FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ON April 14, 2009

University of California San Francisco Researcher Receives AAN Founders Award

SEATTLE -

The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) is awarding its 2009 Founders Award to Kazuma Nakagawa, MD, with the University of California San Francisco, for his research using Doppler ultrasound to study blood flow regulation in stroke patients. Nakagawa will receive the award during the AAN’s 61st Annual Meeting in Seattle, held April 25 through May 2, 2009. Nakagawa is a member of the AAN. The Founders Award is designed to encourage clinical and translational research in neuroscience by physicians in clinical neurology training programs. The Alliance Awards Subcommittee considers originality, scientific merit, neurological interest, and clarity of expression as criteria for review. Nakagawa’s research used a noninvasive technology called transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasound to measure the blood flow regulation mechanism in hemorrhagic stroke patients. “Our method allowed us to safely study patients at the bedside shortly after stroke. Using our technique, we showed that larger hemorrhages were associated with impaired blood flow regulation to the brain,” said Nakagawa. “Our findings may help us better guide the therapy of hemorrhagic stroke patients,” said Nakagawa. “Improving blood flow to the brain could minimize further damage after a devastating brain injury.” The 61th Annual Meeting, one of the world’s largest gatherings of neurology professionals, takes place in the Washington State Convention and Trade Center.

The American Academy of Neurology, an association of more than 21,000 neurologists and neuroscience professionals, is dedicated to promoting the highest quality patient-centered neurologic care. A neurologist is a doctor with specialized training in diagnosing, treating and managing disorders of the brain and nervous system such as multiple sclerosis, restless legs syndrome, Alzheimer’s disease, narcolepsy, and stroke. For more information, visit www.aan.com/awards.