Stroke Ambulance driving innovation
January 24, 2018
Stroke Foundation has today welcomed a $1.285 million boost to further the Stroke Ambulance research pilot.
The Australian Government Grant, delivered through the Medical Research Future Fund, will enable the trial of a new drug to stop strokes caused by bleeds (haemorrhagic stroke).
Led by Stroke Foundation Life Member Professor Stephen Davis, the trial will utilise Tranexamic Acid (TXA), a medication currently used to treat or prevent excessive blood loss from major trauma, post partum bleeding, surgery, tooth removal, nose bleeds, and heavy menstruation.
Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Sharon McGowan said the research had the potential to change the way stroke was treated in Australia.
“After a stroke, brain cells die at a rate of 1.9 million a minute. The faster medical treatment begins the more brain cells are saved, improving the chance of survival.
“There have been major advancements in the treatment of strokes caused by blood clots, which have allowed patients to make a good recovery, but more needs to be done to improve treatments for haemorrhagic stroke patients.
“The Mobile Stroke Unit has a CT brain scanner onboard. It makes prompter assessment and treatment possible for patients with stroke, meaning – if effective – this treatment will give patients the best chance of survival and recovery.
“Stroke Foundation is a proud partner in the Mobile Stroke Unit. This trial shows it not only has the capacity to save lives, but also operate as a research lab on wheels,” she said.
The trial grant was one of 19 projects funded as the Federal Government announced it would double its investment in the Rare cancers, rare disease and unmet need clinical trials program to $26.6 million.
Ms McGowan said stroke was a largely preventable and treatable disease.
“Research will help us beat stroke,” she said.
“Effective research takes time, perseverance and a great deal of funding.
“However, rewards when those breakthroughs come, will benefit generations.”
The Stroke Ambulance or Mobile Stroke Unit is an Australian first research pilot. The Mobile Stroke Unit has been delivered by the Victorian Government in partnership with the Stroke Foundation, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Ambulance Victoria, the University of Melbourne, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health and the RMH Neuroscience Foundation. It has also been endorsed by the National Health and Medical Research Council.
The Australian Government Grant, delivered through the Medical Research Future Fund, will enable the trial of a new drug to stop strokes caused by bleeds (haemorrhagic stroke).
Led by Stroke Foundation Life Member Professor Stephen Davis, the trial will utilise Tranexamic Acid (TXA), a medication currently used to treat or prevent excessive blood loss from major trauma, post partum bleeding, surgery, tooth removal, nose bleeds, and heavy menstruation.
Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Sharon McGowan said the research had the potential to change the way stroke was treated in Australia.
“After a stroke, brain cells die at a rate of 1.9 million a minute. The faster medical treatment begins the more brain cells are saved, improving the chance of survival.
“There have been major advancements in the treatment of strokes caused by blood clots, which have allowed patients to make a good recovery, but more needs to be done to improve treatments for haemorrhagic stroke patients.
“The Mobile Stroke Unit has a CT brain scanner onboard. It makes prompter assessment and treatment possible for patients with stroke, meaning – if effective – this treatment will give patients the best chance of survival and recovery.
“Stroke Foundation is a proud partner in the Mobile Stroke Unit. This trial shows it not only has the capacity to save lives, but also operate as a research lab on wheels,” she said.
The trial grant was one of 19 projects funded as the Federal Government announced it would double its investment in the Rare cancers, rare disease and unmet need clinical trials program to $26.6 million.
Ms McGowan said stroke was a largely preventable and treatable disease.
“Research will help us beat stroke,” she said.
“Effective research takes time, perseverance and a great deal of funding.
“However, rewards when those breakthroughs come, will benefit generations.”
The Stroke Ambulance or Mobile Stroke Unit is an Australian first research pilot. The Mobile Stroke Unit has been delivered by the Victorian Government in partnership with the Stroke Foundation, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Ambulance Victoria, the University of Melbourne, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health and the RMH Neuroscience Foundation. It has also been endorsed by the National Health and Medical Research Council.