[FG] Gensicke Henrik

Research Focus

Neurology and Neurorehabilitation

Area of Research

Treatment of acute stroke

Our research focus is on registry studies on the acute treatment of ischaemic stroke with intravenous thrombolysis and/or mechanical thrombectomy. The results of randomised controlled trials on intravenous thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy have revolutionised the acute treatment of stroke. However, the study populations are highly selected patients, so that the safety and efficacy of the therapies for patient groups that do not fulfil the inclusion criteria of those trials remain unclear. Large registry studies with ‘real-world data’ can help to provide important information here. For many years, we have been managing and coordinating two international registries of 20 European stroke centres, which currently include over 20,000 thrombolysed stroke patients (Thrombolysis in Ischemic Stroke Patients - TRISP) and more than 14,000 stroke patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy (Endovascular Treatment and Thrombolysis in Ischemic Stroke Patients - EVA-TRISP). The data from these stroke registries are used to investigate the safety of the acute therapies for a variety of patient groups (advanced age, severe renal impairment, pre-existing disability, etc.). We aim to improve the basis for decisions ‘for’ or ‘against’ acute therapy in these patient groups.

Recovery after stroke - Neurorehabilitation

Another research focus is on enhancement of recovery after a stroke with medications in addition to conventional Neurorehabilitation. In cooperation with another DKF research group (Prof. Stefan Engelter), we are currently investigating the influence of dopamine on motor recovery after stroke.

Furthermore, we are setting up a prospective register for spasticity treatment with botulinum toxin in the early phase after stroke.