Timely treatment is critical for stroke victims, yet only 19.8% of the U.S. population can access a stroke center capable of endovascular thrombectomy to remove a large clot in 15 minutes or less by ambulance, according to researchers from UTHealth. Only 30% of Americans can access a thrombectomy-equipped center in 30 minutes.

A regulator of gene expression, retinoid X receptor (RXR), can boost scavenging cells in their mission to clear the brain of dead cells and debris after a stroke, thus limiting inflammation and improving recovery, according to preclinical research led by Jarek Aronowski, MD, PhD, of The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth).

Both simple and advanced computed tomography (CT) were effective in accurately predicting which stroke patients would benefit from endovascular thrombectomy to remove a large cerebral clot, but together they were even better, reported researchers at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth).

Luca Giancardo, PhD, assistant professor at UTHealth School of Biomedical Informatics, has been awarded one of six grants from Baylor College of Medicine’s Translational Research Institute for Space Health. 

An algorithm developed by UTHealth faculty can help physicians outside of major stroke treatment centers assess whether a patient suffering from ischemic stroke would benefit from an endovascular procedure to remove a clot blocking an artery.

Researchers led by Sean I. Savitz, MD, reported today in the journal Stem Cells that bone marrow cells used to treat ischemic stroke in an expanded Phase I trial were not only safe and feasible, but also resulted in enhanced recovery compared to a matched historical control group.

Researchers at UTHealth recently published new findings in Stroke that show patients transported to the hospital by mobile stroke unit instead of standard ambulance received a clot-busting procedure an average of 10 minutes faster, which could potentially save up to 270 million neurons per patient.

Building on research results published today in JAMA Neurology showing patients with larger ischemic strokes could benefit from endovascular thrombectomy, an international, multicenter Phase III clinical trial will be starting at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth in Houston.

Yvo Rodriguez, MD, told Univision Houston Channel 45 viewers about stroke risk factors and invited them to attend the Stomp Out Stroke Festival, which took June 8 at Discovery Green.

Anjail Sharrief, MD, MPH, was quoted in a TMC News story about how stroke is increasingly common among younger adults.

The UTHealth Stomp Out Stroke Festival has been rescheduled to Saturday, June 8. The free, fun event will take place, as previously, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Discovery Green’s Jones Lawn.

Sean Savitz, MD, was quoted in a Houston Chronicle Bellaire Examiner article about stroke and the Stomp Out Stroke Festival, which takes place this Saturday, May 4, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Discovery Green.

In the wake of the death of film director John Singleton following a stroke, Lauren Fournier, MD, told FOX 26 News viewers about the risk factors and invited them to the Stomp Out Stroke Festival.

Tiffany "TC" Cossey, MD, was quoted in HealthNewsDigest.com and mHealthIntelligence articles about her research, which found that telemedicine stroke patients were treated as quickly and effectively after hours as during normal business hours. Read more in UTHealth News.

On KPRC Radio's Fifty+ show, Louise McCullough, MD, PhD, discussed the risk of stroke among middle-aged adults in light of the untimely death of actor Luke Perry. The show also promoted the UTHealth Stomp Out Stroke Festival, which will be held Saturday, May 4.

Andrew Barreto, MD, MS, told KTRH Radio listeners that stroke can affect younger people. The story also promoted the UTHealth Stomp Out Stroke Festival, which will be held Saturday, May 4.

Andrew Barreto, MD, MS, was interviewed on FOX 26 News about stroke risk factors and prevention following the death of TV actor Luke Perry, who died this week after suffering a massive stroke. In a related story, Tzu-Ching "Teddy" Wu, MD, was interviewed via robot by KFDM-TV Channel 6 News about how telemedicine plays a part in faster stroke diagnosis and treatment.

Outcomes in patients treated with mechanical clot removal, results from the only mobile stroke unit in the country using rendezvous transfers, and data on predictors of post-stroke depression and anxiety were among the highlights of activity by investigators from UTHealth at the International Stroke Conference 2019.

Louise McCullough, MD, PhD, was quoted in three MedPageToday articles as the moderator for sessions about post-stroke rehabilitation, early glucose control in ischemic stroke victims, and a clot-removal procedure. She also was included in a Neurology Today story about the clot-removal research.

Research by Amrou Sarraj, MD, was covered in MedPageToday, Healio, Practical Neurology, United Press International, and News Medical about outcomes in patients treated with mechanical clot removal. MedicalResearch.com did a story about Sarraj's presentation on transferring patients for thrombectomy .

Jennifer Meeks, MS, was interviewed for an American Heart Association News article about her research linking a higher risk of hemorrhagic stroke in pregnant and postpartum women. The story was picked up by HealthDay, U.S. News & World Report, United Press International, and MedicineNet. Meeks and Farhaan Vahidy, PhD, MBBS, MPH, and Sunil Sheth, MD, were quoted on the same topic in a News Medical article.

The International Stroke Conference (ISC) attracts thousands of neurologists each year to network with fellow experts and watch compelling presentations on the very latest advances in clinical care, science, and education. 

The first U.S. patient to participate in a global study of a stem cell therapy injected directly into the brain to treat stroke disability was enrolled in the clinical trial this week at UTHealth.

A new global clinical trial studying stem cell therapy for stroke disability led by Sean I. Savitz, MD, was picked up by 11 media outlets including Financial Times, News Medical, and Medical Xpress. You can also read more in the Newsroom.

Behind the body, an amazing machine made up of muscle and blood, skin, and bones, is the essence of what makes a person—the mind and influence of emotions. Figuring out the connection between mental and physical health is what keeps Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth doctoral student Yun-Ju Lai up at night.

A study led by a neurologist from McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) showed that a computed tomography (CT scan) could be sufficient for determining thrombectomy treatment in stroke.

The sixth annual Stomp Out Stroke Festival to raise stroke awareness will be hosted by The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) Stroke Team from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, April 28 at Discovery Green, Jones Lawn, 1500 McKinney Street.

UT Physicians has responded to a growing demand for specialty care with the opening of a new physical medicine, rehabilitation, sports medicine and pain management clinic in southwest Houston. The outpatient clinic provides patients with comprehensive, state-of-the-art care for joint pain, spine pain and sports-related injuries

When the doors closed at the George R. Brown Convention Center to signal the end of the International Stroke Conference, held for the first time in Houston, researchers and clinicians at McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) left an indelible mark.