What You Need To Know
Physicians and students from the Neuroscience Institute recently represented Hackensack Meridian Health at the International Stroke Conference 2026 and the National Academy of Neuropsychology (NAN) Annual Conference.
Highlights include:
- Improving Prediction of Recurrent Stroke Risk: One presentation focused on a study of over 2,000 patients to better identify individuals at high risk for a second stroke. The research demonstrated that specific imaging biomarkers showing poor blood flow in the brain are strong predictors of a recurrent stroke within 90 days, suggesting that advanced imaging can guide targeted, preventative therapies.
- A Modern Framework for Stroke Diagnosis: Another presentation introduced ISPS25, a new, comprehensive diagnostic system aimed at reducing the number of strokes classified as having an "undetermined source." This modern checklist encourages the use of advanced technologies to help clinicians pinpoint a more precise cause, enabling more effective and personalized strategies for secondary prevention.
- Shaping the New National Standard for Stroke Care: A third presentation detailed the latest comprehensive guidelines from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association for acute ischemic stroke care. These updated guidelines incorporate recent research to offer new recommendations on clot-busting drugs, patient selection for clot removal procedures, and the management of post-stroke complications, including a new dedicated section on pediatric stroke.