Active clinical trials for "Stroke"

Stroke is a leading cause of physical and cognitive disabilities. The most common type of stroke is ischemic (lack of blood flow to the brain due to clot blocking a blood vessel). Many people with stroke (PwS) have changes on the brain imaging called small vessel disease (SVD). This is a condition that affects tiny blood vessels supplying the brain, leading to decreased blood flow in some parts of the brain. These brain changes may hamper the recovery process after stroke, or lead to recurrent stroke and cognitive impairment. SVD is a slow process that can be seen as multiple black spots on computed tomography or white spots on magnetic resonance imaging. Current treatments to reduce the effect of SVD on PwS are to control high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high cholesterol and increase physical activity. However, these approaches do not lead to a reduction in SVD. Remote Ischemic Conditioning is a type of treatment delivered with help of a regular blood pressure machine. This does not involve any drug. A typical treatment involves the application of a blood pressure cuff followed by brief sessions of compressions and relaxation on the arm muscles much akin to blood pressure measurement but for 5 min. It leads to a transient safe state of less blood flow in arm muscles which initiates the release of molecules and signals transmitted by blood. These signals may then go on to improve blood flow in the brain. Recent animal and human studies have suggested that the use of RIC may reduce the SVD load. A new device will be used to deliver remote ischemic conditioning therapy in a better manner. Existing devices generate the same amount of compression for all people. The pressure applied by the machine in the arm may be either more than required or less than required. The ideal compression would be one that achieves a low blood flow state in the arm at the least possible pressure. To achieve this our group is using a small light sensor to inform us. The light sensor is closely applied to the skin over the arm below the blood pressure cuff. It emits light that is absorbed by the skin and the light is then reflected. This is detected by other sensors placed together. From the reflected light the sensor can obtain information about blood flow in the skin. When the pressure increases with help of an automated machine the light sensor can detect that blood flow are reduced and this information is displayed on the computer. The information about skin blood flow will inform about the level of pressure to apply to give accurate treatment. The new device with optical feedback will deliver RIC in PwS and SVD in a safe and reliable manner. A total of 51 patients will take part in this study. Thirty-four will get remote ischemic conditioning therapy and 17 patients will get sham-control therapy. All patients will get standard post-stroke treatment according to the Canadian Stroke Best Practices Recommendation.

The objective of this study is to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of the Penumbra System including Thunderbolt Aspiration Tubing (Thunderbolt) in a population presenting with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) secondary to intracranial large vessel occlusion (LVO) who are eligible for mechanical thrombectomy.

The purpose of the study is to find out the comparison of motor relearning and neurodevelopmental therapy on motor performance and quality of life in stroke patients.As motor relearning program and neurodevelopmental therapy have different effects on lower limb motor functions and quality of life. Therefore, there is need to find out the best treatment approach either MRP, neurodevelopmental therapy or both to improve motor function of lower limb and quality of life as it will help the patient to gain functional independency. This study will provide the health professionals the evidence to use these techniques according to patient interest in the clinical setup.

In stroke; gait deviation occurs usually due to weakness in the tibialis anterior and over activation/spasticity of planter flexors. The lack of ability to dorsiflex properly contributes to foot drop that leads to the issue in proper foot clearance. This results in decreased walking speed, decreased stance and asymmetrical step length. If these issues will be addressed through application of kinesio tape and functional activation pattern throughout the gait cycle; this may improve lower limb kinematics in terms of gait parameters and dynamic balance. Therefore, current study gives us insight to gain the combined effects of KT and functional activation patterns in chronic stroke patients.

Stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP) is a grave complication of stroke and one of the most important predictors for patients' poor outcomes. Stroke associated pneumoniaSAP and other infections limited the overall efficacy of stroke management. Increasing evidence suggests that sympathetic nervous system activity contributes to post post-stroke immunosuppression and emergence of infections. This study is designed to test the safety and efficacy of an adrenergic β receptor blocker propranolol in reducing SAP in hemorrhagic stroke patients, in a multi-center, randomized, open-labeled, end point-blinded, trial.

This proposed research is in line with the National Health Research Institutes (NHRI) Innovative Research Grant priority to address innovative treatment strategies for neurological disorders that are in desperate need of scientific scrutiny. Stroke is one of the major medical conditions that leads to long-term disability and causes a heavy health care and financial burden. To meet multiple needs of patients with stroke, hybrid interventions that combine different approaches and practices in different settings are needed based on the complexity of stroke. Our previous research funded by the NHRI has been published and translated to stroke rehabilitation. Extending our previous research, the investigators will study the benefits of novel rehabilitation regimens of mirror therapy preceding augmented reality as well as the effects of practice setting (i.e., clinic- vs. home-based settings). In line with the current trend for the development of mirror therapy, mirror therapy will be implemented based on the bilateral and unilateral approach. Augmented reality will be implemented as a means of exergaming with real-time feedback to motivate the patients with stroke for active participation. In addition, telehealth techniques will be used to monitor home practice. This research is innovative in the use of telehealth techniques that will meet the call for therapy outside of the clinical settings in the era of COVID-19 pandemic.

This study aims to exam the effectiveness of vibration training on muscle strength of lower limbs, functional recovery, and mood state among patients with acute stroke.

A phase III, randomized, multi-center clinical trial that will examine whether treatment with intravenous TNK is superior to placebo in patients who suffer a non-large vessel occlusion ischemic stroke within 4.5-12 hours from time last seen well. The randomization employs a 1:1 ratio of intravenous thrombolysis with Tenecteplase (TNK) versus placebo in patients who suffer a non-large vessel occlusion ischemic stroke between 4.5 and 12 hours from time last seen well (TLSW) and with a clinical-radiological mismatch or evidence of salvageable brain tissue on perfusion imaging.

Determine the effects of sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) block in post-stroke headache.

The current guideline recommends to give antithrombotic treatment 24 hours after intravenous thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke. However, early neurological deterioration will occur in some patients due to no antithrombotic treatment, which is closely associated with poor outcome. The current trial aims to investigate the effectiveness and safety of early antithrombotic treatment after intravenous thrombolysis in minor stroke.