Ischemic stroke happens when a blood clot blocks flow to part of the brain. Immediate treatment with clot-busting drugs or mechanical clot removal can prevent lasting damage, but many people are left with weakness, speech problems, or other disabilities. Research now focuses on extending the treatment window, protecting brain tissue, and helping the brain repair itself after injury.
What's actually going on in research
Trials are testing neuroprotective drugs that may keep brain cells alive longer after a stroke, stem cell therapies to promote recovery, brain stimulation paired with physical therapy, and drugs that encourage the brain to rewire itself. Researchers are also studying ways to prevent recurrent strokes with newer anticoagulants and treatments targeting specific stroke causes like atrial fibrillation.
Neuroprotection
Drugs that protect brain cells from dying in the hours after stroke are being tested in large trials. The goal is to extend the window for treatment beyond the current 24 hours and reduce disability.
Recovery and rehabilitation
Researchers are testing stem cells, brain stimulation devices, and medications that may help the brain form new connections after stroke. Some trials combine these approaches with intensive physical or speech therapy.
Stroke prevention
Trials are testing newer anticoagulants and devices to close a heart opening called a patent foramen ovale in younger stroke survivors. Others study intensive blood pressure control and management of silent brain infarcts.
What to know before you search
Eligibility typically depends on time since stroke, type and severity of symptoms, presence of other medical conditions like atrial fibrillation, and ability to participate in testing or therapy.
What types of trials are currently open
- Acute treatment trials — Testing drugs or devices used in the first hours after stroke to restore blood flow or protect brain tissue. Many require enrollment while still in the hospital.
- Recovery trials — Testing therapies weeks or months after stroke to improve movement, speech, or cognition. May involve stem cells, brain stimulation, or rehabilitation approaches.
- Prevention trials — Testing medications or procedures to prevent a second stroke in people who've already had one. Often involve blood thinners or management of heart rhythm problems.
- Rehabilitation studies — Comparing different physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy approaches to find what works best.
Recently added Ischemic Stroke trials
Sevoflurane vs. Propofol for General Anesthesia in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke Treated With Endovascular Therapy
Acute ischemic stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks blood flow to part of the brain. Patients with this condition may require endovascular therapy, a procedure used to remove the clot and restore blood flow. General anesthesia is sometimes needed during this procedure. The SAVE trial compares two medicines used for general anesthesia in patients with acute ischemic stroke undergoing endovascular therapy: sevoflurane and propofol. The aim of the study is to determine whether the choice of anesthetic medicine affects the final volume of brain tissue damaged by the stroke. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either sevoflurane or propofol during general anesthesia. The final volume of the brain infarction will be assessed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) approximately 72 hours after treatment. Participants will also be followed for up to 90 days to assess their clinical outcomes. The study plans to include 314 participants across seven hospitals in Spain. The results may help improve understanding of how the choice of anesthetic medicine affects outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with endovascular therapy.
Effects of Mirror Therapy and Motor Imagery on Upper Limb Motor Functions in Middle Cerebral Artery Stroke
This study will compare mirror therapy (MT) with motor imagery (MI), each added to routine Bobath-based physical therapy, to assess upper limb motor function and functional independence in patients with subacute middle cerebral artery (MCA) stroke. Upper limb dysfunction is a common and disabling consequence of MCA stroke, affecting reaching, grasping, manipulation and daily activities. Although MT and MI have each shown benefit, it is unclear which adjunct gives greater and longer-lasting improvement. A total of 36 adults aged 45-60 years will be randomly allocated 1:1 into an MT group or an MI group. Both groups will receive 3 supervised sessions per week for 6 weeks, followed by a 6-week home exercise program. Outcomes (Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremity, Action Research Arm Test, Box and Block Test, Modified Barthel Index) will be assessed at baseline, post-intervention (Week 6) and follow-up (Week 12). The study aims to determine which intervention gives superior improvement in upper limb recovery.
Find Ischemic Stroke trials matched specifically to you
Answer 3 quick questions and we'll show you trials that fit your situation.