Original version

BBC Radio 4 FM

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

BBC Radio 4

Radio 4

Radio 4 (FM)

File on 4

Documentaries

Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media

Factual: Politics

Award-winning current affairs documentary series

Award-winning current affairs documentary series investigating major issues at home and abroad

BBC Radio 4 LW

File on 4: Treating Stroke: The Doctors' Dilemma

Factual

file-on-4_160615_e_rachel-parker.jpg

16/06/2015

Treating Stroke: The Doctors' Dilemma

BBC Radio 4 - File on 4, Treating Stroke: The Doctors' Dilemma

Does a leading stroke drug cause more harm than good?

Does a leading stroke treatment cause more harm than good? BBC health correspondent Adam Brimelow examines the research behind the use of clot-busting drug Alteplase.

Later this month the medicines regulator, the MHRA, is due to complete its review into the clot-busting drug Alteplase, the frontline treatment used in many cases of stroke. A number of experts in the UK, US and Canada have raised serious doubts about the drug's safety and effectiveness. They are concerned about potentially fatal harm to patients through an increased risk of bleeding in the brain and they question the credibility of scientific research on which Alteplase was licensed. Supporters and regulators say any risks are outweighed by the benefits of improved recovery. BBC Health Correspondent Adam Brimelow assesses the evidence and the dilemma posed for doctors and their patients. 
Producer: Sally Chesworth.

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

File on 4

Treating Stroke: The Doctors' Dilemma

Genres

Formats

Brand

BBC Radio 4 FM

About BBC Radio 4