stroke acute stroke ischemic

Stroke trials address both acute treatment (revascularization within hours of onset) and long-term secondary prevention, with rehabilitation science emerging as a distinct research priority. Advances in thrombectomy techniques have dramatically improved outcomes for large vessel occlusion strokes, driving trials to push the treatment window from 6 to 24 hours in selected patients.

Current research includes tenecteplase vs alteplase for thrombolysis, thrombectomy for medium vessel occlusions, neuroprotective agents, factor XIa inhibitors for secondary prevention with lower bleeding risk, and telerehabilitation using robotics and brain-computer interfaces. Trials in wake-up stroke and unknown time-of-onset have expanded using MRI mismatch criteria.