Ashlyn Schmitgen
Graduate Trainee, Wake Forest Baptist Health
1 active project
Disparities in Post-Stroke Pain
Scientific Questions Being Studied
Our main research question: Are there racial disparities in the diagnosis of post-stroke pain? We are interested in researching this topic because stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States, accounting for 795,000 strokes annually and causing chronic pain in up to 40% of affected individuals (CDC). While there is longstanding evidence of racial disparities in stroke risk, with Black patients experiencing the highest mortality rate across all racial groups and suffering two times the risk of stroke compared to white patients (CDC), the disparities in stroke outcomes are less well known. In particular, little is known about the racial discrepancies of post-stroke pain. Studying this topic is of critical importance to healthcare providers who manage stroke risk factors and care for patients with post-stroke pain, especially in high prevalence areas such as the Stroke Belt in the southeast United States.
Project Purpose(s)
- Disease Focused Research (Post-Stroke Pain Syndromes)
- Population Health
- Social / Behavioral
Scientific Approaches
In conjunction with a thorough literature review, we will examine existing All of Us data on stroke outcomes, specifically post-stroke neuropathic pain syndromes. For this analysis, inclusion criteria will be racial identity as White or Black/African American, age > 18 y/o, and diagnosis of a post-stroke pain syndrome (e.g., thalamic pain syndrome) within 18 months of stroke diagnosis (e.g., cerebral infarct). Exclusion criteria will be those who identify as a race of age other than those specified in the inclusion criteria (for a focused approach) and those with a non-stroke pain diagnosis in the specified 18 month timeframe. Results from a chi square analysis will be presented in support of further research on this topic and better establishing a post-stroke pain diagnostic approach, including stroke mortality reduction, improved access to stroke treatment and rehabilitation centers, and reduction of racial biases in the healthcare system.
Anticipated Findings
Based on the research methods described above, we hope to better understand and quantify the outcomes that result from known disparities in stroke incidence in the US. We hope that this initial study will spur further investigation into this topic and improve care in all patients who suffer a stroke.
Demographic Categories of Interest
- Race / Ethnicity
- Age
Data Set Used
Registered TierResearch Team
Owner:
- Sarah Garvick - Mid-career Tenured Researcher, Wake Forest Baptist Health
- Ashlyn Schmitgen - Graduate Trainee, Wake Forest Baptist Health
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