Functional connectivity changes in the language network during stroke recovery.

Objective: Several neuroimaging studies have examined language reorganization in stroke patients with aphasia. However, few studies have examined language reorganization in stroke patients without aphasia. Here, we investigated functional connectivity (FC) changes after stroke in the language network using resting-state fMRI and performance on a verbal fluency (VF) task in patients without clinically documented language deficits.

Potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of stroke.

Stroke is common, with a high rate of disability and death, and current therapies are both highly time sensitive and carry some risk, making rapid diagnosis important. Many cases of stroke are difficult to diagnose clinically during the acute phase, and there are limitations to the ability of diagnostic imaging to help with the necessary speed. A reliable and valid biomarker would be invaluable for this common clinical situation, as it has been with myocardial infarction.

The interface between stroke and infectious disease: infectious diseases leading to stroke and infections complicating stroke.

It is well established that several infectious diseases can directly lead to ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke during their course. It appears possible that common viral and bacterial infections can increase the susceptibility to stroke by promoting atherosclerosis, inflammation, and local thrombosis. Stroke commonly leads to disruption of protective mechanisms against infection and induces a cascade of anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive reactions, which greatly increases the risk of infection.

The promise and potential pitfalls of serum biomarkers for ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack.

Background: Ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack can be difficult to diagnose clinically, and both acute and preventive therapies carry some risk. Serum biomarkers could increase diagnostic certainty by helping to distinguish cerebral ischemia from common mimics such as focal seizure, complicated migraine, and psychogenic spells. Biomarkers could also identify patients at high risk for future vascular events, which would aid in management decisions.

Reliability of site-independent telemedicine when assessed by telemedicine-naive stroke practitioners.

Introduction: Telemedicine is used to assess patients with stroke remotely. The extent of training necessary to use these systems is unknown. A site-independent telemedicine system (used in the STRokE DOC trial) is reliable when used by telemedicine-trained investigators.

Neuroprotection in cerebral ischemia: emphasis on the SAINT trial.

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a significant cause of death and disability in the United States. It has been 10 years since tissue plasminogen activator became the first medication approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for treatment for AIS. However, this treatment simply reopens arteries.

Cervicocerebral arterial dissection.

Dissection of the cervicocerebral arteries is an infrequent occurrence but is a leading cause of stroke in young and otherwise healthy patients. A brief review of the history, pathogenesis, and management is presented. The proper management for stroke prevention in dissection is unclear as there have been no randomized, controlled trials performed; small trials are under way.