FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ON April 14, 2009
University of Cincinnati Neurologist Receives AAN Michael S. Pessin Stroke Leadership Prize
SEATTLE -
The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) is awarding the 2009 Michael S. Pessin Stroke Leadership Prize to Matthew Flaherty, MD, with the University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center for his research in stroke treatment. Flaherty will receive the award during the AAN’s 61st Annual Meeting in Seattle, held April 25 through May 2, 2009. Flaherty is a member of the American Academy of Neurology. 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. Flaherty is being recognized for his work with the “Spot Sign for Predicting and Treating Intracerebral Hemorrhage Growth Study” (STOP-IT Study), which was designed to find a better way of selecting stroke patients for treatment. The study includes a test to help doctors predict which patients who suffer a stroke with bleeding in the brain will experience further bleeding which can cause additional injury. Patients will be given either a fast-acting drug to stop bleeding or a placebo as part of the study. “While there are no proven, effective treatments for intracerebral hemorrhage, the model being evaluated in the STOP-IT Study may eventually lead to a medical treatment that improves outcomes for stoke patients,” said Flaherty. The Michael S. Pessin Stroke Leadership Prize is sponsored by the AAN and endowed by Dr. Michael Pessin's family, friends, and colleagues. The 61th Annual Meeting, one of the world’s largest gatherings of neurology professionals, takes place in the Washington State Convention and Trade Center in Seattle.