Penumbra (medicine) - Research

Research

The first decade of research focused on physiologic profile of the penumbra tissue after stroke, mapping the cerebral blood flow, and quantifying oxygen and glucose consumption to define these areas. The second decade revealed the mechanism of the neuronal cell death. As the Biochemical pathways were dissected penumbral science became a rapidly evolving area of molecular biology. The third decade of penumbral research found a transitional leap as using Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scanning can identify brain tissue with decreased blood flow and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has the ability to detect portions of the ischemic tissue that has not yet died. These images have allowed vision into the brain to see the areas of tissue that may be salvaged, the penumbra. Research has now entered into the fourth decade, which leaves researchers wondering why the penumbra has failed as there has not been a neuroprotectant found. A deeper dissection of the penumbra may be needed to make the huge leap to viable clinical therapies as research still tries to understand the complex response of stroke and the transitional zones between injury and repair.

The penumbral areas have significant functional implications in terms of patients' regaining their motor ability. In order to save these penumbral areas as best as possible, health care professionals will often administer a blood thinner to dissolve the blockages in the affected area that are causing the lack of blood flow. Best efforts should be made to saving penumbral areas, as research has demonstrated that the amount of penumbral tissue saved and spontaneous neurologic recovery are highly related.