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

NCT ID NCT04218773

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.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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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.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Yale-New Haven Hospital

    New Haven, Connecticut, 06510, United States