RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

BREMISS : Brain Resilience Minor Stroke Study

The BREMISS study, short for Brain Resilience Minor Stroke Study, wants to find out what helps people recover well after a minor stroke. Many people have minor strokes, but their long-term recovery and quality of life can vary a lot, even with similar initial problems. Researchers are gathering information from stroke patients, including optional brain scans and saliva samples, along with answers to questionnaires. By looking at these details soon after a stroke, they hope to build a model that can predict a person's quality of life more than four years later. This could help doctors understand better how minor strokes impact people in the long run and tailor support.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University Hospital, Brest

Enrolment target

1,000

Start

18 Jun 2025

Estimated completion

18 Dec 2028

Stroke Ischemic

What is this study about?

The BREMISS study is looking into why some people bounce back better than others after a minor stroke. Even when strokes seem similar at first, some individuals make a near-full recovery, while others experience ongoing difficulties that affect their daily lives and overall quality of life. This study aims to understand these differences better.

Researchers are collecting information from people who have had a minor stroke. This includes details from their medical records, and for some, taking part in optional brain scans (MRIs) and providing saliva samples. Everyone involved will also be asked to fill out some questionnaires. By carefully examining all this information from the first few weeks after a stroke, scientists hope to develop a way to predict how someone's quality of life might be more than four years down the line.

The main goal is to create a 'predictive model'. This model would help doctors identify early on who might be at higher risk of long-term problems or a reduced quality of life after a minor stroke. This understanding could eventually lead to better, more personalised support and treatments for stroke survivors.

Key takeaways

The study aims to predict long-term quality of life after a minor stroke.
It uses information collected soon after the stroke, including optional scans and samples.
Researchers hope to understand why some people recover better than others.
Participation involves questionnaires and optional MRI scans and saliva samples.
Findings could help improve future care and support for stroke patients.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you must have had a stroke that was recorded in the Brest Stroke Registry and agree to take part by signing a consent form. You also needed to have been followed up by doctors for more than four years after your stroke. Your stroke must have been considered 'minor' at the time, meaning it had a specific score (NIHSS of 5 or less) when you were admitted to hospital.

Additionally, you needed to be between 18 and 74 years old when you had your first stroke, and your health before the stroke should have been generally good, meaning you didn't need much help with daily activities. You must also be able to provide a saliva sample and have an MRI scan if asked.

You wouldn't be able to join if your stroke-like symptoms completely disappeared within an hour and your brain scans were normal. Also, if you don't have social security coverage, are under legal protection, or are unable to sign a consent form, you wouldn't be included. The study also needs to be sure they can keep in touch with you for follow-up.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Did I have a stroke recorded in the Brest Stroke Registry?
Was my first stroke between ages 18 and 74?
Was my stroke considered 'minor' at the start?
Have I been followed by doctors for over four years since my stroke?
Am I able to provide a saliva sample and have an MRI if asked?
Am I able to sign a consent form for research?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you are invited to take part in this study, you would be asked to do a few things. You would need to fill out some questionnaires, which will ask about your health and how you are doing. You might also be asked if you are willing to give a sample of your saliva (spit). This is optional and would be used for genetic research. Additionally, you may be invited to have an MRI scan of your brain, which is also optional.

While the study collects information gathered over several years, your direct participation would involve a limited number of visits or assessments, mainly focused on completing questionnaires, and if you choose, providing the optional samples and scans. The researchers will be looking at existing and new information to understand the long-term effects of minor strokes.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may not offer immediate benefits to you directly, but the information you provide will be very valuable in helping doctors understand and improve care for future stroke patients. The risks associated with participation are generally low. Filling out questionnaires might take some time, and giving a saliva sample is a simple and safe procedure. An MRI scan is also generally safe but involves lying still in a scanner for a period. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

CHU de Brest
Verified postcode
Brest, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a 'minor ischemic stroke'?

An ischemic stroke happens when a blood clot blocks blood flow to part of the brain. A 'minor' one means the initial symptoms were mild.

Why are you looking at quality of life so long after the stroke?

The study wants to see how a minor stroke affects people's lives in the long run, not just immediately after, so doctors can understand long-term impacts.

Do I have to have an MRI scan or give a saliva sample?

No, these parts are optional. You can choose whether or not you wish to participate in these specific parts of the study.

Will I get any results from my own brain scan or saliva sample?

The study aims to use information from many people to understand trends, so individual results are usually not shared with participants directly.

Is this study giving me new treatments?

No, this is an observational study. It means researchers are collecting information to understand stroke recovery better, not testing new medications or treatments.

How to find out more

Serge TIMSIT, Pr

serge.timsit@chu-brest.fr 298147349 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.