Stroke remains the fourth leading cause of death in the United States (second worldwide) and
a leading cause of long-term disability, resulting in total direct and indirect costs of
approximately $73.7 billion annually. The failure of novel therapies in clinical trials
demonstrates that the complex neural response to stroke must be targeted at multiple levels
to improve patient outcomes. Despite significant improvements in stroke treatment and
management, 1 year survival rate among stroke patients aged 65 years or more is around 25%,
and 5- year survival rate amounts to approximately 50%. The highest chances of death are
within 30 days of stroke. Mortality increases due to worsening brain dysfunction, elevated
intracranial pressure (ICP), and other comorbid conditions.
Treatments aimed at reducing post-stroke cytotoxic edema may reduce the risk for development
of malignant stroke and mortality. Current treatments such as osmo-therapy and
hemicraniectomy have substantial limitations, and mortality remains high, despite these
measures outcomes remain unsatisfactory. There is a great need for alternative medical
approaches which are safe, predictable, and help to ameliorate post stroke edema.