Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability in the world, and affects approximately 48,000 Australians every year. Australia is one of a number of countries undertaking major research studies into the causes and prevention of stroke.
Basic Sciences focuses on neuroprotection and neuroregeneration after stroke, with particular emphasis on drug treatments.
Current research is developing methods to obtain a view into the brain and blood vessels before and after stroke. This involves state-of-the-art technology such as positron emission tomography (PET), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound.
This area of research uses statistical analysis to understand the costs and burden of stroke on the community.
Over 13,000 people in Victoria suffer a stroke each year whereby approximately 40 per cent die within the first 12 months and about 50 per cent will be dependent on others for assistance with personal activities and everyday living. These consequences of stroke are devastating, yet advances in stroke care that improve survival and reduce disability are readily available in metropolitan hospitals, but are usually not accessible for those living in rural and remote areas.
Telemedicine for the treatment of stroke has been successfully implemented in Europe and North America, but not Australia. Bendigo Health uses telemedicine for trauma care, giving an opportunity to utilise the existing infrastructure to deliver a similar service to stroke patients in a hospital where the use of thrombolysis (clot busting drugs) is currently limited.
The program model is based on a collaboration of neurologists from metropolitan hospitals in Melbourne who have been recruited to provide expert telemedicine support to Bendigo Health doctors. This will reduce healthcare costs of stroke, and is a model for delivering equality in health care across Victoria. Telemedicine will also help bridge the gap in intellectual asset transfer between metropolitan teaching hospitals and regional hospitals.
To view the VST project information click here>>
The Neurorehabilitation and Recovery research program focuses on investigation of neural plastic mechanisms underlying post-stroke rehabilitation and recovery, identification and measurement of factors that impact on recovery, and development of treatment approaches to facilitate neural plastic changes and better outcomes. Research outcomes have included development of effective approaches to stroke rehabilitation that are founded on theories of neuroplasticity and learning, and empirically tested for both clinical and neuroanatomical outcomes. The clinical research focuses on the assessment and treatment of touch and body sensations and motor functions following stroke, and has involved development of novel assessments and science-founded approaches to sensory rehabilitation. This research is enhanced by investigation of the neurobiological mechanisms of recovery post-stroke using functional neuroimaging techniques and biomarker discovery. In addition to developing more restorative approaches to rehabilitation, knowledge of underlying mechanism will guide more optimal selection of rehabilitation interventions for individuals after stroke and identify patients ‘at risk’ of depression through novel brain imaging and biomarkers.
A highlight of our year
Research highlights for the Neurorehabilitation and Recovery group have included publication of the first controlled trial demonstrating an effective approach to sensory rehabilitation based on principles of neural plastic changes in the brain and learning. In collaboration with CSIRO and other groups within FNI and Melbourne University we commenced the START: STroke imAging, pRevention and Treatment study, a large, multicentre clinical trial. Our focus is on depression, functional outcome and participation and the identification of novel imaging and blood markers associated with these outcomes over time.
Visit the research division for Neurorehabilitation and Recovery
A Very Early Rehabilitation Trial (AVERT) examines the development, testing and implementation of early physical activity for people after stroke, and learning how these interventions affect muscle, bone, mood and thinking. The international trial was conceived by the Florey and is based at the Austin campus. It has over 2,000 participants world-wide.
Click here for more information on AVERT
“The human brain must continue to frame the problems for the electronic machine to solve.”
