Stroke treatment showdown: sedation or anesthesia?

NCT ID NCT03263117

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study looked at 260 people having emergency stroke treatment to remove a clot. Some were given sedation (awake but relaxed) and others were put under general anesthesia (completely asleep). The goal was to see which approach leads to better recovery and fewer complications after 90 days.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

sedation drugs (fentanyl, midazolam, dexmedetomidine, propofol) or general anesthesia

What this could lead to

If it works, this could show that one type of anesthesia during stroke treatment leads to better recovery and less disability.

What could go wrong

This is a completed Phase 4 trial, but results may not apply to all stroke patients or settings. The choice of sedation drugs was not strictly controlled, which could affect outcomes.

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.

ischemic stroke large artery stroke stroke disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Baylor College of Medicine

    Houston, Texas, 77030, United States

  • Geisinger Health

    Danville, Pennsylvania, 17822, United States

  • Henry Ford Health System

    Louisville, Kentucky, 48150, United States

  • Indiana University College of Medicine

    Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202, United States

  • Memorial Hermann Hospital System - Memorial City Medical Center

    Houston, Texas, 77024, United States

  • Memorial Hermann Hospital System - The Woodlands Medical Center

    The Woodlands, Texas, 77380, United States

  • Rochester Regional Health

    Rochester, New York, 14617, United States

  • Temple University

    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19122, United States

  • University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics

    Iowa City, Iowa, 52242, United States

  • University of Texas Health Science Center Houston with Memorial Hermann Hospital System - The Medical Center

    Houston, Texas, 77030, United States

  • Wake Forest Baptist Health

    Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 27157, United States