Clinical Studies
At the Stroke Institute, we have been studying and testing new ways to treat strokes since the 1980s. We started with aspirin and then moved on to testing drugs that protect the brain during a stroke. Our team has developed these new treatments and tested them in clinical trials.
Some of the treatments we've worked on include using sound waves on the head, giving additional medicines with the clot-busting drug t-PA, using drugs to clean up the mess caused by brain bleeds, and using stem cells. Many of these treatments have reached the final stage of clinical trials, which means we're getting closer to using them to help stroke patients.
The Stroke Institute is dedicated to research that can improve the lives of stroke patients and their families. We believe that scientific knowledge has the power to transform people's lives. That's why we not only do cutting-edge research, but also make sure that our community can easily access and learn about these important studies.
Be a Part of Cutting-Edge Research At The Stroke Institute!
If you have experienced a stroke, join our Stroke Research Registry by filling out the form below. This will allow you to:
- express your interest in contributing to stroke-related research studies
- shape the development of targeted treatment interventions
- drive forward advancements in stroke prevention, rehabilitation and recovery, mental health and pain management
By sharing your experiences and preferences, you may improve the quality of life for stroke survivors worldwide! Your participation not only advocates for your own needs but also helps to make a significant impact on the broader stroke community.
Learn more about the studies we are involved in below:
Brain Health Research
Brain health refers to the overall wellbeing of the brain. Maintaining good brain health is essential for maintaining cognitive function, memory, and mental well-being. We invite you to take a quick survey below to see if you qualify to participate in one or more brain health studies we are currently enrolling for.
Brain Health Studies
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Brain Health Study: MARK VCID
Click here to learn more about MARK VCID
With your help, we can learn what are the biological markers (or biomarkers) that can help distinguish healthy aging from dementia. We aim to enroll participants of diverse backgrounds living in the Houston area. Results from this study will provide recommendations for future clinical trials on dementia.
Is this study right for me?
We are inviting women and men who are:
- Aged 60 to 90 years
- Hispanic, Black/African American, or non-Hispanic White
- Currently living in the Houston area and able to attend study examinations
What is expected of me if I join the study?
The study comprises an initial visit and three yearly follow-up examinations. Each study visit will include:
- a blood draw
- clinical and health questionnaires
- tests of memory and thinking
- a brain scan
Will there be compensation?
You will receive compensation for your participation in this study.
Each visit is compensated with $100. You will receive up to $400 if you take part in all the four study visits.
Who will have access to my information?
Your information will be maintained in secure databases and kept private.
To learn more contact:
Heather Smith, MA, CCC-SLP, CBIS
Speech-Language Pathologist | Research Coordinator
Stroke Recovery Research
(713) 500-7909
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Brain Health Study: DIVERSE VCID
Click here to learn more about DIVERSE VCID Diverse VCID means researchers are looking for a diverse population to study: African American, Latino and Caucasian individuals. VCID stands for Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Dementia. This study will examine Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the brain.
Is this study right for me?
We are inviting men and women who are:
- Aged 65 and 90 years
- Have noticed a decline in their memory or thinking over the last 1-3 years
- African American, Hispanic/Latino, or non-Hispanic White
- Can attend 3 visits to a center near you over a 3–-4 year period (you have the choice to opt out of the study at any point)
- You are able to have an MRI (you cannot have any metal in your body)
What is expected of me if I join the study?
- Answer some questions about yourself
- Receive a medical examination
- Review your medical history and current care plan
- Complete a brain MRI and a blood draw
- Complete memory tests and thinking
Will there be compensation?
You will be reimbursed $50 for your time upon undergoing the screening MRI. If it is determined you are eligible to participate and complete the remaining baseline study procedures, you will be reimbursed an additional $100 for each visit. If you complete all visits and MRIs, you will receive a total of $450.
Who will have access to my information?
Your information will be maintained in secure databases and kept private.
To learn more contact:
Heather Smith, MA, CCC-SLP, CBIS
Speech-Language Pathologist | Research Coordinator
Stroke Recovery Research
(713) 500-7909
Mental Health Research
The Mental Health Program focuses on developing behavioral interventions, supports, and therapies for this crucial post-stroke period. We are interested in learning about how the interventions can improve post-stroke psychosocial stress so that we can improve the education and support services for those who have had a stroke and their informal caregivers in our communities.
Mental Health After Stroke Studies
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Post-Stroke Depression
Research study for depression in stroke patients
If you have experienced experienced a recent stroke within the past 4 weeks to 6 months and are struggling with depression, our ongoing research study may be able to assist you.
