Why the United States Needs a Network for Stroke Clinical Trials

AHA Stroke: April 11, 2013

Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, and it is a major cause of long-term disabil- ity and reduced quality of life for hundreds of thousands of Americans. Over the past decades, teams of National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)–funded clini- cal trialists have consistently made major contributions toward treating stroke acutely, enhancing its prevention and reha- bilitation, and thereby improving the health of the country. However, although stroke research has resulted in improved outcomes, the increasing incidence with aging of the popula- tion and substantial disability and mortality associated with stroke remain a significant burden for a growing number of stroke patients each year. At the recent NINDS stroke plan- ning meeting, external clinicians and researchers identified that enhancing clinical trial infrastructure is one of the highest priorities for the Institute to address in its effort to advance stroke care in the United States.1  Read more