Computational Models of Neurological DisorderComputer modeling of ischemic stroke

- Ischemic stroke pathology is spatially and temporally multiscale.
- Animal models of neuroprotection have failed to translate to clinical practice.
- Multiscale modeling can help bridge the gap between animal models and patients.
- Multiscale computational modeling will assist with in silico drug development.

The occlusion of a blood vessel in the brain causes an ischemic stroke. Current treatment relies on restoration of blood flow within 3 hours. Substantial research has focused on neuroprotection to spare compromised neural tissue and extend the treatment time window. Despite success with animal models and extensive associated clinical testing, there are still no therapies of this kind. Ischemic stroke is fundamentally a multiscale phenomenon where a cascade of changes triggered by loss of blood flow involve processes at spatial scales from molecular to centimeters with damage occurring in milliseconds to days and recovery into years. Multiscale computational modeling is a technique to assist understanding of the many agents involved in these multitudinous interacting pathways to provide clues for in silico development of multi-target polypharmacy drug cocktails.