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NIH StrokeNet was designed and funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke/National Institute of Health, and is comprised of the nation’s top stroke centers. These centers are working together to conduct research in stroke intervention, prevention and recovery.

To locate the NIH StrokeNet  Regional Coordinating Center click here or contact the National Coordinating Centers toll free number 855-472-0072.

Without study participants, the research could not happen. If you are at risk for a stroke and are interested in what research studies are available for rapid stroke treatment (acute intervention), or if you want information on stroke prevention research studies, or if you have recently suffered a stroke and want information on recovery/rehabilitation visit the NIH StrokeNet website Clinical Trials Page.

WHAT IS A STROKE?

A stroke or “brain attack” as it is often referred to, occurs when blood flow is interrupted from reaching the brain or a blood vessel ruptures causing blood to leak into the space around the brain. Stroke is the nation’s fifth leading cause of death and a leading cause of serious disability. Stroke is an extreme emergency and you should call 911 immediately if you suspect someone is having a stroke. More people are surviving stroke each year due to healthcare professionals, researchers, and the others committed to fighting this disease.

The most common type of a stroke is an Ischemic Stroke, which accounts for about 85% of strokes. This type of a stroke occurs when an artery is deprived of oxygen by a blockage, such as a blood clot. Without oxygen brain cells die within minutes.

Another type of stroke is a Hemorrhagic Stroke which accounts for the remaining 15% of strokes. This can happen when an artery bursts and or leaks blood into and around the brain causing damage to the brain cells. An example of a hemorrhagic stroke is a brain aneurysm.

Something similar to a stroke is a Transient Ischemic Attack, often referred to as a TIA or mini stroke. This happens when blood flow to the brain is stopped for only a short period. A TIA is not a full blown stroke but could be a sign that you are at risk for a stroke.

DO YOU KNOW THE SIGNS OF A STROKE?

There are various symptoms of a stroke. Some of the obvious are:

  • Numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
  • Confusion or trouble speaking. such as disoriented speech or the inability to speak or understand speech
  • Sudden severe headache
  • The inability to raise an arm and hold it up, or paralysis of a limb.
  • Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
  • Sudden trouble walking, dizziness or loss of balance

fastIf you think you or someone is having a stroke you should act FAST and call 911 immediately. Time is of the utmost importance as it could prevent lasting brain damage, disability and even death. FAST Poster.

If you suffer a stroke, you/your family may be approached about enrolling in an acute research study. You would be assessed to see if you qualify for any studies available at the time. The enrollment would include an informed consent process where you/your family would be given all the details of the study and asked to sign an informed consent form.

WHAT CAN YOU DO FOR STROKE PREVENTION?

Knowing the risk factors for a stroke is key priority. These risk factors increase your chances of having a stroke:

  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Smoking

If you have diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and or high cholesterol, see your doctor. He can help you get these under control. If you smoke – QUIT

For further information on NIH StrokeNet research studies available for stroke prevention visit our website.

STROKE RECOVERY:

Thousands of people suffer a stroke each year and approximately two-thirds survive and require rehabilitation. Rehabilitation helps stroke survivors relearn skills that can be lost due to the brain damage that can happen after having a stroke. Rehabilitation is the key to recovery after a stroke and help to achieve the best possible long term outcome.

Disabilities resulting from a stroke can vary depending on which area of the brain is damaged and how much damage was done. Stroke can cause various types of damage, such as, paralysis, which is the most common, problems with speaking, thinking, memory and emotional disturbances are possible. These damages among others can be minimized and possibly eliminated by getting help FAST when experiencing a stroke. It is important to begin therapy immediately after a stroke.

For further information on NIH StrokeNet research studies available for Recovery/Rehabilitation visit our website.

To find additional information concerning stroke and other on-going trials visit www.ClinicalTrials.gov. ClinicalTrials.gov is a registry and results database of publicly and privately supported clinical studies of human participants conducted around the world.

For more information on stroke visit the websites below:
www.strokeassociation.org/STROKEORG/
www.stroke.org
www.bafound.org

Additional links forinformation about research:
www.nih.gov/health/clinicaltrials/index.htm
www.stroke.org
https://www.researchmatch.org/