Within StrokeSyd research is conducted within the following research areas:

Prevention

A healthy lifestyle (i.e physical activity and no smoking), treatment of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, atrial fibrillation, and obesity effectively prevent stroke. There is a genetic predisposition to stroke and future epidemiological and genetic research in StrokeSyd aims at disclosing new preventive measures. Public out-reach activities by StrokeSyd on stroke prevention will contribute to combat stroke in Region Skåne.

Brain Protection

Once stroke occurs, brain damage develops quickly (i.e. within the first hours). During embolic stroke, brain damage can be reduced by a rapid initiation of recanalization of the occluded brain vessel by thrombolysis or mechanical removal of an arterial clot. StrokeSyd will contribute with innovative methods for stroke diagnosis based on MRI, and improved infrastructure for acute stroke care at the University Hospital of Skåne (SUS) that will further improve the efficacy of acute stroke treatment. Also, studies within StrokeSyd on brain protection by targeting detrimental processes or by temperature management may become future stroke therapies.

Promoting functional recovery and rehabilitation

Recent clinical and experimental studies have revealed that the brain possesses an innate capacity to remodel its connections, termed brain plasticity, thereby regaining some of the lost brain function after stroke. New treatments to support rehabilitation of stroke patients, based on this concept, are currently explored within StrokeSyd including novel rehabilitative training paradigms, and small molecule or stem cell therapies.

Improving quality of life

For many patients getting a stroke has a huge impact on life. Improved quality of life is an important overall goal in the long-term management of stroke care and rehabilitation. Quality of life can be described as an individual’s perception of their position in life in the context of culture and value systems in which they live and in relation to their goals, expectations and concerns. It is a broad concept, largely influenced by physical and psychological health, independence, but also social and environmental relationships and beliefs. Researchers in StrokeSyd, develop targeted interventions that may improve quality of life.