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Investigating head position after endovascular therapy for stroke

Head Positioning After Endovascular Therapy for Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional The Affiliated Hospital Of Southwest Medical University · NCT06115707

This study tests if keeping the head elevated after stroke treatment helps patients recover better than lying flat.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment1332 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorThe Affiliated Hospital Of Southwest Medical University Academic / other
Locations67 sites (Chongqing, Chongqing and 66 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06115707 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This trial aims to determine whether elevating the head position after endovascular treatment can enhance the functional outcomes of patients with acute large vessel occlusion in the anterior circulation. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a lying flat position or an elevated head position for 72 hours following their treatment. The study will focus on patients with significant stroke symptoms and confirmed vessel occlusion, assessing their recovery over a 90-day period. The goal is to clarify the optimal head positioning to improve patient outcomes post-treatment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with acute ischemic stroke and confirmed anterior circulation large vessel occlusion.

Not a fit: Patients with mild strokes or those with multiple vascular territory occlusions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved recovery outcomes for stroke patients following endovascular therapy.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown mixed results regarding head positioning in stroke patients, making this approach both relevant and necessary for further investigation.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria 
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Clinical signs consistent with acute ischemic stroke;
2. Age ≥ 18 years old;
3. Proved anterior circulation large vessel occlusion on digital subtraction angiography (ICA, M1, M2) with/without cervical lesion (tandem);
4. NIHSS score ≥ 8 points before endovascular treatment;
5. ASPECTS score ≤ 7 points before endovascular treatment;
6. Successful vessel recanalization after endovascular treatment (defined as an eTICI score of 2b, 2c, or 3) ；
7. The time from onset to randomization ≤ 24 hours (the onset time is defined as the last normal time);
8. Written informed consent is obtained from patients and/or their legal representatives.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Pre-stroke mRS score\>1 point;
2. Patients with acute occlusions in multiple vascular territories (e.g. bilateral anterior circulation, or anterior/posterior circulation);
3. Currently in pregnant or lactating or serum beta HCG test is positive on admission;
4. Contraindications to a flat head position;
5. Any terminal illness with life expectancy less than 6 months;
6. Participating in other clinical trials;
7. Patients with a preexisting neurological or psychiatric disease that would confound the neurological functional evaluations;
8. Unlikely to be available for 90-day follow-up.

Where this trial is running

Chongqing, Chongqing and 66 other locations

+17 more sites — see ClinicalTrials.gov for the full list.

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
View on ClinicalTrials.gov → Find more trials like this →
Conditions Stroke, AcuteEndovascular Therapy
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.