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SUMMER 2006
Exploring Many Paths for Treating Parkinson's Disease
UCSF neuroscientists are taking a multipronged approach to Parkinson's disease, positioning themselves at the
forefront of research into therapies that may improve symptomatic treatments and eventually may provide a cure.
Neurosurgeons, neurologists, neuroradiologists and basic scientists are working together to conduct clinical
trials of medical therapies, surgical treatments and gene transfer therapy, as well as to conduct basic
research on the use of stem cells.
Editorial — Brain Tumor Research Draws on All Neuroscience
An explosive growth of information in neuroscience is giving way to a new understanding of the mechanisms
of neurogenesis and neurological disease, including the possible role of stem cells in brain tumors. Mitch Berger, M.D.,
chair of Neurological Surgery at UCSF Medical Center, comments on research at UCSF.
Multiple Sclerosis in Children Is More Common Than Thought
Multiple sclerosis is increasingly being diagnosed in children and teens. Although physicians have long known that kids can come
down with the disease, new technology and emerging awareness of the problem have led them to spot the kind of cases
that previously had gone undetected until years later.
UCSF Opens Pediatric MS Center
The UCSF Medical Center has recently opened a Regional Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Center to address the needs of
patients and their families. The pediatric MS center at UCSF is one of only six such clinics in the United States,
all of which have opened recently under the sponsorship of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
New Methods Advance Spine Tumor Surgery
UCSF neurosurgeon Chris Ames, M.D., has developed new technologies and techniques for attacking spinal tumors. The techniques
offer strikingly different approaches for removing spine tumors, and may promise to be more effective
at removing the cancer and reducing the morbidity of surgery. Many of the tumors Ames operates on have been deemed inoperable by other surgeons.
MRI Neurography
Recent technical advancements in MRI, however, have led to improved visualization of normal and
abnormal peripheral nerves, UCSF researchers report. MRI neurography allows physicians to address the
issues of low signal intensity and low conspicuity of the nerves by selectively suppressing signals from non-neural structures.
CME Courses
See information on upcoming continuing medical education courses.
Referral Liaison Service
The Referral Liaison Service provides assistance to referring physicians, medical groups and health plans. For help or
information about programs and services at UCSF Medical Center and UCSF Children's Hospital, please call the Referral Liaison
Service or visit www.ucsfhealth.org/healthprofessionals.
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