Stroke is one of Australia’s biggest killers and a leading cause of adult disability.
The need for more stroke research is vital, which is we’re funding some of the world’s leading projects to help advance stroke treatments, care and prevention:
Offering stroke patients which present to the Royal Adelaide Hospital the opportunity to participate in world-leading clinical trials which focus on stroke treatment in the emergency stage.
Associate Professor Tim Kleinig is delivering this game-changer in stroke care, through a combination of clot dissolving medication and a procedure which pulls the clot out directly from the affected artery in the brain.
Investigating what causes Transient Ischaemic Attacks (TIA), or mini strokes, with the hope of developing a diagnostic test for TIAs in order to administer the appropriate treatments and prevent future strokes.
Professor Anne Hamilton-Bruce is leading this important research. Up to 20% of high-risk TIA cases suffer a stroke in the next month.
Establishing a new student-led physiotherapy clinic for people needing more intensive arm therapy once hospital-based rehabilitation has finished.
Dr Brenton Hordacre, Physiotherapist and Senior Lecturer at the University of South Australia, is leading the clinic to help stroke patients improve and restore their arm movements.
Implementing new “Screen, Clean, Hydrate” protocols in Lyell McEwin Hospital and Flinders Medical Centre to help address dysphagia (impaired swallowing) and other adverse outcomes. Dr Joanne Murray says this approach aims to ensure:
1. Swallow screening is conducted within four hours of admission to prevent adverse consequences of choking or aspiration pneumonia
2. Best practice oral healthcare is implemented to reduce pathogenic oral bacteria and risk of respiratory infection
3. Hydration is prioritised to prevent electrolyte imbalance which can heighten the risk of infection, falls, cognitive impairment and impact recovery.
Running a promising trial which tests Botox therapy on stroke patients with lower limb spasticity.
Associate Professor Anupam Gupta has also helped make Botox therapy more accessible by lobbying to secure it on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
A detailed, educational video has been created for regional clinicians and SA Ambulance officers to better identify the symptoms of stroke, as getting treatment quickly is a critical factor in the survival and recovery from stroke.
The video has been tailored to meet the unique needs of regional clinicians and was informed by neurology and stroke experts from SA Health’s SA Telestroke service, which provides virtual 24-7 stroke advice and support across all regional South Australian hospitals and to patients and clinicians.
Associate Professor Tim Kleinig answers your vital questions about stroke
