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Stroke

In stroke research—just like in stroke treatment—time is of the essence.

Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide and one of the leading causes of disability. Closer to home in the United States and throughout Texas, the incidence of stroke is rising as the population ages and more people develop chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. And early evidence suggests that contracting COVID-19 could permanently elevate the risk of stroke.

Stroke - doctor using microscope

Though the likelihood of suffering a stroke is increasing, so is our collective expertise around stroke prevention, treatment, and recovery. The many faces of UTHealth across our six schools are advancing stroke care every day.

  • We are pursuing research that will lead to a deeper understanding of how to prevent strokes and treat stroke patients.
  • We are educating and training students and professionals at every stage of their careers and in every field, equipping them with the tools and skills to conduct research and provide care across the stroke continuum—from immediate acute needs to rehabilitation and long-term care.
  • We are offering patients exceptional clinical acute care as well as therapies and treatments that help them recover and regain their abilities and strength after their initial care.
  • We are engaging with and educating the community through outreach programs to at-risk populations and public health-focused partnerships with nonprofits, health care providers, and the pharmaceutical and biomedical industries.

In this data- and technology-driven age, acute care is being delivered faster, our screenings and post-stroke therapies are more sophisticated and effective, and we are better equipped than ever before to save lives and prevent permanent disability—yet we still have progress to make.

Your support of Many Faces. One Mission. can help propel stroke research, education, and patient care initiatives that will make a meaningful difference in the lives of stroke survivors and their families.

  • Patient Care and Outreach

    Through clinical programs, we are dedicated to providing the best possible services, including patient education initiatives that emphasize prevention through lifestyle changes, treatment of post-stroke complications, and sophisticated screening techniques that predict a patient’s likelihood of suffering a stroke. We also support our community through public and population health initiatives. For instance, we are building one of the United States’ largest telemedicine programs.

  • Research

    Our collaborations across all six UTHealth schools advance research and best practices in acute stroke treatments, stroke prevention, stroke recovery, personalized medicine, biomarkers, population health, and health services. Our work includes using stem cells to treat stroke patients with chronic disabilities, exploring gender differences in stroke to develop targeted treatments for men and women, and studying the connection between COVID-19’s effects on the vascular system.

  • Education

    Our faculty train junior researchers, physicians, nurse practitioners, and other health professionals to become the next generation of leaders who will continue championing excellence in stroke care for years to come. Students and trainees gain unparalleled experience through training programs, research, and clinical practice. We also help cultivate a passion for medicine and biomedical research in college and high school students through our summer research program.