort and fatigue, undermining the therapeutic intent.

A groundbreaking development emerges from the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering at Georgia Tech, where Associate Professor Aaron Young and his research team have pioneered an AI-powered exoskeleton designed to assist lower limb mobility for stroke survivors. Their innovation addresses the limitations of conventional exoskeletons by introducing a system that prioritises user adaptability and intuitive control. The core of this advancement lies in its AI-driven control architecture which is capable of learning and adapting to the user’s specific gait patterns in real-time.

The team’s research, just published in IEEE Transactions on Robotics, focuses on developing a neural network that functions akin to the human brain… processing sensory inputs from the exoskeleton to precisely modulate assistance for each step.

This intelligent system learns a patient’s unique gait within a remarkable timeframe of just one to two minutes, significantly reducing the laborious manual tuning traditionally required by engineers. The AI continuously monitors and adjusts its support, ensuring the exoskeleton remains synchronised even as the patient’s stride shifts or improves. This results in a 70% reduction in errors compared to standard exoskeletons in tracking stroke patients’ walking patterns, marking a substantial leap in precision and responsiveness.

Beyond the immediate benefits observed in the lab, such as reducing the metabolic cost of walking and improving gait efficiency, this technology holds broader implications. The same adaptive approach could prove invaluable for older adults experiencing age-related muscle weakness, individuals with conditions like Parkinson’s or osteoarthritis, and children with neurological disabilities.

Furthermore, the team has addressed the challenge of data interoperability across different exoskeleton systems by developing software that functions as a universal adapter, allowing the AI to integrate with various devices with minimal calibration. This eliminates the need for extensive retraining when switching between exoskeletons, further streamlining the rehabilitation process.

Clinical trials are now underway to rigorously evaluate the exoskeleton’s performance across a wide range of daily activities.

In the high-stakes world of acute stroke care, where every second counts, the speed and efficacy of intervention are paramount to saving brain cells and minimising long-term disability. A revolutionary breakthrough from Stanford University’s Department of Mechanical Engineering and Neuroimaging, published in Nature in June 2025, promises dramatic possibilities. Researchers, including Renee Shao and Jeremy Heit, have unveiled a novel spinning micro-device, the ‘milli-spinner,’ designed to remove brain clots with unprecedented precision and effectiveness.

Current thrombectomy procedures for large vessel occlusion (LVO) strokes, while effective, still have significant limitations. These methods often involve either aspiration catheters that can struggle with larger clots or stent retrievers that grapple and pull the clot, risking fragmentation and dispersal of pieces into smaller, more difficult-to-reach vessels. This can lead to incomplete recanalisation and further brain damage.

The milli-spinner, by contrast, operates on a fundamentally different and more elegant principle. As a tiny, catheter-delivered tool, it utilises a combination of localised suction, compression, and shear forces generated by its rapid spinning action to gently and efficiently process the clot.

The device works by first applying localised suction to secure the clot against the tip of the catheter. The subsequent rapid rotation then creates shear forces that cause the fibrous protein mesh of the clot (fibrin) to roll into a tight, compact ball, shrinking its volume significantly—by up to 95% in preclinical tests.

This ‘fibrin-balling’ action effectively expels the trapped red blood cells, which can then safely continue flowing, leaving behind a manageable, dense clot that is easily removed via suction. This innovative mechanism drastically reduces the risk of fragmentation and subsequent distal embolisation, which are common and serious complications of existing methods.

The results from preclinical studies using flow models and animal subjects were nothing short of remarkable. In tests on tough, fibrin-rich clots that are notoriously difficult to treat with existing devices, the milli-spinner achieved a 90% first-pass success rate in restoring blood flow, a significant leap from the 11% success rate of conventional tools for these cases.

