Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 30, 2026

04:46
A Modified Transcranial Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion Model to Study Stroke Outcomes in Aged Mice
Published on: May 5, 2023
The 2008 William M. Feinberg lecture: prioritizing stroke research
1Department of Neurology, Neurovascular Service, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-0114, USA. clay.johnston@ucsfmedctr.org
Stroke
|September 27, 2008
Summary
Stroke research significantly benefits global health, with clinical trials demonstrating a strong return on investment. Further improvements in stroke research are possible to maximize impact.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Public Health
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Stroke represents a significant global health burden, disproportionately affecting both developed and developing nations.
- Current research funding for stroke does not align with the disease's substantial impact, especially considering projected increases in stroke incidence.
- The value of research investment is ultimately measured by its ability to reduce disease burden, with clinical trials serving as a direct indicator of health impact.
Discussion:
- A review of stroke trials funded by the US National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) revealed a profoundly positive overall impact.
- The outcomes of these trials strongly justified the entirety of the NINDS research budget, underscoring the efficacy of stroke research investment.
- Despite the positive findings, the review identified clear areas where stroke research methodologies and trial designs could be enhanced for greater efficiency and impact.
Key Insights:
- Stroke clinical trials funded by NINDS have demonstrated a substantial positive impact on health outcomes.
- The investment in stroke research, particularly through clinical trials, yields a significant return, justifying substantial budgetary allocations.
- Opportunities exist to optimize stroke research strategies to further amplify the positive effects on public health.
Outlook:
- Continued investment in stroke research is crucial to mitigate the growing global burden of the disease.
- Further meta-research into optimizing clinical trial design and funding allocation can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of stroke research.
- Implementing identified improvements in stroke research is expected to lead to more significant reductions in stroke-related morbidity and mortality worldwide.
Related Concept Videos
Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction
Ischemic stroke is an acute cerebrovascular condition in which blood flow to a brain region is suddenly interrupted, leading to tissue infarction. Neurons depend on continuous oxygen and glucose supply, so even brief reductions in perfusion cause energy failure, ionic imbalance, and irreversible injury. Ischemic strokes are classified into thrombotic and embolic types based on their underlying mechanisms.Thrombotic MechanismsThrombotic stroke develops when a clot forms within a cerebral artery.
Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction
A hemorrhagic stroke is an acute neurological event that occurs when a weakened cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to accumulate within or around the brain. The sudden release of blood forms a focal hematoma that increases intracranial pressure, displaces neural tissue, and can obstruct cerebrospinal fluid pathways. These effects may be compounded by intraventricular extension of the hemorrhage, cerebral edema, or compression of adjacent structures, all of which contribute to...
Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
A hemorrhagic stroke develops when a cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to escape into the surrounding brain tissue, as in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), or into the subarachnoid space, as in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Because the skull is a rigid compartment, the sudden presence of extravascular blood rapidly increases intracranial pressure and compresses adjacent neural structures, leading to immediate tissue injury and impaired cerebral perfusion.Mass Effect and Primary...
Regulation of Stroke Volume
The regulation of stroke volume, which is the amount of blood the heart pumps out during each heartbeat, is critical for maintaining a healthy circulatory system. Stroke volume is influenced by three main factors: preload, contractility, and afterload.
Preload refers to the degree of stretch on the heart before it contracts. It's analogous to the stretching of a rubber band; the more it's stretched, the more forcefully it snaps back. This concept is encapsulated in the Frank-Starling law of the...
Preload refers to the degree of stretch on the heart before it contracts. It's analogous to the stretching of a rubber band; the more it's stretched, the more forcefully it snaps back. This concept is encapsulated in the Frank-Starling law of the...
Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
An ischemic stroke occurs when a cerebral blood vessel becomes obstructed, most often by a thrombus or embolus, interrupting the delivery of oxygen and glucose to brain tissue. Because neurons rely on continuous aerobic metabolism, energy failure begins within minutes of reduced perfusion. The region receiving the least blood flow becomes the infarct core, an area of irreversible cellular death. Surrounding this core lies the penumbra, a zone of hypoperfused but still viable tissue that is...
Stroke: Introduction and Types
A stroke is an acute neurological event caused by the sudden disruption of cerebral blood flow, leading to rapid loss of neuronal function. Neurons depend on continuous oxygen and glucose supply, so even brief interruptions can cause irreversible injury within minutes. Strokes are classified into ischemic and hemorrhagic types.Ischemic StrokeIschemic strokes are most common and occur due to arterial occlusion, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. This leads to energy failure, ionic...

