Cerebrovascular Disorders

Expertise and innovation in translational research, clinical training, and patient-centered practice find proficient and dynamic expression among the physician-neuroscientists within the Department who specialize in cerebrovascular disease and stroke. In laboratory models, clinical trials, and patient treatment and management, these faculty maintain an impressive track record in improving and redefining standard of care, particularly in the areas of emergency stroke resuscitation and headache pain.

The UCSD Stroke Center is a regional, national, and international resource for state-of-the-art development and assessment of new thrombolytic and neuroprotectant therapies, emergency diagnostic tools, medical personnel training strategies, and public education initiatives in the detection and treatment of acute stroke.

The UCSD Headache Center offers multidisciplinary, highly individualized evaluation and treatment of migraine and severe and refractory headache pain through conventional protocols as well as acupuncture and investigational trials. Ongoing research includes projects on therapeutic hypothermia using an endovascular temperature management system, noninvasive contrast-enhanced transcranial ultrasound to identify vascular occlusion and perfusion defects before and after thrombolysis, and a wireless or site-independent telemedicine system designed for consultation on treatment at remote hospital emergency departments with limited neurologic and radiologic infrastructure and experience.

Patient Care
Stroke Center
Headache Center

Research
Jonathan D. Bui
Thomas M. Hemmen, MD, PhD
Patrick D. Lyden, MD
Brett C. Meyer, MD
Justin A. Zivin, MD, PhD