Coffee cocktail for strokes

A mix of coffee and alcohol that could prevent life-threatening brain damage caused by strokes has passed its first patient test, it was revealed today.

Researchers at the University of Texas carried out a pilot trial that showed the experimental treatment is safe. This success paves the way for larger patient trials.

Previous work has demonstrated that "caffeinol" - a combination of caffeine and ethanol - can reduce the amount of brain damage that occurs after a stroke.

A study in rats showed that damage was reduced by 80 per cent.