PROJECTS LIST

1. Serum Markers of Acute Brain Ischemia:
   We are working to develop a set of serum markers that are drawn multiple times within the first 12 hours of acute stroke as a surrogate method of determining time of onset of symptoms, as fully 25% of patients have time of onset “unknown.”
2. Blood Pressure in Acute Ischemic Stroke:
   Our group has previously demonstrated the detrimental effect of low blood pressure and BP variability on acute ischemic stroke (AIS) outcome. We are now designing a phase II trial to test whether pharmacologic elevation of BP reduces stroke burden.
3. TIA:
   A marker for silent myocardial ischemia? Our group has previously demonstrated the increased risk of MI in patients presenting to the ED with TIA in the year preceding their MI. We are now investigating whether the index TIA is actually a marker for silent myocardial ischemia with a prospective trial to look for silent disease shortly after index event.
4. Delay to Presentation after an Acute Stroke:
   Patient knowledge and attitudes—this is a study aimed at identifying reasons for delay to presentation for medical care, with the goal of ascertaining whether current educational efforts are reaching the intended audience.
5. Risk Factor Assessment:
   A knowledge survey designed to assess whether patients are aware of stroke risk factors and deliver real-time education when it is apparent they do not.
6. Cost Effectiveness of an EDOU for TIA. We have Designed a clinical pathway to optimize and expedite the care of patients with TIA, and are studying its feasibility, safety, and cost effectiveness.
7. Hyperglycemic Control in Acute Ischemic Stroke:
   We are studying the association of glycemia in acute brain ischemia, with the goal of implementing optimal control guidelines based on real patient outcomes.
8. Validation of ABCD2 in Emergency Department TIA Cohort:
   To validate at time of presentation in TIA patients ABCD2 score, as a predictor of subsequent vascular events (Ischemic stroke, TIA, Myocardial infarction) in our largest ED cohort.
9. Better Early Stroke Treatment (BEST):
   Implementation of acute stroke care pathway can improve care and reduce time in assessment and management of patients.
10. Statins in Acute Ischemic Stroke:
    Many studies have shown the beneficial effect of statins in cardiovascular diseases. Our goal is to see whether daily intake of statins in acute ischemic stroke can improve functional outcomes.
11. Risk of Subsequent Event after Stroke:
    To identify all the acute ischemic stroke patients who present to ED and determine the risk of subsequent vascular event and death in the following years.