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Updated: Jul 8, 2026
09:41
Injection of Hydrogel Biomaterial Scaffolds to The Brain After Stroke
Published on: October 1, 2020
Neuroplasticity and brain repair after stroke
Steven C Cramer1, Jeff D Riley
1Department of Neurology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92868-4280, USA. scramer@uci.edu
Current Opinion in Neurology
|January 9, 2008
Summary
Recent insights into neurobiology and emerging therapies offer promise for post-stroke brain repair. Optimizing clinical trials is key to translating these restorative therapies into improved patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Regenerative Medicine
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Stroke recovery involves complex molecular, vascular, glial, and neuronal events.
- Spontaneous behavioral recovery occurs in the weeks following a stroke.
- Environmental factors significantly influence recovery post-stroke.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review neurobiology of repair after stroke in animal and human models.
- To examine emerging therapies for post-stroke repair and recovery.
- To discuss optimizing clinical trials for restorative stroke therapies.
Main Methods:
- Review of animal and human studies on stroke neurobiology.
- Analysis of emerging restorative therapies including pharmacological, cell-based, and physical interventions.
- Examination of strategies for optimizing clinical trial design.
Main Results:
- Animal studies elucidate key events in spontaneous stroke recovery.
- A broad spectrum of interventions, including small molecules, growth factors, cell therapies, stimulation, robotics, and physiotherapy, are under investigation.
- Functional neuroimaging may play a role in optimizing therapy prescription.
Conclusions:
- Multiple therapies demonstrate potential for enhancing brain repair after stroke.
- Continued research into stroke neurobiology aids in designing effective clinical trials.
- Translating restorative therapies requires robust trial design and implementation.
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