Understanding brain changes after stroke
Official title: Functional, Structural, and Metabolic Central Nervous System Changes Following Damage of the Central Nervous System
Run by University of Zurich · NCT04059276 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how a stroke affects the brain and spinal cord in patients compared to healthy people to see what changes happen and how they relate to recovery.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 35 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Zurich Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Zurich) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 1, 2019 |
| Main results expected | June 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | June 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | December 15, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT04059276 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include adults aged 18-80 who have experienced a stroke more than three months prior.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with contraindications to MRI, significant neurological impairments unrelated to stroke, or severe obesity may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to investigate the structural and functional changes in the central nervous system (CNS) following a stroke. It will compare stroke patients to healthy controls, examining both macroscopic and microscopic alterations in the brain and spinal cord. The study will utilize MRI to identify biomarkers that predict neurological recovery and assess the interplay between neural circuits through fMRI and behavioral testing. By understanding these changes, the research seeks to identify factors that influence patient symptoms and recovery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved predictions of recovery outcomes for stroke patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise in understanding CNS changes post-stroke, but this specific approach may offer novel insights.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria - Patients: * Age 18-80 * Stroke (\> 3months) * Signed informed consent Exclusion Criteria - Patients: * Contraindications to magnetic resonance imaging * Neurological impairment of body function impairments not induced by stroke * BMI \> 40 * Pregnancy * Claustrophobia Inclusion Criteria - Healthy subjects: * Age 18-80 * Signed informed consent Exclusion Criteria - Healthy subjects: * Contraindications to magnetic resonance imaging * Pregnancy * Neurological illness * Impairment of body function induced by stroke * Claustrophobia * BMI \>40
Where it's running
-
Universitätsklinik Balgrist
Zurich, Switzerland Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Patrick Freund, Prof. Dr. — University of Zurich
- Study coordinator: Maryam Seif, PD Dr.
- Email: maryam.seif@balgrist.ch
- Phone: +41 44 510 72 14
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Deep phenotyping to explore recovery in young adults after stroke
This project will test whether a detailed health and sample-collection approach (deep phenotyping) is practical and acceptable for people aged 18–55 who have had a stroke.
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Stem cell therapy for chronic stroke recovery
This study is testing whether using a patient's own stem cells can help people with long-term stroke recovery feel better and improve their daily functioning.
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AI-based tools to help diagnose, treat and predict stroke outcomes across multiple hospitals
This study tests AI-powered tools on real-world stroke patients to see if they can improve pre-hospital triage, diagnosis, and outcome prediction while data stay securely within each hospital.
-
Web-based therapy using action observation and mirror therapy for arm weakness after stroke
This trial tests whether a mobile telerehabilitation app delivering action observation therapy (AOT) alone or combined AOT with mirror therapy (AOT-MT) can improve upper limb function in people with subacute stroke.
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Remote Ischaemic Conditioning for Fatigue After Stroke 2
Aat least 12 weeks after stroke, adults with post-stroke fatigue will try a simple hand-arm cuff treatment at home to see if it helps reduce fatigue.
-
Dual-task balance training plus computer-based cognitive training after stroke
In adults who recently had a stroke, the study tests whether adding computerized cognitive exercises to balance training improves balance and other recovery outcomes.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.