Cerebrovascular Diseases and Stroke - Research
The Cerebrovascular Diseases and Stroke section conducts local and national clinical trials, registry, and outcomes research, including landmark studies in the care of patients with stroke and cerebrovascular diseases. Our program was involved in clinical trials of the initial research and development of rtPA which has been used in the acute treatment of ischemic stroke patients for decades.
We have conducted trials that have helped answer fundamental questions regarding carotid disease, intracranial large vessel disease, acute care of stroke patients, effect of glucose control, hypertension in acute stroke patients, and the use of antiplatelet and anticoagulant medications in the care of stroke patients. Our section has led the ARAMIS registry, nationwide quality improvement efforts, and have received funding from: National Institute on Aging American Heart Association/American Stroke Association
Mehari Gebreyohanns, M.D.
Associate Professor
My research focuses on addressing the disparity in neurological care with emphasis on stroke globally and the Sub-Saharan Africa region in particular. The region carries a disproportionate burden of Non-Communicable Diseases, of which stroke is the leading cause of disability (see the BORNE initiative). In addition to my work in Global Neurology and Telemedicine, I am involved in several trials with a main focus on secondary prevention of strokes.
Further reading: BORNE Ethiopian Effort
Video: Mission of Goodwill
Mark Johnson, M.D.
Professor
My research areas have included intracranial cerebral arteriosclerotic occlusive disease, secondary stroke prevention including cardioembolic, large vessel and small vessel disease. I have been involved in trials that address acute stroke care as well as the prevention of recurrent stroke in patients with mild stroke and transient ischemic attack. Further data acquirement in the care of stroke patients and the use of ultrasound in cerebrovascular disease is overall an aim for future research.
Erica Jones, M.D.
Assistant Professor
My research objective is identifying community level cerebrovascular risk factors to target for primary stroke prevention. My project uses geospatial mapping to model the role of social determinants of health and racial isolation in creating disparities in stroke risk and outcomes.
Ty Shang, M.D., Ph.D.
Associate Professor
My research interest is to understand the inflammatory and infectious roles (such as varicella-zoster virus infection) in intracranial large vessel disease and small vessel disease. I am also interested in comprehending the hemodynamic and metabolic changes in rare stroke disorders (Moyamoya Disease, CADASIL, CARASIL, COL4A1 mutation, MELAS and amyloid angiitis). High-resolution MR vessel wall imaging, MR spectroscopy and perfusion images provide needed information in evaluating the vessel wall and brain pathology, and tissue perfusion condition. The overall goal is to provide potential new therapeutic targets for these cerebrovascular diseases by looking for questions.
Ying Xian, M.D., Ph.D.
Associate Professor
My research focuses on improving health care quality and outcomes in patients with cardiovascular disease and stroke. I am the principal investigator of two National Institute on Aging (NIA) funded R01s to evaluate the safety and efficacy of antithrombotic therapy for secondary stroke prevention and the AHA Clinical Research Program and Scientist Development Grant to investigate off-label/off-guideline thrombolytic therapy in stroke. I have led multiple groundbreaking comparative effectiveness and patient-centered outcomes research projects, with extensive experiences with large national registry and data linkage with Medicare claims.