Category Archives: Neurology

Newswise — Dr. Jeffrey L. Saver, professor of neurology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and director of the UCLA Stroke Center, received the William Feinberg Award for Excellence in Clinical Stroke at the American Stroke Association’s 2012 International Stroke Conference in New Orleans on Feb. 2.

The Feinberg Award recognizes a Stroke Council Fellow actively involved in patient-based research who has made significant contributions to clinical stroke research.

Saver, a stroke physician and scientist for nearly 20 years, has been a principal investigator or co-investigator in numerous national and international trials spanning a spectrum of stroke care.

He has made many pioneering contributions including advancing the pre-hospital identification and treatment of stroke; modernizing the definition of transient ischemic attack; developing methods to analyze the whole range of post-stroke deficits in clinical trials; showing that rapid restoration of blood flow can reverse acute stroke brain injury; and developing clot retrieval devices to reopen blocked cerebral arteries in acute stroke.

Saver’s masterwork may be as the principal investigator of National Institute of Health FAST-MAG trial in which paramedics are giving potentially brain protective magnesium to patients within the first minutes after stroke onset.

In addition, Saver has trained more than 20 neurology fellows and created the UCLA Visiting Scholars Program for international vascular neuroscientists to perform clinical research within the UCLA Stroke Center.

Saver has been an active member of the American Heart Association’s Stroke Council, serving on executive and planning committees and guideline and statement writing groups. He has been an editor for more than 10 journals and currently serves on numerous journal editorial boards.

The UCLA Stroke Center, recognized as one of the world's leading centers for the management of cerebral vascular disease, treats simple and complex vascular disorders by incorporating recent developments in emergency medicine, stroke neurology, microneurosurgery, interventional neuroradiology, stereotactic radiology, neurointensive care, neuroanesthesiology and rehabilitation neurology. The program is unique in its ability to integrate clinical and research activities across multiple disciplines and departments. Founded in 1994, the UCLA Stroke Center is designated as a certified Primary Stroke Center by the national Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations.

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UCLA Stroke Researcher Honored by American Stroke Association

30-01-2012 11:05 University of Colorado School of Medicine Neurology Grand Rounds 12.7.2011

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CU School of Medicine Neurology Grand Rounds 12.7.2011 - Video

26-01-2012 22:47

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Connecticut Tutorials Examination Neurology - Video

NEW YORK & PETACH TIKVAH, Israel--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Inc. (OTCBB: BCLI.OB - News), a leading developer of adult stem cell technologies and therapeutics, announced today that the prestigious Experimental Neurology Journal, published an article indicating that preclinical studies using cells that underwent treatment with Brainstorm’s NurOwn™ technology show promise in an animal model of Huntington’s disease. The article was published by leading scientists including Professor Melamed and Professor Offen of the Tel Aviv University.

In these studies, bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells secreting neurotrophic factors (MSC-NTF), from patients with Huntington’s disease, were transplanted into the animal model of this disease and showed therapeutic improvement.

“The findings from this study demonstrate that stem cells derived from patients with a neurodegenerative disease, which are processed using BrainStorm’s NurOwn™ technology, may alleviate neurotoxic signs, in a similar way to cells derived from healthy donors. This is an important development for the company, as it confirms that autologous transplantation may be beneficial for such additional therapeutic indications,” said Dr. Adrian Harel, BrainStorm’s CEO.

"These findings provide support once again that BrainStorm’s MSC-NTF secreting cells have the potential to become a platform that in the future will provide treatment for various neuro-degenerative diseases," says Chaim Lebovits, President of BrainStorm. "This study follows previously published pre-clinical studies that demonstrated improvement in animal models of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and neural damage such as optic nerve transection and sciatic nerve injury. Therefore, BrainStorm will consider focusing on a new indication in the near future, in addition to the ongoing Clinical Trials in ALS.”

BrainStrom is currently conducting a Phase I/II Human Clinical Trial for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease at the Hadassah Medical center. Initial results from the clinical trial (which is designed mainly to test the safety of the treatment), that were announced last week, have shown that the Brainstorm’s NurOwn™ therapy is safe and does not show any significant treatment-related adverse events and have also shown certain signs of beneficial clinical effects.

