In 2014, the University of Minnesota Department of Neurology was awarded a National Institute of Health/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NIH/NINDS) 5-year grant to serve as a Regional Coordinating Center for stroke research. Our goal is to foster participation in clinical trials at comprehensive and primary stroke centers in our region. The MN RCC was renewed for a 5 year extension in 2019.

Our goal is to foster greater participation in clinical trials at comprehensive and primary stroke centers and rehabilitation centers in our region.

The StrokeNet national research network is coordinated nationally by the University of Cincinnati (NCC) with funding from NIH/NINDS. The network is comprised of 25 academic RCC’s with more than 200 satellites or stroke centers that enroll patients into stroke research studies in cities across the United States.

NIH StrokeNet National and Regional Coordinating Centers (Map and List)

The current portfolio of research studies spans primary and secondary prevention to acute treatment to rehabilitation and recovery. Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and disability in the United States (AHA 2016 statistic). Research studies help us to better understand how strokes impact the brain and utilize innovative therapies that will be most beneficial to patients.   Our overall research goal is to reduce death and disability caused by acute stroke. Stroke is an emergency and time is brain!

Upcoming and Ongoing NIH StrokeNet Clinical Trials

UMN StrokeNet Clinical Trials

The Department of Neurology has fostered the development of a wide range of subspecialty services provided by expert clinicians. Our interdisciplinary program includes collaboration with our colleagues in Department of Emergency Medicine, Neurosurgery, Radiology/Neuroradiology, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy, Biomedical Engineering and Psychiatry.

Research Leadership

University of Minnesota RCC Leadership team includes Kamakshi Lakshminarayan, MD, PhD, MS, (RCC PI), and Abbey Staugaitis, MSN, RN, CCRC (Project Manager). 

StrokeNet Fellowships

StrokeNet grant supports one research fellowship trainee per year. Responsibilities include developing a research project to carry out during the 12 month trainee year.

StrokeNet Fellows

-     Christopher Janssen, MD (Neurology) 2014-15

-     Joshua Lim, MD (Neurosurgery) 2015-16

-     Katherine Jacoby, MD (Emergency Medicine) 2016 – 17

-     Mohammed Alkuwaiti, MD (Vascular Neurology) 2017 - 2018
 

Visit the Team Page for more information.

Satellites and their investigators are encouraged to develop stroke research trials for StrokeNet.
 

The sites listed below have been contracted to participate in StrokeNet clinical research trials. Sites do not participate in all StrokeNet research studies at any one time.

Comprehensive Stroke Centers:
University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview (Minneapolis MN)
Abbott Northwestern Hospital (Minneapolis MN)
Fairview Southdale Hospital (Edina MN)
Hennepin County Medical Center (Minneapolis MN)
Mayo Clinic, St Mary’s Hospital (Rochester MN)
Memorial Medical Center, Southern Illinois University (Springfield IL)
Regions Hospital (St. Paul MN)
SSM Health, St Louis University (St. Louis MO)
United Hospital (St. Paul MN)
University of Kansas Hospital System (Kansas City KS)
University Hospital, University of Missouri, (Columbia MO)
Valley Baptist Medical Center (Harlingen TX)

Primary Stroke Centers:
Essentia Health – St. Mary’s Hospital (Duluth MN)
Centra Care, St. Cloud Hospital (St. Cloud MN)

Stroke Rehabilitation Centers:
Allina Health System - Courage Kenny (Golden Valley MN)
Fairview Riverside Hospital (Minneapolis MN)
Miland E. Knapp Rehabilitation Center (Minneapolis MN)

Pediatric Hospitals:
University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital