Overview

An ischemic stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is blocked or reduced. This prevents brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. Brain cells begin to die in minutes. Another type of stroke is a hemorrhagic stroke. It occurs when a blood vessel in the brain leaks or bursts and causes bleeding in the brain. The blood increases pressure on brain cells and damages them.

A stroke is a medical emergency. It's crucial to get medical treatment right away. Getting emergency medical help quickly can reduce brain damage and other stroke complications.

The good news is that fewer Americans die of stroke now than in the past. Effective treatments also can help prevent disability from stroke.

Symptoms

If you or someone you're with may be having a stroke, pay attention to the time the symptoms began. Some treatments are most effective when given soon after a stroke begins.

   
• Trouble speaking and understanding what others are saying. A person having a stroke may be confused, slur words or may not be able to understand speech.
   
• Numbness, weakness or paralysis in the face, arm or leg. This often affects just one side of the body. The person can try to raise both arms over the head. If one arm begins to fall, it may be a sign of a stroke. Also, one side of the mouth may droop when trying to smile.
   
• Problems seeing in one or both eyes. The person may suddenly have blurred or blackened vision in one or both eyes. Or the person may see double.
   
• Headache. A sudden, severe headache may be a symptom of a stroke. Vomiting, dizziness and a change in consciousness may occur with the headache.
   
• Trouble walking. Someone having a stroke may stumble or lose balance or coordination.
 

The Latest Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria for AUTOLOGOUS Cell Therapy for Stroke in PFICell's Trials

Inclusion Criteria:

   
• Diagnosis of Stroke: A confirmed diagnosis of ischemic stroke or hemorrhagic stroke.
   
• Age Range: Typically, between 18 and 80 years, depending on the specific study or protocol.
   
• Time since Stroke Onset: Generally, patients must be within a certain time frame from the stroke event (e.g., within 3 to 12 months).
   
• Neurological Function: Sufficient neurological function assessed using scales like the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) or the Modified Rankin Scale (mRS).
   
• Stable Condition: Patients should be stable with no significant medical complications related to the stroke in the past few months.
   
• Informed Consent: Ability to provide informed consent after understanding the procedure, its benefits, and risks.
 

Exclusion Criteria:

   
• Severe Comorbidities: Significant pre-existing medical conditions such as uncontrolled hypertension, severe cardiac issues, or serious respiratory problems.
   
• Severe Disability: High disability levels, often indicated by high scores on disability scales (e.g., mRS > 4).
   
• Recurrence of Stroke: Patients with recurrent strokes or transient ischemic attacks shortly before the therapy may be excluded.
   
• Pregnancy or Lactation: Exclude any patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
   
• Active Infections: Presence of active infections that could complicate recovery or pose risk during treatment.
   
• History of Malignancy: A history of cancer that may affect treatment outcomes or safety.
   
• Immunosuppressive Therapy: Current use of immunosuppressive medications or treatments that may interfere with stem cell recovery and function.
   
• Cognitive Impairment: Presence of significant cognitive impairments that would hinder informed consent or complicate rehabilitation.