Active clinical trials for "Stroke"

The purpose of this study is to investigate the physiology associated with plasticity of the motor system. Plasticity refers to the process by which neighboring brain cells assume the responsibilities of damaged or diseased brain cells. The mechanisms behind this process are unknown. However, researchers have several theories about how plastic changes take place. Possible explanations include the growth of new connections between brain cells and the use of previously unused connections. Researchers plan to use transcranial magnetic stimulation and drug intervention in order to determine the mechanisms responsible for specific types of plasticity. Previous studies have shown that certain drugs can affect the mechanisms involved in these changes. By using one drug at a time, researchers plan to evaluate the role of each of several different mechanisms in brain reorganization.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the prevalence of characteristics of pain in a cohort of patients with prior stroke suspected of having central post stroke pain, identified through a postal questionnaire.

Current literature has only limited information on the natural history of acute ischemic stroke from large vessel occlusion in a stroke cohort who presents within 8 hours from symptom onset, particularly on 90 day functional outcome as defined by the mRS. Data from this trial will advance our knowledge on this important topic and may serve as a bench mark for future trials

Background:Accelerometry has only recently been introduced in clinical stroke research. However, whether accelerometry is a valid and reliable tool in stroke needs to be established. From literature becomes clear that existing accelerometers show shortages at patients with stroke because of the specific deficits that these patients have. Purpose: The aim of this study is to investigate the validity and test-retest reliability of the SenseWear Pro armband as an objective measurement of physical activity in chronic stroke patients. Patients and Methods Subjects: Fifteen patients and fifteen healthy subjects will be included in the study following written informed consent. The following demographic and clinical data were recorded: age, gender, height, length, medication use, self-reported handedness, Edinburgh Handedness Inventory, Rivermead Gross Function, Functional Ambulation Categories, medical and surgical history. Methods: During one test session the subjects had to carry out an amount of activities according to a standardised protocol existing of lying down, sitting, standing, walking, step exercise and cycling. These activities are presenting activities of daily living. Measures:Subjects wear on both arms a SenseWear Pro Armband. De data from these measuring devices will be compared with the data retrieved from 2 Yamax pedometers and the ergospirometry device. The outcome measures are: counts, heartbeat, oxygen used, energy expenditure, METabolic equivalent, time lying down.

Facing the lack of recommandations of Neurology and cardiology societies, the investigators decided in 2002 some Good Medical Practices to define a specific and precise population for whom the closure of permeable oval formaen after a first CVA seem to be necessary. Current survey of these patients after implantation of a prothesis in interauricular septum is defined by a consultation at 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery for a clinical exam and an echocardiography. One year after implantation, the investigators systematically realized a control by MRI associated to a contrast echography. In the aim of evaluating the investigators' medical practice, the investigators decided to do an observational study which will permit us to judge of the interest or lack of interest of our "Good medical practice" before the publication of prospective and randomised clinical studies.

In a previous suty, we have demonstrated that prior transient ischemic attack, treatment lipid-lowering drug or physical activity are associated to a better outcome of stroke. The aim of the study is to understand the mechanisms of this preventive neuroprotection by establishing link between biomarkers and preventive and neuroprotective measures.To answer to the question, we conduct a cohort study of stroke patients.

Of the ~700,000 persons who suffer a stroke each year, only 50% recover the ability to perform unlimited community walking. One mechanism contributing to locomotor dysfunction post-stroke is an increased metabolic cost of walking relative to neurologically healthy individuals 2-4. This increased cost likely limits the amount of walking performed, which further reduces functional capacity, thus contributing to long-term spiral of disability and decreased quality of life in these persons. In addition to increased metabolic cost, increased estimates of mechanical work are also characteristic of hemiparetic walking 2,29. Interestingly, although estimates of mechanical work reflect work done by locomotor muscles, little is known about the impact that peripheral muscle properties have on estimates of mechanical work. Furthermore, questions concerning how these properties relate to the increased metabolic cost of walking remain unanswered. The short-term objective and purpose of the proposed research is to determine the extent to which peripheral muscle characteristics, as well as estimates of muscle mechanical energy expenditure (MMEE), relate to the metabolic cost of walking post-stroke.

Using a proprietary insurance health claims database, Eli Lilly and Company has contracted with an external party to conduct a retrospective cohort study of health claims for the time period from 1 January 2003 through 31 December 2006 (with follow-up of patients through 30 June 2007). This study will evaluate the potential association between atomoxetine and cerebrovascular events. In this study, the incidence of selected cerebrovascular outcomes as represented in health claims data among adult patients who initiate therapy with atomoxetine will be estimated. In particular the study will focus on cerebrovascular accident (CVA) and transient ischemic attack (TIA) as the outcomes of interest. The incidence for each outcome among atomoxetine initiators will then be compared to the incidence in a cohort of similar patients who initiate stimulant treatment and an age and gender-matched general population cohort. The atomoxetine and stimulant-initiating cohorts will be matched on a broad variety of variables, including age, gender, diagnoses, medication use, and healthcare utilization through the use of propensity score matching in order to minimize the influence of confounding by indication. The analysis will include the cohorts (atomoxetine and stimulant initiators) from a previous completed study with increased follow-up time (1 January 2003 through 30 June 2007) and accrue new atomoxetine and stimulant ADHD medication initiators over a 2 year period, so that the study will represent initiators between January 1, 2003 and December 31, 2006 with follow-up through June 30, 2007.

Personality type as a predictor to develop depression and reduction in quality of life among stroke survivals.

In order to observe the influence of the Dengzhan Shengmai Capsule on the endpoint of patients with ischemic stroke, we hold the multi-centered prospective cohort study. From November 2007 to December 2009, 12000 subjects are included in 200 clinical research centers all over China. The subjects naturally formed two cohorts based on taking Dengzhan Shengmai capsule or not. The basic therapy included antiplatelet aggregation , stroke health education, management of blood pressure, blood lipid and blood glucose, etc. Then all of the subjects are visited on the 360th day after inclusion. The recurrence of stroke, cardiovascular events, and peripheral arterial events are observed.