Cortical spreading depolarizations in stroke: Mechanisms, neuroprotective interventions, and monitoring techniques
Cortical spreading depolarization (CSD) is a pathophysiological event critically implicated in ischemic stroke and other brain disorders. It consists of slowly propagating waves of massive neuronal and glial depolarization in cerebral gray matter, accompanied by spreading depression of cortical activity. CSD disrupts ion homeostasis, alters cerebral blood flow, and contributes to neuronal death in vulnerable tissue. This comprehensive review summarizes both classic and recent studies on CSD mechanisms and their role in brain damage progression after stroke. We also review potential neuroprotective strategies to mitigate CSD-induced damage and discuss available technologies for detecting CSD. Advancing our understanding of CSD mechanisms, combined with targeted neuroprotective strategies and improved monitoring techniques, holds promise for reducing stroke-related brain injury and guiding personalized recovery approaches.
Authors
- Clara Penas (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0554-3832)
- Xavi Illa (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3212-1128)
- Anton Guimerà‐Brunet (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1768-3293)
- Francesc Jiménez‐Altayó (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9034-2041)
- Eduard Masvidal‐Codina (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9579-8603)
- Xavier Navarro (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9849-902X)
- Andrea Díaz-Pérez
- Nerea Alvarez de Eulate
Institutions
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (ES)
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ES)
- Biomedical Research Networking Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (ES)
- Red de Investigación en Sida (ES)
- Institut Català de Nanociència i Nanotecnologia (ES)
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (ES)
- Red de Investigación en Actividades Preventivas y Promoción de la Salud (ES)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (ES)
- Institute of Research and Innovation Parc Tauli (ES)
- Institut de Microelectrònica de Barcelona (ES)
Publication Details
- Journal
- GeroScience
- Published
- 2025-11-26
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1007/s11357-025-01988-w
- Primary Topic
- Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology Research
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades
- European Commission
- Generalitat de Catalunya
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas
- HORIZON EUROPE Framework Programme
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III
- Agencia Estatal de Investigación