Stroke
A stroke occurs when the blood and oxygen supply to part of the brain is interrupted. This can happen as a result of a blood clot blocking a cerebral artery (ischaemic stroke) or a rupture of a blood vessel in the brain (haemorrhagic stroke).
In the case of stroke, there are several biomarkers that can help diagnose and predict the severity of the stroke, as well as monitor recovery.
Stroke biomarkers can be found in blood, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or brain imaging. Here are some examples of stroke biomarkers:
- Troponin is a cardiac protein that can be elevated in the blood after a stroke. Elevated troponin levels may indicate an increased risk of cardiac complications after stroke.
- C-reactive protein (CRP) is an inflammatory protein that can be elevated after a stroke. Elevated levels of CRP may indicate an increased risk of post-stroke complications, such as recurrent stroke.
- B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a hormone that is often elevated in people with heart failure. Elevated levels of BNP may indicate an increased risk of cardiac complications following a stroke.
- Levels of D-dimers, which are breakdown products of blood clots, may be elevated after ischaemic stroke. Elevated D-dimer levels can help diagnose ischaemic stroke and predict the risk of recurrence.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to detect biomarkers of stroke, such as restricted diffusion (a restriction of water flow in the brain) and white matter hyperintensity (increased signalling on MRI in areas affected by stroke).
A stroke, also known as a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), is a medical emergency that occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted or reduced. This interruption can be caused by a blood clot or a ruptured blood vessel, leading to brain cells dying and potentially resulting in permanent damage or death.
Strokes can have a variety of symptoms, depending on which part of the brain is affected. Common signs and symptoms of stroke...
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