Standardised stroke risk assessment for patients with migrainous symptoms reviewed as suspected TIA (transient ischemic attack)

ISRCTN ISRCTN16775533
DOI https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN16775533
IRAS number 318870
Secondary identifying numbers CPMS 53619
Submission date
20/10/2024
Registration date
13/11/2024
Last edited
13/11/2024
Recruitment status
Recruiting
Overall study status
Ongoing
Condition category
Nervous System Diseases
Prospectively registered
Protocol
Statistical analysis plan
Results
Individual participant data
Record updated in last year

Plain English Summary

Background and study aims
Transient ischemic attack (TIA), also known as a mini-stroke, is a common event during which people briefly experience stroke symptoms including loss of movement, sensation, speech and vision. There is a risk of permanent stroke during the next 90 days which can be reduced by urgent medical treatment. However, being certain of the diagnosis is challenging because other conditions can produce identical symptoms. The commonest condition which can produce the same symptoms is migraine, and people suffering migraine are not at high risk of stroke. Tests have a limited role in differentiation between TIA and migraine and uncertainty about the correct diagnosis can lead to missed opportunities to prevent stroke if TIA is not recognised, and overtreatment of people with migraine.

This research study aims to develop an assessment which will help clinicians predict the risk of stroke when reviewing patients presenting with symptoms which could be caused by both TIA and migraine.

Who can participate?
Adults (aged 40 years and over) who present with symptoms which could be caused by both TIA and migraine.

What does the study involve?
Clinical information will be collected from people who agree to take part. This will include presenting symptoms, investigations and treatments, and what happens to health over the next 90 days. This information will be analysed mathematically to develop the stroke risk assessment.

What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
There are no direct benefits to individuals who take part in the study, but it is hoped that care for future patients will be improved as a result of this research.

Where is the study run from?
Newcastle University (UK)

When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
August 2024 to July 2027

Who is funding the study?
NIHR Research for Patient Benefit Programme (UK)

Who is the main contact?
Jemma Isaac, jemma.isaac@newcastle.ac.uk

Contact information

Dr Lisa Shaw
Public, Scientific

Newcastle University
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE2 4HH
United Kingdom

Email lisa.shaw@newcastle.ac.uk
Prof Chris Price
Public, Principal Investigator

Newcastle University
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE2 4HH
United Kingdom

Email c.i.m.price@newcastle.ac.uk

Study information

Study designObservational cohort study
Primary study designObservational
Secondary study designCohort study
Study setting(s)Hospital
Study typeOther
Participant information sheet Not available in web format. Please use contact details to request a participant information sheet
Scientific titleStandardised stroke risk assessment for patients with MigrAinous symptoms Reviewed as suspected TIA
Study acronymSMART
Study hypothesisThe aim of the study is to define the risk of stroke for people with migrainous symptoms reviewed as suspected transient ischemic attack (TIA) and develop a stroke risk assessment tool that could promote standardisation of care.
Ethics approval(s)

Approved 11/09/2024, London - Stanmore Research Ethics Committee (2nd Floor, 2 Redman Place, Stratford, London, E20 1JQ, United Kingdom; +44 207 1048258; stanmore.rec@hra.nhs.uk), ref: 24/PR/0977

ConditionSuspected TIA or migraine.
InterventionThis research project is an observational cohort study involving patients with symptoms which could be caused by both TIA and migraine. At study entry, data will be collected about presenting symptoms, investigations and treatments. After 90 days, data will be collected about further episodes of migraine or TIA, and whether a stroke has occurred.
Intervention typeOther
Primary outcome measureStroke occurrence determined from medical record information and independent adjudication at 90 days
Secondary outcome measuresClinical features, investigations and treatments determined from medical record information at baseline
Overall study start date01/08/2024
Overall study end date31/07/2027

Eligibility

Participant type(s)Patient
Age groupAdult
Lower age limit40 Years
SexBoth
Target number of participants2709
Participant inclusion criteria1. Adults with migrainous symptoms reviewed as suspected TIA by a TIA/stroke service
2. Initial review conducted within 1 week of last symptoms
3. Following initial review, a specialist clinician symptom-based diagnosis is either possible migraine or possible TIA with migrainous symptoms
4. At least 40 years old
5. Able to provide informed research consent
Participant exclusion criteria1. Suspected/confirmed TIA without any migrainous features
2. Clear alternative diagnoses after initial review (e.g., seizures)
3. Previous stroke
4. Referral already made or planned for surgical intervention to prevent stroke (e.g., carotid endarterectomy or atrial septal defect closure)
5. Currently under secondary care review for the same neurological symptoms
6. Cognitive difficulties preventing consent and/or description of subjective symptoms
7. Life expectancy < 90 days
8. Study day 90 follow-up is not possible (e.g., resident outside of the service boundary)
Recruitment start date18/11/2024
Recruitment end date30/11/2026

Locations

Countries of recruitment

  • England
  • United Kingdom

Study participating centre

Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
North Tyneside General Hospital
Rake Lane
North Shields
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE29 8NH
United Kingdom

Sponsor information

Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Hospital/treatment centre

North Tyneside General Hospital
Rake Lane
North Shields
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE29 8NH
England
United Kingdom

Email peta.heslop@northumbria-healthcare.nhs.uk
Website https://www.northumbria.nhs.uk/
ROR logo "ROR" https://ror.org/01gfeyd95

Funders

Funder type

Government

Research for Patient Benefit Programme
Government organisation / National government
Alternative name(s)
NIHR Research for Patient Benefit Programme, RfPB
Location
United Kingdom

Results and Publications

Intention to publish date01/12/2027
Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to shareNo
IPD sharing plan summaryData sharing statement to be made available at a later date
Publication and dissemination planPlanned publication in a high-impact peer-reviewed journal
IPD sharing planThe data-sharing plans for the current study are unknown and will be made available at a later date

Editorial Notes

21/10/2024: Trial's existence confirmed by NHS Research Ethics Proportional Review Committee (London-Stanmore)