Imaging and Serological Biomarkers of Autonomic Dysfunction After Ischemic Stroke

Inclusion criteria

• Diagnosis of either

• acute ischemic stroke with either an ischemic lesion visible on CT/MRI or persistent focal deficits 24 hours after symptom onset, or
• Transient ischemic attack with transient clinical deficits including motor or speech disturbance and not restricted to isolated vertigo/dizziness, visual disturbance, or sensory disturbance.
• symptom onset within 72h prior to hospital admission,
• a pre-stroke/TIA ability to walk without help from another person (modified Rankin scale score < 4),
• age > 18 years, and
• informed consent by either the patient or a legal representative (including a spouse)

Exclusion criteria

• In-hospital stroke,
• contraindications to MR imaging (e.g., claustrophobia, pregnancy, pacemakers, implants),
• known moderate to severe dementia,
• previous structural brain damage (except leukoariosis due to cerebral small vessel disease),
• hemodynamically relevant stenosis of the common or internal carotid artery, or
• left heart failure with estimated left ventricular ejection fraction < 50%,
• concomitant systemic illness that can lead to dysautonomia, such as an active infection, thyroid disease, or neurodegenerative disorder (e.g. PD, MSA).