Researchers have discovered a potential breakthrough in stroke diagnosis that could significantly improve patient outcomes by enabling faster, more precise treatment. A preliminary study presented at the upcoming American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference reveals that a blood test measuring levels of a specific brain protein may help identify stroke types before patients reach the hospital.
The study focused on glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), a protein released into the bloodstream when brain cells are damaged. Researchers found that GFAP levels were nearly seven times higher in patients with hemorrhagic (bleeding) strokes compared to those with ischemic (clot-caused) strokes, offering a potential rapid diagnostic tool.
Currently, distinguishing between stroke types requires time-consuming imaging procedures, during which critical brain tissue continues to be damaged. The proposed blood test could allow emergency medical services to determine stroke type and initiate appropriate treatment more quickly, potentially reducing long-term neurological damage.
Lead researcher Love-Preet Kalra noted that different stroke types require opposite treatments: ischemic strokes need clot-busting interventions, while hemorrhagic strokes require blood pressure management and potential reversal of blood-thinning medications.
The study analyzed blood samples from 353 patients, demonstrating that the GFAP test could predict bleeding strokes with 90%-95% accuracy when using age-based measurements. However, experts caution that larger studies are needed to confirm these promising initial results.
While the research presents an exciting potential advancement in stroke care, limitations remain. The test currently requires a centrifugation step, and GFAP levels increase with age, which could complicate diagnosis in elderly patients.
If further research validates these findings, the blood test could revolutionize prehospital stroke treatment, allowing medical professionals to initiate targeted interventions more rapidly and potentially improving patient outcomes.
