Imaging and Serological Biomarkers of Autonomic Dysfunction After Ischemic Stroke
The goal of this observational study is to * to investigate the prevalence and time course of autonomic dysfunction in acute ischemic stroke patients; * to evaluate the influence of lesion location on autonomic dysfunction; * to identify patterns of structural and functional brain connectivity within the central autonomic control circuits associated with autonomic dysfunction; and * to explore causal models of the link between brain lesions; cardiac, immunological and endocrine biomarkers; and dysautonomia. Researchers will compare patients with acute ischemic stroke to patients with transient ischemic attacks to study the effect of acute ischemic brain lesions. Participants will * undergo cardiovascular autonomic function testing; * receive structural and functional MR imaging; * provide blood samples for determinaton of serological biomarkers auf dysautonomia.
• Diagnosis of either
‣ acute ischemic stroke with either an ischemic lesion visible on CT/MRI or persistent focal deficits 24 hours after symptom onset, or
⁃ Transient ischemic attack with transient clinical deficits including motor or speech disturbance and not restricted to isolated vertigo/dizziness, visual disturbance, or sensory disturbance.
• symptom onset within 72h prior to hospital admission,
• a pre-stroke/TIA ability to walk without help from another person (modified Rankin scale score \< 4),
• age \> 18 years, and
• informed consent by either the patient or a legal representative (including a spouse)