Functional brain networks in TIA
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Functional brain networks and their relationship with cognitive function, measured using limited EEG in patients with transient ischaemic attack (TIA)
IRAS ID
208224
Contact name
Nina Kazanina
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
North Bristol NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Transient ischaemic attack (TIA) is an event caused by transient or permanent blockage of a usually minor brain blood vessel, with symptoms lasting less than 24 hours. Cognitive impairment is common in patients with TIA. In some cases this improves, suggesting that TIA itself can cause temporary cognitive impairment. In other cases it does not, and sometimes it deteriorates suggesting an underlying degenerative process. Many people with TIA have underlying damage to nerve pathways due to cerebral “small vessel disease”. Others have evidence of previous stroke unrelated to the TIA.
Small vessel disease is associated with cognitive impairment which can progress to cause “vascular dementia”. Cognitive function is rarely meaningfully assessed in TIA clinics, but this could be an ideal clinical setting in which to identify people at risk of progressive cognitive impairment and provide treatment to reduce further cognitive impairment in this group of people at risk.
The aim of the project is to assess the relationship between neural activity in brain networks and cognitive function in TIA patients within 7 days (but usually within 24-48 hours) of the TIA, using cognitive tests and electro-encephalography (EEG). It will also investigate how these network and cognitive changes relate to brain imaging, both magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT).
It will also evaluate the practicality of measuring limited EEG in a rapid access outpatient clinic setting.REC name
West of Scotland REC 3
REC reference
16/WS/0153
Date of REC Opinion
28 Oct 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion