Department of Neurology

December 18, 2017

Brain lesions and criminal behavior linked to moral decision-making network

When brain lesions occur within the brain network responsible for morality and value-based decision-making, they can predispose a person toward criminal behavior, according to new research by Ryan Darby, MD, assistant professor of Neurology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC).

By Tom Wilemon
November 16, 2017

Malow, Bingham named to new state council on autism

Vanderbilt’s Beth Malow, MD, MS, and Emelyne Bingham have been appointed by Gov. Bill Haslam as Middle Tennessee representatives on the newly created Tennessee Council on Autism Spectrum Disorder, which held its first meeting in Nashville in October.

By VUMC News and Communications
October 27, 2017

Impulsivity in Parkinson’s Disease

A noninvasive MRI technique may help predict a troubling side effect of common medications for Parkinson’s Disease and improve clinical treatment plans.

By Allyson Mallya
Pediatric health conditions, their treatments and the related stress hinder the prefrontal cortex, which is the region of the brain associated with learning, memory and behavior. (istock)
September 20, 2017

Goal of new tissue-chip research is to assess efficacy of novel epilepsy drugs

An interdisciplinary team of Vanderbilt University researchers has received a two-year, $2-million federal grant to develop an “organ-on-chip” model for two genetic forms of epilepsy.

By VUMC News and Communications
Asian baby girl getting temperature taken
September 6, 2017

Heat a trigger for seizures

Elevated body temperature alone can increase vulnerability to fever-induced seizures, even in the absence of infection or inflammation.

By Sanjay Mishra
August 24, 2017

Huntington’s Disease Clinic lands Level 1 designation

The Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) Huntington’s Disease Clinic is one of only four in the nation to receive a Level 1 Center of Excellence designation.

By Tom Wilemon
July 27, 2017

Initiative focuses on empowering young adults with autism

A new Vanderbilt initiative aims to improve the lives of young adults with autism spectrum disorders who often end up socially isolated once they leave school.
By Tom Wilemon
June 22, 2017

Grant money available for telehealth innovations

Grant money is available to the Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) community in order to support programs that increase ambulatory visits conducted via telemedicine.
By Tom Wilemon
May 26, 2017

Chetkovich named chair of Department of Neurology

Dane Chetkovich, M.D., Ph.D., professor of Neurology and Physiology and director of the Medical Scientist Training Program at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, has been named chair of Vanderbilt’s Department of Neurology. He will join the faculty on Sept. 1.
By Nancy Humphrey
February 9, 2017

Effort launched to better serve patients with Tourette syndrome

Two neurologists are working to establish a multidisciplinary medical home at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) for children and adults with Tourette syndrome.
By Tom Wilemon
January 17, 2017

A heart-brain connection

Cognitive and attention deficits observed in children following surgery before age 5 to repair congenital heart defects likely will persist into their teens and young adulthood.
By Bill Snyder
December 15, 2016

New clues emerge in rare form of childhood epilepsy

Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) are one step closer to understanding what causes early-onset epileptic encephalopathy, a rare form of childhood epilepsy that is difficult to treat and has poor developmental outcomes.
By Bill Snyder
December 1, 2016

Quick response key after chiropractic-related stroke

Ashley Johnson suffered the same type of stroke after a chiropractic neck manipulation that killed model and social media star Katie May earlier this year, but the 29-year-old woman survived thanks to quick recognition and rapid response.
By Tom Wilemon