Post-stroke seizure mechanisms and treatments in a mouse model
Official title: Mechanism and Treatments in Experimental Post-Stroke Seizures
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-11381678 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are testing new ways to prevent seizures after a stroke using a mouse model and two potential treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $444,125 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NS145066-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11381678 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults who have experienced a stroke and are at risk for post-stroke seizures, or those with a history of post-stroke seizures, may benefit from related future trials.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without a history of stroke or seizures, or those unable to participate in animal-model-based research, are unlikely to benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses a novel mouse model to study why seizures occur after a stroke and to test two treatment strategies. The first aim looks at whether a thrombin-inhibitor called argathroban and the anti-seizure drug levetiracetam can reduce early post-stroke seizures and brain injury. The second aim uses advanced genomic methods to identify brain cell signals that might drive later seizures, aiming to find targets for preventing later epilepsy. The study also asks whether continuing levetiracetam after the stroke can stop the progression from early seizures to longer-term epilepsy. Findings could reveal new mechanisms and point to preventive treatments for people who have had a stroke.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies to prevent seizures and epilepsy after stroke, improving recovery and long-term outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work in stroke and seizure research suggests that post-stroke mechanisms and anti-seizure strategies can impact outcomes, but this exact combination in a novel mouse model is exploratory.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kuan, Chia-Yi — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Kuan, Chia-Yi
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Seizures and long-term outcomes after childhood stroke
This project looks at whether early seizures and inflammation after a childhood stroke are linked to later epilepsy and recovery in kids up to 19 years old.
-
Seizures after childhood stroke and how they affect recovery
This project examines whether seizures that happen soon after a child's stroke cause more inflammation and raise the chance of developing epilepsy later on.
-
Understanding seizures and outcomes in children after a stroke
This study is looking at how seizures that happen soon after a stroke in kids might lead to long-term epilepsy and learning difficulties, and it’s for children aged 28 days to 19 years who have had a stroke.
-
Stroke prevention with hydroxyurea for children with sickle cell anemia in Nigeria
A multinational, patient-facing study tests whether hydroxyurea can safely prevent first strokes in Nigerian children with sickle cell anemia.
-
Music-powered tools to boost blood pressure and stroke prevention for Nigerian youth and their older caregivers
This project uses popular music to help Nigerian youths and their older family members start and stick to blood pressure and stroke prevention habits.
-
Determinants of Post-Stroke Cognitive Outcomes and Vascular Effects on Recovery
A large, multi-site effort aims to understand why some stroke survivors develop long-term cognitive problems and dementia, and how vascular health and pre-existing brain changes influence recovery.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.