Test predicts prognosis for stroke victims
BY MARK WAGHORN A SIMPLE test that takes fewer than 10 minutes can help predict how well stroke victims will recover.
The test, given within a week of the attack, measures memory, language and concentration.
Study author Dr Martin Dichgans, of LudwigMaximilians University in Germany, said: “This test can help predict whether people will have impaired thinking skills – problems that keep them from performing daily tasks such as bathing and dressing – and even whether they will be more likely to die.”
He added: “The test should be used to screen people with stroke and to counsel them and their families about long-term prognosis – and also to identify those who would most benefit from interventions that could improve their outcomes.” A SCOT trapped in Spain on “ludicrous” drug charges claims a pet dog has more rights that he does.
Robbie Miller, who has been awaiting trial for a year, can’t leave the country because his passport has been seized.
However, Bobby – a dog he looks after – has just been granted a pet passport.
Robbie said: “Bobby is free to get on a plane and come and go from Spain. When you weigh it BY MARK McGIVERN Chief Reporter all up, there’s no denying that a dog has more rights than I do in Spain.”
Last October, Robbie, 26, from Hamilton, was arrested four days after moving into a rented room at La Linea de la Concepcion, near Gibraltar.
Police found six large cannabis plants weighing 7kg in the garden and blamed him – even though such a crop would have taken at least four months to grow.
Since then, Robbie has been stuck in Malaga with no ID card, no passport and no legal way of working in Spain, meaning he is skint and living on handouts.
Last week, he got a letter confirming his passport would not be returned before his case comes to court.
In the meantime, Robbie has been looking after Bobby, a mongrel, for his friend Jodie. He said: “Given I have plenty time on my hands, I’m always happy to look after Bobby when Jodie is at work, so we are pretty close.
“He’s been like a best friend and he’s brightened my time here, which has been pretty desperate on occasion as the months have dragged by.
“Jodie has a trip planned and applied for Bobby’s pet passport, which duly popped through the post.
“We have had a bit of a laugh about it and I’ve toyed with the idea of trying to pass myself off as Bobby. But beyond the similar name, there’s not much resemblance.”
Robbie flew to Spain last year in the hope of getting a job as a computer programmer.
He was arrested after moving into a room rented out by a British biker who calls himself Simon of St Peter Pendragon. Simon has promised to vouch for Robbie’s innocence.