To read the Article entitled ‘Mesenchymal stem cells induced to secrete neurotrophic factors attenuate quinolinic acid toxicity: A potential therapy for Huntington's disease’ by Sadan et al. please go to:

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0014488612000295

About BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics, Inc.

BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Inc. is a biotech company developing adult stem cell therapeutic products, derived from autologous (self) bone marrow cells, for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. The company, through its wholly owned subsidiary Brainstorm Cell Therapeutics Ltd., holds rights to develop and commercialize the technology through an exclusive, worldwide licensing agreement with Ramot at Tel Aviv University Ltd., the technology transfer company of Tel-Aviv University. The technology is currently in a Phase I/II clinical trials for ALS in Israel.

Safe Harbor Statement

Statements in this announcement other than historical data and information constitute "forward-looking statements" and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Inc.'s actual results to differ materially from those stated or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, inter alia, regarding safety and efficacy in its human clinical trials and thereafter; the Company's ability to progress any product candidates in pre-clinical or clinical trials; the scope, rate and progress of its pre-clinical trials and other research and development activities; the scope, rate and progress of clinical trials we commence; clinical trial results; safety and efficacy of the product even if the data from pre-clinical or clinical trials is positive; uncertainties relating to clinical trials; risks relating to the commercialization, if any, of our proposed product candidates; dependence on the efforts of third parties; failure by us to secure and maintain relationships with collaborators; dependence on intellectual property; competition for clinical resources and patient enrollment from drug candidates in development by other companies with greater resources and visibility, and risks that we may lack the financial resources and access to capital to fund our operations. The potential risks and uncertainties include risks associated with BrainStorm's limited operating history, history of losses; minimal working capital, dependence on its license to Ramot's technology; ability to adequately protect its technology; dependence on key executives and on its scientific consultants; ability to obtain required regulatory approvals; and other factors detailed in BrainStorm's annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q available at http://www.sec.gov. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements made by us.

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Experimental Neurology Journal: BrainStorm's NurOwn™ Stem Cell Technology Shows Promise for Treating Huntington's ...

Lexington Clinic is notifying 1,018 patients of a privacy breach involving a stolen laptop containing patients' names, contact information, and diagnoses.

Someone stole the laptop from Lexington Clinic's Neurology Department located in the St. Joseph Office Park at 1401 Harrodsburg Road on December 7. All of the patients affected were receiving services within the neurology department.

According to a release from Lexington Clinic, the stolen laptop did not contain the personal financial information of patients, such as Social Security Numbers, credit card numbers and bank account numbers.

The company says it immediately notified law enforcement authorities once it learned of the theft, and all door locks to the neurology department were changed. Lexington Clinic is actively working with the St. Joseph security officials to further assess security of offices located in the St. Joseph Office Park.

Lexington Clinic is notifying, by letter, all patients who may be affected by this theft. If you have been or currently are a patient of the Lexington Clinic Neurology Department, and you did not receive a letter regarding this incident, your information was not included on the stolen laptop. There is no evidence thus far that any patient information has been misused, however, Lexington Clinic advises patients to follow the steps recommended by the Federal Trade Commission to prevent misuse of personal information:

Lexington Clinic advises patients to stay alert for signs of identity theft, such as accounts they didn't open and debts on their accounts that they can't explain; fraudulent or inaccurate information on credit reports, including accounts and personal information, such as your Social Security number, address(es), name or initials and employers; failing to receive bills or other mail; receiving credit cards that you didn't apply for; being denied credit, or being offered less favorable credit terms, like a high interest rate, for no apparent reason; and getting calls or letters from debt collectors or businesses about merchandise or services you didn't buy.

For additional information Lexington Clinic patients are encouraged to call toll-free at 1 (877) 851-2562. Local patients may call (859) 258-5888.

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Lexington Clinic warns patients of stolen laptop with medical information

SALISBURY -- You don't have to be a brain surgeon to figure out that Chelsea Simon is an exemplary student.

