Could a blood pressure boost save brain cells during a stroke?

NCT ID NCT04218773

Terminated Disease control Sponsor: Yale University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This pilot study tests whether temporarily raising blood pressure with drugs like phenylephrine or norepinephrine can reduce brain damage in people having a major stroke. About 40 adults with large-vessel blockage strokes will receive the blood pressure boost during standard clot-removal procedures. The main goals are to see if the approach is feasible and safe, not yet to prove it works.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Phenylephrine or Norepinephrine (blood pressure-raising drugs)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a simple way to reduce brain damage during stroke treatment by temporarily boosting blood pressure.
What could go wrong: This is a very early, small pilot study (40 people) that is currently suspended. Raising blood pressure in stroke patients carries risks like bleeding or heart problems, and the approach may not prove safe or effective.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

hypertensive disorder ischemic stroke

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

BLOOD PRESSURE ISCHEMIC STROKE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Yale-New Haven Hospital

New Haven, Connecticut, 06510, United States

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