The American Heart Association has awarded 11 exceptional scientists in stroke and brain health, including Bruce Ovbiagele, Pooja Khatri, and Raghu Vemuganti, for their groundbreaking research findings and contributions to the field. The recipients will be recognized at the International Stroke Conference 2026.
A blind patient partially recovered natural vision through electrical stimulation of the visual cortex, independent of the implant. The recovery was sustained over time and remained even after the device was removed, suggesting individual factors may have contributed to this outcome.
A new study by McGill University researchers offers a potential solution for infant hydrocephalus, a life-threatening condition that affects 1 in 1,000 newborns. RNA therapy has been shown to prevent the condition in mice models, with a promising impact on treating genetically caused hydrocephalus.
Researchers examined post-stroke symptoms and found patients with walking difficulties are more likely to be disabled, while those with numbness are less likely. The study also identified 'silent' swallowing problems after stroke, where survivors may not report any symptoms but still have real difficulty protecting their airway.
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A study found that women who have had an ischemic stroke are at a higher risk of having another stroke during pregnancy and in the six weeks after childbirth. This increased risk is not influenced by other risk factors, emphasizing the need for targeted preventive efforts.
A preliminary study found that monitoring driving behavior may help identify older adults at higher risk for unsafe driving, loss of independence, and subtle cognitive problems. People taking ACE inhibitors tend to maintain safer driving habits even with brain scans showing damage.
A new smartwatch app called SocialBit measures social interactions of hospitalized stroke survivors, potentially preserving cognition, social engagement, and quality of life. The app distinguishes between hospital personnel and non-hospital interactions, identifying potential cases of social isolation.
A type of electromagnetic therapy combined with physical therapy significantly reduced overall disability in stroke survivors. Researchers found that this therapy stimulated specific brain pathways and improved functional recovery for patients after stroke.
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A preliminary study suggests that people with a type of aneurysm and cervical artery dissection do not have an increased risk of stroke within the first six months after diagnosis. This finding provides important information to help healthcare professionals better monitor and manage patients during this critical period.
A study analyzing hospital registry data found that people taking multiple antiplatelet medications after a brain bleed were more likely to die before leaving the hospital. The researchers compared patients with no antiplatelet therapy to those taking one or two antiplatelet medications, finding a higher risk of death in the latter group.
A study found that cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) significantly increases the risk of developing dementia within 5 years, even more than stroke. Researchers analyzed Medicare data from over 1.9 million adults and found that CAA greatly increased dementia risk, regardless of whether patients had a stroke or not.
A new risk calculator estimates the likelihood of adults developing dementia within ten years after a stroke. Researchers created a tool that stratifies people into five different levels of dementia risk based on underlying health and stroke characteristics.
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A preliminary study found that stroke survivors who felt less able to openly share their feelings had slower physical and cognitive recovery. Researchers assessed participants' perception of social constraints at 3 months after their stroke, revealing a link between social constraint and overall disability.
A new study reveals how Parkinson's spreads from the gut to the brain via immune cells, identifying a key role for gut macrophages in transporting toxic proteins. Reducing these cells can slow disease progression and improve motor symptoms in mice.
A large international study found that patients with long COVID-19 in the US report higher rates of brain fog, depression, and cognitive symptoms compared to those in India and Nigeria. The study suggests that lower stigma and greater access to neurological and mental health care may contribute to these differences.
Virginia Tech researchers identified a malformed area in the corpus callosum and pattern of bad connections that may help doctors diagnose Leigh syndrome earlier. The study found that developmental defects can be seen before symptoms appear, suggesting potential for earlier intervention.
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Cancer cells tap into the nervous system's power grid by forming synaptic contacts with nerve cells, promoting tumor growth and spread. Venkataramani's research aims to repurpose the drug perampanel for glioblastoma treatment and develop gene therapy approaches to disconnect tumors from the nervous system.
A new study discovered two previously unidentified fat distribution types associated with extensive gray matter atrophy and accelerated brain aging in men and women. Individuals with 'pancreatic-predominant' and 'skinny fat' profiles showed increased risk of neurological diseases, cognitive decline, and brain health issues.
Researchers used MRI analysis to measure glymphatic system activity, finding changes related to IIH stage and pressure levels. The findings suggest a noninvasive test could diagnose IIH more reliably, improving treatment options for patients with symptoms including headaches and vision loss.
A quarter of pregnant patients suffering stroke symptoms were misdiagnosed due to overlooked warning signs, according to a new study. The researchers highlight the need for better clinician education and decision-support tools to improve maternal health outcomes.