Planning to go into neurology, the James M. Bennett High School senior said she was inspired to enter the field after taking an Advanced Placement psychology course. Having also been laid up in the hospital early last fall with what turned out to be dehydration, she said her interest in medicine was also boosted by that experience.

Describing herself as a "people person," Simon had previously considered becoming a lawyer.

"The neuroscience unit in my psychology course was just so compelling," she said, noting there was an overlap in the interests. "I love being around people and seeing what goes into the way they think."

Recognized by her teachers for her dedication, her AP English teacher Kathryn Wilde was impressed with the way Simon maintained high grades in her classes while in the hospital.

"She's strong athletically and academically," Wilde said. "She is the kind of student that one marks 'exceeds expectations' for on reference forms."

Remarking on her work in her class, Wilde said Simon "loves to write and has a strong voice; she likes to push herself to be creative."

Simon, a strong field hockey player, had considered trying out for a varsity team in college. But with her plans to attend a large Division I school, she said it would likely take too much time away from studies.

Also a competitive cheerleader when she was younger, she currently serves as one of the dance captains for JMB's legendary "Rock 'n' Roll Revival" musical shows.

Frequently practicing with other dancers after school, she said she usually only has time when she gets home to finish her homework and get to bed.

She is taking five AP classes this year alone and she said she has gotten used to her busy schedule. She thinks she can handle the rigor of medical school if she decides to stick with that plan.

As vice president of the senior class, among several other school leadership positions, she said listening, communication and being able to help people are important parts of life for her.

ABOUT CHELSEA SIMON

School: James M. Bennett High School

School related activities: VP of class, Grades 11-12; SGA, Grades 9-12; president of National Honor Society, Grade 12; National Honor Society, Grades 10-12; Mu Alpha Theta, Grade 12; French Honor Society, Grades 11-12; varsity field hockey, Grades 9-12, captain, Grades 11-12; Mock Trial Grades 10-11; Rock 'n' Roll Revival, Grades 9-12, dance captain, Grades 11-12; Environmental Club, Grades 11-12; French Club, Grades 9-12.

Community-based activities: Appalachia Service Project, volunteer coach for Salisbury Middle School field hockey team

Personal achievements: Futures Field Hockey; senior ambassador for Sanders Photography; Minds in Motion Scholar Athlete Award, Grades 9-12; James M. Bennett nominee for the Jefferson Scholarship for the University of Virginia; Academic Letter; Lamp of Knowledge; National Young Leaders Scholar Nominee; Circuit Champion for the 2011 Maryland State Bar Association High School Mock Trial; Honorable Mention for Bayside Hockey, Grade 11; Second Team All Bayside Hockey, Grade 12; Senior All-Star Game, Grade 12.

If you could choose your age, what would it be? I think I would be the age I am now. I am at the point where I know who I am and what I want to do. I have great friends and family support. I enjoy my classes and activities. Life is seemingly perfect.

What is your greatest fear? My greatest fear is failure. I strive to always do my best and achieve my goals no matter the circumstance. I know who I want to be and where I want to go, thus I couldn't imagine not reaching my goals. I don't think this is something I should particularly concern myself with because I don't give up. I would just be innovative and find a new way to reach my goals.

If you had $10,000 to donate to a charity, which one would you give it to? Why? If I had $10,000 I would first set aside money for college. College is extremely expensive and proves to be such a financial burden. I would then donate money toward the organizations who create feel-good bags for children in the hospital. I experienced being cooped up in a hospital bed, wondering when I would be normal again. One day I was given a feel-good bag. Since I was still underage, I was admitted to the pediatric floor. The bag contained notebooks, crayons, a teddy bear, and a blanket. I couldn't possibly imagine what life would be like for those kids who experience hospital life frequently. I know for me, I was scared and lonely, thus I would love to give a child something to comfort them. Comfort and happiness honestly does help the situation improve and I would love to help donate to such a fantastic cause.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? Who gave it to you? The best advice I was given was actually expressed to me recently by one of my friends. The friend told me to simply do what I want to do. I am one of those people who always analyze situations and I recently realized that all that does is create unnecessary stress and worry. If I would simply just do what I want and not think too far into things, I could just sit back and enjoy life day by day. Life is too short for stress.

