FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ON February 16, 2011

Pennsylvania Neurologist Receives AAN Michael S. Pessin Stroke Leadership Prize

HONOLULU -

The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) is awarding the 2011 Michael S. Pessin Stroke Leadership Prize to Steven Messé, MD, FAAN, with the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine for his research in stroke treatment. Messé will receive the award during the AAN’s 63rdAnnual Meeting in Honolulu, held April 9 through 16, 2011. Messé is a Fellow 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. Messé is being recognized for his work in researching medications that can be given prior to surgery to prevent complications that result in injury to the brain or spinal cord. “Many surgical procedures have a risk of injury to the brain and spinal cord due to impaired blood flow, which can dramatically increase disability and death rates, as well as increase costs,” said Messé. “If successful, this research could lead to therapies that would improve outcomes from a wide range of high risk surgeries.” The Michael S. Pessin Stroke Leadership Prize is sponsored by the AAN and endowed by Dr. Michael Pessin's family, friends and colleagues. For more information, visit www.aan.com/awards. The 63rd Annual Meeting, one of the world’s largest gatherings of neurology professionals, takes place in the Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu.

The American Academy of Neurology, an association of more than 22,500 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 Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, migraine, multiple sclerosis, brain injury, Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy. For more information about the American Academy of Neurology, visit http://www.aan.com.