Type: Stroke

Grant holder: Dr Isobel Ford, Dr Nicola J Mutch and Dr Mary Joan MacLeod, University of Aberdeen

Amount Awarded: £4,980

Year: 2014 - finished

Stoke is a major cause of death and disability in Scotland. Most are “ischaemic stokes”, in which a blood clot blocks a blood vessel to the brain. A clot dissolving drug can be given to restore blood flow if the patient reaches hospital early enough. However around half of clots are resistant to this treatment. Brain Scans show a link between clot density and unsuccessful treatment. The researchers will examine the hitherto unknown factors that affect clot structure and influence resistance to breakdown (lysis). Developing our understanding of the reasons for resistance to clot busting drugs will help improve stroke treatments.