Overall, the device more than doubled the efficacy of current technology, suggesting a major paradigm shift in interventional neurosurgery. Jeremy Heit, Chief of Neuroimaging and Neurointervention at Stanford, called the milli-spinner ‘a sea-change technology,’ projecting that it could save tens of thousands of lives and substantially reduce disability if translated successfully to clinical practice.

The potential impact of this technology extends beyond just higher survival rates. The minimally invasive and highly precise nature of the milli-spinner suggests it could also lead to better functional outcomes and a reduced risk of long-term disability, a critical factor for stroke patients and their families. By achieving faster and more complete clot removal, the device maximises the salvageable brain tissue, a key determinant of post-stroke recovery.

While the device is still undergoing further development and requires clinical trials for human use, a company has already been launched to license the technology from Stanford and accelerate its path to market. The milli-spinner represents a brilliant fusion of engineering innovation and neurovascular medicine, offering renewed hope for a faster, safer and more effective future for stroke intervention.

The recent announcement that the Queen’s Medical Centre (QMC) in Nottingham has launched a 24/7 mechanical thrombectomy service marks a significant advancement in acute stroke care and represents a critical benchmark for the UK healthcare system.

Mechanical thrombectomy, a highly effective procedure for large vessel occlusion (LVO) ischemic strokes, has revolutionised treatment by physically removing the blood clot blocking blood flow to the brain, dramatically improving functional outcomes and reducing long-term disability. However, the efficacy of this time-sensitive procedure is directly tied to its availability, and the historic limitations of service hours in many UK hospitals have meant that stroke patients presenting ‘out-of-hours’ have not always been able to access this life-changing treatment.

Nottingham’s initiative directly addresses this inequity, ensuring that every severe stroke patient in their catchment area now has the same chance at a positive outcome, regardless of when their medical emergency occurs.

The establishment of a round-the-clock service requires considerable investment in specialist infrastructure, staffing, and coordinated care pathways. It mandates a robust multidisciplinary team, including interventional neurologists or radiologists, neuroanaesthetists and specialist nurses, available at all times.

By committing these resources, Nottingham’s QMC has demonstrated a profound understanding of the “time is brain” principle. For every minute of a large vessel occlusion, millions of neurons are lost, underscoring the urgency of reperfusion. Providing 24/7 access eliminates the critical delays that previously led to preventable disability and, in some cases, death. This move aligns with and advances the recommendations of national stroke guidelines, which consistently advocate for expanded access to thrombectomy services.

While Nottingham’s accomplishment is commendable, it also highlights a persistent disparity in access to advanced stroke care across the UK. For true health equity, this model of 24/7 mechanical thrombectomy provision must be replicated in all hospitals capable of treating stroke survivors. The postcode lottery of care, where a patient’s outcome is determined by geographical location and the time of their stroke, is medically and ethically indefensible.

For example, the shocking case of Graham McGowan highlights a critical failing within Scotland’s stroke services, demanding urgent intervention by the NHS and government. Doctors carried out a brain scan which revealed a blood clot and they advised he should be treated with a thrombectomy; a procedure to remove blood clots in a large artery. But, ARI’s closest specialist thrombectomy hub, in Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, only offers the procedure from Monday to Friday, leaving Graham, a fit and active 53-year-old, with severe and preventable disability simply because his stroke occurred outside of ‘office hours’.

Tackling this failure probably requires a multi-pronged approach: immediate investment to provide a genuine 24/7 national thrombectomy service with expanded hub hours. National bodies and hospital trusts across the UK should leverage the evidence from successful centres like QMC to develop actionable strategies for commissioning and implementing their own 24/7 services.

This would not only save more lives and reduce the national burden of long-term stroke-related disability but would also align the UK’s stroke care provision with the highest international standards. The commitment shown by Nottingham is a powerful example for others to follow, demonstrating that with strategic planning and investment, equitable access to best-practice stroke treatment is an achievable goal.

Artificial Intelligence may have many downsides, but that’s certainly not the case in stroke treatment: in England, it has tripled the proportion of stroke patients who fully recover. Nearly half of stroke patients now recover to the point of functional independence, up from 16 percent.

