Thrombolysis is an effective treatment in acute ischemic stroke. However, the benefit of therapy has to be weighed against the risks, particularly intracerebral haemorrhage. Reasons for a different outcome in stroke may be an individual vulnerability/resistance to ischemia or vascular factors (type of occlusion/collaterals). Using rodent stroke models (MCAO/thrombin injection) and multimodal imaging we are studying mechanisms underlying ischemia tolerance and vascular adaptations to ischemia. Furthermore, we are interested in anatomical and functional correlates of cognitive impairment after MCA-territory stroke (sensorimotor and cognitive testing). From stroke patient data, we are extracting the most relevant clinical and imaging features using machine learning- based methods to obtain best predictors of outcome and success of stroke therapies.
Our goal is a continuing transfer of knowledge between clinical and experimental stroke research.
Communication is the key for successful research and translation of knowledge to the patients and their individual needs.
