Study finds link between a stroke-causing brain disease, gut bacteria

Researchers are reporting that bacteria in the gut may contribute to the formation of cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs), clusters of dilated, thin-walled blood vessels in the brain that can cause stroke and seizures.  The researchers suggest that altering the gut bacteria in people with CCMs may provide a promising treatment for this brain disease. Their study, which appeared in Nature, was partly funded by NHLBI.