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A 82-year-old woman was treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy for severe carbon monoxide poisoning after conventional oxygen therapy failed to produce significant improvement. The patient demonstrated considerable neurological recovery and full communication abilities after a single session of HBOT.
A study finds that nearly half of newborns with severe spina bifida experience breathing problems during sleep, which can be detected through comprehensive sleep studies. Early treatment may significantly improve cognitive development in these high-risk infants.
The American Heart Association is hosting multiple pre-conference symposia at the International Stroke Conference in New Orleans, February 4-6, 2026. These symposia cover topics such as state-of-the-science stroke nursing, brain health, and addressing disparities in stroke care. The events are designed to advance stroke and brain healt...
A recent study published in The Lancet Neurology found that patients with acute ischemic stroke who experience prolonged transfer times are more likely to leave the hospital with significant disability. The study of over 20,000 patients highlighted the need for shorter transfer times to improve patient outcomes.
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A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that women who experienced an ischemic stroke during pregnancy or postpartum were at a higher risk of cardiovascular events and depression. The study also showed lower employment rates among these women compared to those without a stroke.
The number of heart disease and stroke deaths in the US has declined, but these conditions still account for over a quarter of all deaths. The latest data from the American Heart Association shows that fewer people are dying from any cause, with death rates improving, but cardiovascular disease remains a major concern.
A case-control study found that even low-level air pollution in Sweden may increase the risk of developing motor neuron disease. Long-term exposure was also associated with poorer disease prognosis after diagnosis.
A Swedish study published in JAMA Neurology found that prolonged air pollution exposure is associated with a higher risk of developing motor neuron disease, including ALS. Long-term exposure to even low levels of air pollutants was linked to faster disease progression and increased mortality rates.
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The study reveals cerebrovascular disease as the third leading cause of death among adults in China, with a higher risk among men and those residing in northern regions. Dementia and Parkinson's disease also show high prevalence rates, while unique demographic patterns are observed for other neurological disorders.
Adults with asthma who experience depressive symptoms have elevated blood levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein typically reduced in major depressive disorder. Physical activity may also play a role in depression management, as lower activity levels are linked to worse moods.
A new blood biomarker, brain-derived tau (BD-tau), tracks the extent of brain injury after ischemic stroke over time. It also predicts patient outcomes months to years later and detects differences associated with successful vessel reopening. BD-tau has potential applications for other neurological conditions.
JMIR Publications' JMIR Neurotechnology journal now accepts submissions on novel technological advances for neurological disorders. Researchers can submit review articles exploring emerging technologies, such as neurofeedback, neurosurgery, and brain-machine interfaces.
A new UCLA study finds that the Patient Safety Indicator 04 (PSI 04) metric is fundamentally flawed when applied to emergency stroke care. The researchers argue that the metric incorrectly flags unavoidable complications of severe strokes, rather than problems with the procedure itself.
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A new approach to assessing patients with disorders of consciousness combines six assessment techniques, including high-density EEG and functional MRI. The study reveals that combining data from multiple techniques significantly improves model performance and provides a synthetic and precise assessment of patient outcomes.
New research reveals that the immune system has a potent weapon against the brain parasite Toxoplasma gondii: an enzyme called caspase-8. This discovery offers new insights into how our bodies control the parasite and may lead to better treatments for patients with compromised immune systems.
A Northwestern University study found an injectable regenerative nanomaterial helps protect the brain during a vulnerable window after most common type of stroke. The therapy successfully crossed the blood-brain barrier and reduced brain damage, showing no signs of side effects.
Researchers at the University of Illinois discovered that propofol, a common anesthetic agent, can improve cognitive function after surgery in older individuals. Additionally, intranasal insulin was found to mitigate age-related memory impairment by modulating neuroinflammatory mechanisms.
A study published in the Journal of Proteome Research found that acute systemic inflammation causes region-specific metabolic disruption in the cerebrum, impairing neuronal metabolism. Key findings include reduced NAA levels and elevated urea accumulation, suggesting a link between inflammation and neurodegenerative disorders.
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Trigeminal neuralgia is a debilitating condition causing sudden, severe electric shock-like pain in the face. University Hospitals has successfully treated two initial patients with the OneRF Trigeminal Nerve Ablation System, providing complete pain relief without complications. The minimally-invasive procedure uses radiofrequency ener...
A recent study found that female participants experienced slightly worse recovery from ischemic stroke compared to male participants. The study analyzed data from 1,046 people who experienced their first stroke and tracked their recovery over three, six, and 12 months. Female participants showed poorer recovery in daily tasks such as e...