This AI tech, which aids in the rapid analysis of brain scans, has significantly accelerated the diagnosis and treatment pathway, demonstrating how digital innovation can profoundly impact clinical outcomes. The key to this success lies in expediting the time-critical decisions necessary to administer reperfusion therapies like thrombectomy or thrombolysis.

The picture above shows on the left of each screen what 90% of doctors see using CT scans, versus the right hand side screen which shows the new technology, which identifies the problem areas automatically using the ASPECTS score card method,

One of the pivotal studies cited by NHS England involved the Brainomix e-Stroke system. This AI software was used in pilot programs across five stroke networks and has now been deployed to all 107 stroke centres in England.

Analysis of its impact showed a dramatic reduction in the time from hospital arrival to treatment, from an average of 140 minutes down to just 79 minutes. This crucial time-saving, which is critical since a stroke patient can lose millions of brain cells every minute, led to a proportional increase in positive outcomes. The proportion of patients who recovered with little or no disability soared from 16% to 48%, a threefold improvement.

The AI’s ability to provide rapid, real-time interpretation of brain scans allows specialist stroke units to make faster, more confident decisions regarding the most appropriate treatment, ultimately providing more patients with a better chance of recovering their independence.

In practice, the AI software rapidly processes CT brain scans and produces detailed reports for clinicians. These reports, including perfusion maps that highlight areas of reduced blood flow, are instantly shared across the clinical team via a secure platform. This streamlined communication and immediate insight allow for swift and coordinated action, reducing the critical time between diagnosis and the start of treatment.

The technology’s success has not only been evidenced in official reports but also validated by patient testimonials, such as that of Mr. Shawn Theoff, a retired postman from Canterbury who experienced a rapid recovery from a stroke thanks to the use of AI-enhanced diagnosis and treatment at Kent and Canterbury Hospital. He was taken to the hospital after experiencing stroke symptoms, where AI-powered decision support tools helped doctors quickly diagnose his condition and administer medication, leading to a swift recovery that saw him walking again within a few weeks. 

In-hospital strokes represent a critical and often-overlooked challenge in patient safety, with delays in detection leading to devastating outcomes. The old adage ‘time is brain’ is never more relevant than when a patient, already under medical care, suffers a new neurological event that can be easily missed amidst the complexities of a hospital environment.

This is where innovative technology like the Neuralert wristband offers a compelling and potentially game-changing solution. Recently developed at the University of Pennsylvania Health System, this wearable device continuously monitors for subtle, asymmetric arm movements (a key indicator of stroke) and automatically alerts medical staff within minutes. Unlike manual checks, which can be infrequent and prone to human error, this 24/7 automated surveillance dramatically cuts the time to diagnosis, leading to faster treatment initiation, improved patient outcomes, and reduced healthcare costs.

While the potential of Neuralert is clear, the NHS hasn’t adopted such pioneering technology. The NHS is already integrating AI for stroke detection, primarily through AI-powered software that analyses brain scans to speed up treatment decisions. These systems have, so far, proven effective in accelerating the stroke pathway from scan to treatment, but they are most impactful after a stroke has been clinically suspected and a scan requested.

Neuralert, however, addresses the crucial step before this, offering a proactive, continuous monitoring solution to bridge the gap in surveillance for high-risk, non-ambulatory patients who are difficult to monitor manually.

Despite the clear clinical and economic rationale, Neuralert hasn’t been formally planned for incorporation into NHS stroke wards, probably because the NHS adoption pathway for new medical technology is robust but slow, requiring extensive trials, regulatory approvals, and evidence of cost-effectiveness.

Therefore, while Neuralert’s utility is undeniable, its journey from a breakthrough concept to a standard feature of UK NHS stroke care will depend on successful clinical trials within the NHS, robust cost-effectiveness data, and a clear pathway for national implementation.