How do you know when someone is a true friend? I would say that a true friend is someone that you can share everything with. Someone who has your back no matter what. Someone who is loyal and trustworthy. Someone who you can be yourself around. Someone who isn't afraid to tell you when you are wrong but supports you when you are right. Someone who pushes you towards your goals and is genuinely happy when you achieve them. That is a true friend.

If you could have lunch with any person or thing, living or from the past, who or what would you choose? If I could have lunch with one person I think it would have to be Oliver Sacks. I am taking an AP psychology course and we have discussed his immense influence on psychological development. He was one of the first people to actually analyze psychological situations based on his own gut feelings. Sacks wasn't afraid to share his ideas and express them. He contributed not only an immense knowledge of medicine but a genuine care for the health of his patients. I want to pursue neurology in such a way that can be similarly juxtaposed with Sacks' ideals and motivations toward changing seemingly disastrous diseases.

If you could be an animal, which animal would you choose to be? If I could be an animal, I would be a dolphin. I have always admired their freedom and free-spirited lifestyle. I have always loved the ocean and the feeling of excitement and wonder that comes with it. I think being able to relax all day among the waves and yet still be surround by wonders would be a perfect balance in life.

Where would you like to be in five years? In five years I would like to be pursuing my pre-med aspirations. I would absolutely love to become involved with child neurology. I think the brain is one of the most interesting topics. The brain is completely wondrous and presents new discoveries and challenges each and every day. I would love to be able to change a child's life by discovering and curing brain diseases that diminish their abilities to live the life they desire.

What is your goal for this school year? My goal for this school year is to have fun. I obviously will strive to achieve good grades and excel in my classes but at the same time I want to enjoy my life here before I leave for school. I want to enjoy my friends and family. I think my ultimate goal is to never stop smiling. I want the rest of the year to create some of the best times of my life.

What makes you angry? I wouldn't say that I get angry easy. The one thing that does bother me, though, would have to be those who pick on others. I truly believe that everyone has something wonderful to contribute and that each person can express a new way to assess a situation. Individuals provided various ideas that when combined create the most magnificent effects.

What current issue concerns you the most? I think a current issue that is important to those of my generation is the lack of choice within their education. It is sad when a student taking higher level classes cannot take classes that they are interested in because their schedule has to be worked around the few choices available. If the student isn't taking classes in which they find interesting, then they will not learn. I just find it sad that we cannot overcome this educational struggle. Look at other countries who push student interests: the students who are college bound attend a college bound high school and the students with the goal of working in mechanics go to a school similar to the CTE program provided at Parkside. This encompasses all types of learning styles and motivations. Personally, if the Board of Education wants higher school attendance, then they need to re-establish activities of interest. I know that the monetary situation is becoming increasingly worse, but yet we spend money on buying things we don't need. What will happen to those kids who are motivated by their eligibility to play sports? Do you really think those kids will still try as hard once the funding for sports disappears? No, of course not. Those kids will lose their desire to try in school. I feel that we are losing touch of the fun in schools and focusing on stupid test scores. Let the kids study what interests them and support their goals; that will create a better future.

What is your favorite song? I am such an indecisive person! I probably have a new song every day. Right now, I would have to say I play Adele's song "Set Fire to the Rain" over and over. I really like all types of music. Country has been a big genre for me lately as well.

What was the last movie you watched? The last movie I watched was actually last Saturday when I had a mommy daughter movie night! I have been so busy that I am honestly home long enough for homework and bed. The movies we watched are two of my favorites, "The Notebook" and "A Walk to Remember." I am such a romantic!

What is your favorite place to eat away from home? I actually love sushi and Sakura Japan Sushi & Grill has the best banana rolls! So yummy!

cmckinney@dmg.gannett.com

410-845-4639

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Teen's thinking of neurology