A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted.
It is life threatening and can also lead to lasting brain damage, causing symptoms like speech disorders.
"Diaschisis, a change in function in a portion of the brain other than the damaged area, can slow stroke recovery and worsen after-effects."
For the first time ever, Korean researchers have discovered what causes the after-effects of strokes.
When strokes occur, star-shaped neurons are activated away from the affected area.
The researchers found that the neurons release an excessive amount of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, which combines with surrounding nerve cells and destroys brain cell function.
They also demonstrated that blocking GABA synthesis in rats for two weeks restored their motor and sensory functions.
"They couldn't recover with rehabilitation alone, but with both exercise and treatment, they recovered by nearly 80 percent."
The researchers believe their findings can be used to help treat other brain disorders.
They plan to begin full-scale clinical trials early next year.
Park Se-young, Arirang News.