«This study, carried out using laboratory rats modeling stroke, demonstrated that ischemic stroke — in both its
subacute and chronic stages — damages the BSCB in a variety of ways, creating a toxic environment in the spinal cord that can lead to further disability and exacerbate
disease pathology,» said study lead author Dr. Svitlana Garbuzova - Davis, associate professor in USF's Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair.