This World Stroke Day, we’re sharing some of the important work happening in Stroke research, currently, we have two trials that are open and recruiting patients.

The first of these is the PLORAS study (Predicting Language Outcome and Recovery After Stroke).

This is looking into the recovery of language in patients after having a stroke. As a part of the study, patients will have language tests and an MRI scan that are recorded into a large database. The trial hopes the information collected can then be used to compare with similar stroke cases in the future, so that we can better predict the recovery or outcome of an individual patient based on the information available on the PLORAS database.

This trial is exciting as it is has the potential to create a powerful tool that will help to bring better diagnostics and communication to our patients, giving them a more accurate estimate of what they can expect on their path to recovery – all from the combined support of patients who have already been through their own recovery.

The second trial we are running is the OPTIMAS trial (Optimal Timing of Anticoagulation after Acute Ischaemic Stroke).

Some patients who have had a stroke also have a heart condition called atrial fibrillation (AF). This is an irregular heart rate which is usually treated by giving medicines called Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs).  AF is a known risk factor for stroke. The OPTIMAS study is looking at when would be the best time to give DOAC medicines to people who have had a stroke caused by AF.

Half the patients on the trial will receive DOACs at the time it is normally given, and the other half will receive the medication earlier. Information will be collected on both groups to see if giving the medication earlier is effective. As well as comparing the effectiveness of the medicines given, researchers are also measuring how the change in treatment affects our patient’s quality of life and cognition.

To find out more email our Research team.