UCSF Probes Stem Cells, Links With Disease
Scientists are studying the earliest stages of embryonic and adult stem cell growth to identify genetic missteps that cause neurological diseases such as as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), cancer, birth defects and infertility.

Standardized Guidelines Improve Stroke Care
Patients suffering from a stroke are more likely to have improved outcomes and fewer complications when hospitals use standardized guidelines for care during a patient's admission and discharge, according to a study led by UCSF Medical Center researchers.

UCSF Medical Center Receives Stroke Center Certification

Recognizing UCSF Medical Center's exceptional efforts in stroke care, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) has certified the hospital as a Primary Stroke Center. UCSF is the first hospital in San Francisco to receive this designation.

Perinatal Strokes Cause Long-Term Impairment

Four out of five newborns who experience intracerebral arterial infarction at birth will later develop neurological disorders such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy or language delay, according to a study by UCSF researchers.

Questions Lead Neurointensivist Back to Lab

Once established that a patient is suffering from ischemic stroke, how does a physican know whether to administer tissue plasminogen activator (tPA)? Guidelines say tPA must be administered within three hours of the onset of stroke, but often there is no way to tell how much time has passed. This question led neurointensivist Vineeta Singh back to the laboratory, where she hopes to find what happens to brain cells during and after stroke.

Carotid Stenting Offers Alternative to Endarterectomy

Carotid endarterectomy has been the gold standard for treatment of carotid atherosclerosis. Now, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved carotid stenting as an alternative for certain high-risk patients.

UCSF Targets Cerebrovascular Malformations

Hemorrhagic strokes make up 15 percent of all strokes, tend to be particularly lethal and are an important form of stroke in young adults. UCSF has launched a research drive to understand the natural history, molecular biology, genetics and physiology of aneurysms and other vascular malformations.

UCSF Opens Neurology Infusion Center

The UCSF Department of Neurology has opened the UCSF Neurology Infusion Center, the only dedicated outpatient center in the Bay Area associated with an academic medical center.

Cognitive Function Indicator of Stroke Risk

While a severe stroke can strongly affect cognition, there has been little study of the effects of very small, "silent" strokes on cognitive ability. UCSF researcher Jacob Elkins, M.D., is working to bridge this knowledge gap with a series of studies.

See information on upcoming continuing medical education courses.

Referral Liaison Service

The Referral Liaison Service provides assistance and information about programs and services to referring physicians, medical groups and health plans. For help regarding UCSF Medical Center and UCSF Children's Hospital, please call the Referral Liaison Service or visit www.ucsfhealth.org/healthprofessionals.

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