The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between gut microbiome (bacteria in the gut), inflammation and the injured brain. It has been established that bacteria in the gut play key roles in digestion, nutrition absorption and immune response of the entire body. Human intestinal bacteria composition in the gut has been associated with several stroke risk factors including obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes and hypertension. If we can establish a relationship between gastrointestinal microbial community composition and ischemic stroke outcomes could lead to dietary interventions in the future to improve recovery after a stroke.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Men and women at least 18 years of age.
2. Willing and able to attend all study visits.
3. English speaking.
4. Must have had a stroke that occurred within 48 hours of admission to the Stroke Unit as determined by a neurologist.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. History of inflammatory bowel disease.
2. Receiving antibiotics within 30 days of entry into the study.
3. History of institutionalization for mental illness within the last year.
4. Unable to consent and does not have a surrogate available to consent on their behalf.

Community probability sample of adults who have suffered an ischemic stroke within 48 hours of admission to UVA