What you can expect:
- No cost MRI and PET scan
- Free mental health evaluation
- Referral to mental health provider
- Referral to Innovative Intervention Studies for Depression
More Information:
Contact Susan Atwood, DPT at (713) 500-8203 or email Dr. Atwood at [email protected]
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Learn more about our Mental Health Program at the Stroke Institute
Mental Health Following A Stroke
Our brain is in charge of most things in our body, including our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. When someone experiences a stroke, it can affect parts of the brain that control our mood and behavior so that they no longer work as they used to before the stroke. That is why those who have had a stroke often struggle with common mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression, and social isolation, during and after their recovery. In general, we call these concerns Post-Stroke Psychosocial Stress.
Post-stroke, when patients do not get treatment for post-stroke psychosocial stress, it can take longer for them to feel better during their recovery. This can have a negative effect on survivors’ quality of life as well, which in turn can worsen the post-stroke psychosocial stress. Add to this the fact that when these patients discharge directly home from the hospital without additional supportive services they are only able to receive care from family members, spouses, and loved ones, whom we call informal caregivers. Because informal caregivers usually don’t have any medical training, they can feel overwhelmed and develop caregiver burden and psychosocial stress. Increased caregiver burden can affect the informal caregiver’s ability to help those who have had a stroke through their recovery. This means that both the patient and their informal caregiver’s psychosocial stress can increase, which can also make recovery more difficult.
Fortunately, there are helpful therapies and supports for those who have had a stroke and their informal caregivers. Receiving these kinds of supports can improve the post-stroke recovery process and quality of care for their loved ones by reducing post-stroke psychosocial stress.
The Mental Health Program focuses on developing behavioral interventions, supports, and therapies for this crucial post-stroke period. We are interested in learning about how the interventions can improve post-stroke psychosocial stress so that we can improve the education and support services for those who have had a stroke and their informal caregivers in our communities.
Learn more at uth.edu/stroke-institute/programs/mental-health-core
Recovery and Rehabilitation Research
The Stroke Institute is running several studies to find better ways to help stroke patients recover. This research is really important because it can lead to treatments that improve stroke survivors' quality of life.
By studying how recovery works, scientists can develop more effective therapies and interventions tailored to each patient's needs. This can help stroke survivors regain their abilities and live more independently.
We are also exploring new approaches to address the wide range of challenges faced by stroke survivors, from physical impairments to cognitive problems. This offers hope for better recovery and long-term well-being for stroke patients.
If you're interested, you can check out the institute's current studies to see if any might be a good fit for you.
Recovery and Rehabilitation Studies
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nTVNS in Chronic Stroke
Seeking participants in a six-week research study on rehabilitation using non-invasive stimulation, called "Feasibility of Trigeminal and Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Subjects with Chronic Upper Extremity Deficits after Stroke"
We are examining the effectiveness of a novel medical device to mitigate the damage caused by stroke. In person appointments are held at the UTHealth Institute for Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases at 6431 Fannin, 11th Floor.
Contact:
Emily Stevens, OTR
Occupational Therapist | Research Coordinator
(713) 500-7914
[email protected]
You may be eligible if you are:
Between 40 and 80 years old
Have had a stroke 6 or more months ago
Do not have any implanted metallic electronic device
Do not have a history of seizures or migraines that is uncontrolled by medication
Participation involves:
18 sessions of outpatient rehabilitation therapy over the course of 6 weeks
Medical screenings and assessments
Electrical stimulation applied to the forehead and outer ears
If you’re unsure if you meet the requirements, call or email a member of the study team:
Emily Stevens, OTR
Occupational Therapist | Research Coordinator
(713) 500-7914
[email protected]
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SUPER Patients Needed
We are looking for participants for a clinical trial addressing arm weakness after a stroke. Participants will be involved in an intensive 3-week therapy program and will have multiple assessments over a 6 month timeframe.
Meet the following criteria? Contact us!
- Age: 18-80
- At least 6 months post-stroke
- Some movement in affected arm
- Can tolerate 6 hrs therapy a day
If you’re unsure if you meet the requirements, call or email a member of the study team:
Emily Stevens, OTR
Occupational Therapist | Research Coordinator
(713) 500-7914
[email protected]
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ARM PROGRAM
Are you a Stroke Survivor (age 18-80) with wrist and arm weakness?
Would you like to do exercises for your affected arm? UTHealth Stroke Institute is looking for patients to join a study that assesses arm movement after doing a routine exercise program.
If you’re unsure if you meet the requirements, call or email a member of the study team:
Emily Stevens, OTR
Occupational Therapist | Research Coordinator
(713) 500-7914
[email protected]
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BIONICS
Are you a Stroke Survivor?
We’re looking for stroke survivors to enroll in BIONICS, a clinical trial using machine learning to develop tools that will make stroke recovery better.
Participants will be asked to record themselves doing a provided list of exercises. Our goal is to build a program that can be used at home to give feedback on correct arm movement during home exercise programs.
If you’re unsure if you meet the requirements, call or email a member of the study team:
Emily Stevens, OTR
Occupational Therapist | Research Coordinator
(713) 500-7914
[email protected]
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TRANSPORT-2
The Institute for Stroke and Cerebrovascular Disease at UTHealth is looking for patients to enroll in TRANSPORT2, a clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of 2mA or 4mA doses of transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCs) in combination with modified Constraint Induced Movement Therapy (mCIMT) on upper limb impairment after ischemic stroke.
Help us by referring qualified patients who match the following eligibility criteria:- Between the age of 18 and 80 years old
- First-ever ischemic stroke that occurred in the last 6 months
- Experienced one-sided arm weakness as a result of the stroke
- Have NOT received injections for spasticity in the last 3 months
- Does not have a history of seizures (isolated febrile childhood seizures may be ok)
Have a patient matching the above criteria?Refer them to Emily Stevens at 713-500-7914 or [email protected]
For more information on TRANSPORT2, please visit their website
Pediatric Research
UTHealth Stroke Program has been conducting high caliber research in stroke for a long time, and our Pediatric Stroke Program is proudly carrying that tradition forward. We are part of the International Pediatric Stroke Study, where we work with other scientists from all over the world. We are also involved in other research studies funded by the National Institutes of Health, as well as conducting retrospective and prospective studies. These studies focus on how we can better treat stroke when it happens and help children recover afterwards.
Want to help us on this journey? We're always looking for volunteers to join our studies. Check out the information below to learn more about our studies that are currently recruiting participants. Together, we can make life better for kids with stroke.
Pediatric Stroke Studies
Stroke Prevention Research
The Stroke Prevention Program's Research department is a pioneering center dedicated to advancing our understanding of stroke and developing effective strategies for prevention. Areas of interest also include stroke disparities, and health services. Welcome to a space where innovation meets compassion, and together, we strive to make a lasting impact on stroke prevention worldwide.
Stroke Prevention Studies
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SleepSMART
Sleep for Stroke Management and Recovery Trial
The primary goals of this study are to determine whether treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with positive airway pressure starting shortly after acute ischemic stroke or high risk TIA (1) reduces recurrent stroke, acute coronary syndrome, and all-cause mortality during 6 months after the event, and (2) improves stroke outcomes at 3 months in patients who experienced an ischemic stroke.
Prior studies have shown a clear independent association between OSA, which has a prevalence similar to hypertension among stroke patients, and development of stroke and poor outcomes after ischemic stroke. If the Sleep SMART hypotheses are confirmed, a new strategy to prevent stroke recurrence and improve stroke recovery will be available.
To learn more about this trial, please fill out this short online form »
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VIRTUAL
Video-based Intervention to Reduce Treatment and Outcome Disparities in Adults Living with Stroke or TIA
This randomized trial strives to provide care over telehealth channels with remote blood pressure monitoring. Patients are asked to check blood pressure daily and also meet with their outpatient stroke provider at designated times either in person or through video visits. Benefits include a free blood pressure monitor and enhanced post-stroke blood pressure monitoring that is not typically provided to stroke patients.
To learn more about this trial, please fill out this short online form »
Why Should You Join A Research Study?
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Access to new treatments or interventions
Research studies often involve testing new medications, therapies, or interventions that may not yet be widely available. By participating, you may have access to cutting-edge treatments that could potentially improve your health outcomes.
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Contribution to medical knowledge
By participating in research, you're contributing to the advancement of medical knowledge and potentially helping to improve treatments for future generations. Research studies rely on the participation of volunteers to gather data and test hypotheses.
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Potential for improved health outcomes
Participating in a research study may lead to better health outcomes for you personally. Whether you're testing a new medication or participating in a lifestyle intervention, the results of the study could positively impact your health.
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Close monitoring and medical care
Research studies often involve close monitoring by healthcare professionals, which can provide participants with a higher level of medical care and attention than they might receive in standard clinical settings. This close monitoring can be particularly beneficial for individuals with chronic conditions or complex medical needs.
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Opportunity to make a difference
Participating in research allows you to play an active role in advancing science and improving healthcare. Many people find fulfillment in knowing that their participation may ultimately lead to better treatments, improved outcomes, or even cures for diseases.
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Access to expert guidance
Research studies are typically conducted by teams of expert researchers and healthcare professionals. By participating, you may have access to their expertise and guidance, which can be valuable in managing your health condition or making informed decisions about your care.
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Financial compensation or incentives
Some research studies offer financial compensation or other incentives for participation. While financial compensation shouldn't be the primary motivation for participating in research, it can be a helpful factor for individuals who may be facing financial challenges.