New study to help stroke victims

The researchers will be examining the brain scans of about 80 patients

The brain scanning methods used on stroke victims are to be studied, to see if more can be done to prevent lasting damage from the condition.

Researchers from Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Glasgow universities want to see if damaged tissue can be salvaged.

They also hope to develop a blood test which would help paramedics to quickly work out how far a stroke has progressed.

Stroke is the third biggest killer in Scotland.

The study will run for the next four years in the hope that sharing information about scans will help build a clearer picture of how to treat stroke damage.

As well as helping repair damage, it is hoped the experiment will improve scanning methods and increase understanding of the chemical changes that take place in a stroke victim's brain.

The researchers hope to examine about 80 patients.

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The study hopes to show what parts of the brain can be saved after a stroke

The study is part of an initiative between all of Scotland's medical schools called Sinapse, the Scottish Imaging Network: A Platform for Excellence.

The project brings together brain-scanning experts to take part in research and share their expertise. It holds its first major meeting on Thursday in Edinburgh.

Professor Joanna Wardlaw, a brain-scanning expert at Edinburgh University, said: "For some patients, the damage caused by stroke is unfortunately permanent and irreversible.

"But for others, we could make a real difference if we could identify which areas of the brain are salvageable.

"Sinapse has allowed us to share our expertise and equipment, and by working together we hope to find the solution quicker than would be possible if we worked alone."

The research is funded by the Translational Medicine Research Collaboration.

The Sinapse project will also look at a range of other brain conditions.

Dr Alison Murray, Sinapse deputy director, said: "As well as stroke, Sinapse will be addressing other very important brain diseases and disorders such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's, schizophrenia, depression and ageing of the brain.

"It also played a key role in the recent development of a new drug for Alzheimer's disease."