The Effects of Posture on Cerebral Blood Flow Velocity During the Acute Phase of Stroke

After stroke, blood vessels in the brain can become damaged, and the brain's ability to control blood flow can be impaired. The brain therefore may be less able to maintain a healthy level of blood flow during challenges such as changes in posture. Studies have shown that sitting upright early after stroke can cause brain blood flow to reduce. However, no studies have investigated how standing up affects blood flow to the brain. In this study, transcranial Doppler ultrasound will be used to assess how cerebral blood flow velocity changes when acute stroke patients stand up.