A new study published in Neurology found an association between high-fat dairy products and a reduced risk of dementia. Researchers analyzed data from 27,670 people in Sweden and found that those who ate more high-fat cheese had a 13% lower risk of developing dementia.
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Researchers investigated a combination of stem cell therapy and BDNF enhancement to treat Parkinson's disease. The strategy aims to promote neuroregeneration and functional recovery by introducing progenitor cells genetically matched to the donors, while upregulating BDNF to mitigate neuronal loss and enhance motor function.
A study highlights how social media is transforming neurosurgical education, collaboration, and case consultations globally. Platforms like Neurosurgery Cocktail have democratized neurosurgical knowledge, supporting high-level discourse among experts.
The American Academy of Neurology has issued a new guideline for the management of functional seizures, which are episodes that can look or feel like epilepsy or fainting. The guideline recommends psychological interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy to increase the likelihood of achieving freedom from functional seizures.
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NEJM Clinician curates highly relevant clinical insights from over 150 peer-reviewed journals to give physicians clear guidance without the noise. The weekly publication delivers summaries and commentary in a concise, 30-minute read, helping healthcare providers stay informed and confident in their decisions.
A new study found that maternal psychological distress experienced at 1 year postpartum has a stronger association with neurodevelopmental delay in toddlers compared to prenatal distress. The researchers also discovered that experiencing distress during both pregnancy and postpartum periods further amplifies the risk of delays.
The EBRAINS Summit 2025 will bring together experts to assess how neuroscience can drive medical progress, digital innovation, and responsible data use. Preliminary results from the EPINOV clinical trial, integrating virtual brain technology for epilepsy surgery planning, will be presented.
Researchers developed a new tool, Fear Avoidance after Concussion Tool (FACT), to assess fear avoidance behavior following a concussion. The 28-item questionnaire can be completed in five minutes, enabling targeted management for individuals at risk of persisting post-concussion symptoms.
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A recent study found that the protein TDP43 regulates genes responsible for fixing DNA mistakes, which can lead to cancer when overactive. The discovery could lead to new treatments by controlling overactive DNA repair, offering a therapeutic strategy for diseases such as ALS and dementia.
A new review emphasizes the importance of smell health, highlighting its role in nutrition, cognitive function, and psychological resilience. Researchers call for a global campaign to promote smell health through education, awareness, and targeted public health policies.
Researchers at the University of Plymouth have successfully used transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) to change the function of a deep region of the human brain, specifically the nucleus accumbens. This tiny element is triggered by enjoyable experiences and helps us learn behaviours that lead to rewards.
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A study published in Neurology found that using GPS driving data can predict cognitive decline in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Participants who developed cognitive issues had greater reductions in driving frequency and variety over time.
The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) has opened press registration for the 78th Annual Meeting, taking place April 18-22 in Chicago and live online. The event will feature over 3,500 abstracts covering 25 neurology topics, as well as late-breaking research and educational courses.
Researchers found that higher muscle mass combined with a lower visceral fat to muscle ratio tracks with a younger brain age. Building muscle and reducing visceral fat are actionable goals for improving brain health. The study used whole-body MRI and AI algorithms to quantify muscle volume, fat tissue, and brain age.
Researchers aim to strengthen and retrain swallowing function in people with early Parkinson's disease using a novel treatment program. The three-year study will test the effectiveness of SwallowFIT on swallowing difficulties, aspiration rates and nutritional status.
A cross-sectional study found that US population faces significant challenges with nervous system disorders, impacting 180.3 million people, mainly due to stroke, Alzheimer's disease, diabetic neuropathy, and migraine conditions.
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Researchers at UCSF found distinctive brain patterns in children with sensory processing disorder, which could help clinicians refine treatments for tantrums and emotional volatility. The study suggests that over-responsive children's brains dial up inward-focused networks to gain self-control.
A new report warns that AI can worsen health disparities in brain disease diagnoses if proper safeguards are not implemented. Researchers call for diverse perspectives, AI education, and strong governance to ensure equitable implementation.
A new study shows a significant increase in the use of computed tomography (CT) scans of the head in emergency departments across the US from 2007 to 2022. The study found that Black people were 10% less likely to receive a head CT scan than white people, and those on Medicaid insurance were 18% less likely.
A novel study aims to uncover the connections between Fanconi Anemia and nervous system development, as well as nervous system decline. Researchers use C. elegans worms with FA gene mutations to track neural cell damage and behavior changes.