Investigating brain activation and its effects on stroke recovery

Clinical Stimulation and Spreading Depolarization

NIH-funded research University of Virginia · NIH-11158363

This study is looking at how certain treatments for severe strokes might affect brain activity and whether they could accidentally cause more harm, with the hope of finding better ways to care for stroke patients in the hospital.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Virginia NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Charlottesville, United States)
Project IDNIH-11158363 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how clinical interventions, such as stimulation and physiologic changes, impact patients with severe strokes. It aims to determine if these interventions might inadvertently trigger harmful brain events known as spreading depolarization, which can worsen patient outcomes. By using advanced monitoring techniques, including electrocorticography and tissue oxygen probes, the study will assess brain activity in patients undergoing treatment for large hemispheric strokes. The goal is to improve the management of stroke patients in intensive care settings.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with large hemispheric strokes who require decompressive hemicraniectomy and are being treated in intensive care units.

Not a fit: Patients with minor strokes or those not requiring intensive care interventions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer treatment protocols for stroke patients, minimizing the risk of further brain damage during recovery.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is based on preliminary data and prior studies, it aims to rigorously assess a novel aspect of stroke management that has not been extensively tested in human subjects.

Where this research is happening

Charlottesville, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.