FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ON April 11, 2007

University of Virginia Neurologist Honored by AAN for Stroke Research

Bradford Burke Worrall, MD, Receives Michael S. Pessin Stroke Leadership Award

ST. PAUL, Minn -

The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) is awarding the 2007 Michael S. Pessin Stroke Leadership Award to Bradford Burke Worrall, MD, member of the AAN, with the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA, for his research in stroke. Worrall will receive the award during the AAN’s 59th Annual Meeting in Boston, held April 28 – May 5, 2007. The Michael S. Pessin Stroke Leadership prize is awarded to emerging neurologists who have a strong interest in, and have demonstrated a passion for learning and expanding the field of stroke research. Worrall’s research bridges basic science and clinical research, investigating how genetic factors influence stroke and the hardening of the arteries supplying blood to the brain. “I am interested in which genes play a role in tipping the balance and causing someone with hardening of the arteries to have a stroke,” said Worrall, also Assistant Professor of Neurology and Public Health Sciences at the University of Virginia. “Being awarded for my work is an honor. I believe genetic research is important for progress in the field.” The Michael S. Pessin Stroke Leadership Award is sponsored by the AAN and endowed by Dr. Pessin's family, friends, and colleagues. The 59th Annual Meeting takes place in Boston’s Hynes Convention Center. It is the world’s largest annual gathering of neurologists. For more information about the American Academy of Neurology, visit www.aan.com. –end–

The American Academy of Neurology, an association of more than 20,000 neurologists and neuroscience professionals, is dedicated to improving patient care through education and research. A neurologist is a doctor with specialized training in diagnosing, treating and managing disorders of the brain and nervous system such as Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke.