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NINDS - Researchers Identify a Signal for Cell Death during Stroke - In a new study, researchers have identified a signal that promotes the death of vulnerable brain cells in an animal model of stroke. In the future, drugs designed to inhibit this death signal might help reduce brain damage in stroke patients

LDonline - Identification of Specific Learning Disabilities - This document addresses significant changes from preexisting regulations to the final regulatory requirements regarding the identification of specific learning disabilities. Lists IDEA Regulations - Adds procedures for identifying children with learning disabilities

The Medical Product Safety Network (MedSun) improves FDA's understanding of problems with the use of medical devices so that the FDA, healthcare facilities, clinicians, and manufacturers can better address safety concerns. The MedSun Web page is a newsletter-based website which provides monthly updates about timely medical device issues that may impact patient safety. This website also provides public access to de-identified reports 2 sent into the MedSun program, in addition to important safety information to MedSun participants and to the national clinical community about reported problems.

Preventing Seizure Progression - Carnegie Mellow University researchers have identified a new anticonvulsant compount that has the potential to stop the development of epilepsy. Findings are published in the journal Epilepsia.

Observational cohort study designed to identify the mechanisms of disease in patients with preterm labor/contractions and preterm premature rupture of membranes and to describe the relationship between clinical, biochemical, histological, biophysical parameters and the development of infant neurological disorders.

The mission of the Department of Education is to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access. It engages in four major types of activities: 1.Establishes policies related to federal education funding, administers distribution of funds and monitors their use. 2.Collects data and oversees research on America's schools. 3.Identifies major issues in education and focuses national attention on them. 4.Enforces federal laws prohibiting discrimination in programs that receive federal funds.

Running in parallel with clinical care in the Phelps Center for Cerebral Palsy and Neurodevelopmental Medicine are several Phelps Center research projects designed to improve classification and treatment for children with cerebral palsy. Using advanced neuroimaging techniques in the Kennedy Krieger Institute Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging researchers have identified specific white matter pathways that carry messages from one part of the brain to another.

the Child Occupational Self Assessment (COSA) is a client directed assessment tool and an outcome measure designed to capture children's and youth's perceptions regarding their own sense of occupational competence and the importance of everyday activities. Using the instrument in therapy provides a young client with an opportunity to identify and address their participation in important and meaningful occupations. The COSA consists of a series of statements pertaining to everyday occupational participation, and includes tasks related to school, home, and in the community. Its self-rating design allows the client to document his/her understanding of occupational competence and values using familiar visual symbols and simple language.

Only national voluntary non-profit membership organization in this field. Mission is to identify the cause of, find the cure for and control the effects of Tourette Syndrome. Offers resources and referrals to help people and their families cope with the problems that occur with TS. We raise public awareness and counter media stereotypes about TS. Membership includes individuals, families, relatives, and medical and allied professionals working in the field

A research team led by investigators from the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) has identified and cloned the gene responsible for early-onset dystonia, a crippling, inherited neurological disorder that begins in childhood.

Study being conducted to identify specific motor signatures of different forms of dystonia. Study will examine abnormal co-activation in distal and proximal muscles to evaluate the characteristics of the loss of selectivity of the motor command in mobile vs. fixed dystonia. We will also study possible cognitive and limbic components of the disease, examining the influence of cognitive and emotional loads on movement production.

Study to create a bio-repository of blood samples from patients and healthy subjects who are participating in NINDS motor learning studies. A variety of genes that may affect motor learning are being increasingly identified, and variations among these genes, referred to as polymorphisms, may help explain individual differences.

Completed study that evaluated the efficacy of surgical resection of an identifiable zone of cortical abnormality versus multiple drug therapy in children with infantile spasms refractory to standard therapy: II. Assess how infantile spasms interfere with development and whether this is partially reversible. III. Determine the predictors of good surgical outcome and whether surgery permanently controls seizures and improves development.

McGowan Institute of Regenrative Medicine. A program of the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC. Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center are working to quickly identify and treat shock, a problem that affects an estimated 1 million emergency room patients every year. Researchers are working on a unique diagnostic medical device currently in clinical trials.

The first comprehensive comparative effectiveness clinical trial of three widely used anti-seizure drugs for childhood absence epilepsy - the most common form of epilepsy in kids - has established an evidence-based approach for initial drug therapy. Published March 4 in the New England Journal of Medicine*, data from the double-blind, randomized, comparative clinical trial fill a large information gap in the treatment of childhood absence epilepsy, also known as "petit mal" epilepsy. The research, which identifies important differences between drugs in seizure control and side effects, is expected to impact how physicians select and monitor initial therapy for children with the disorder and ultimately lead to improved outcomes.

Objective of the study is to describe the change in GerdQ sum scores, after a 4-week period of systematic treatment with PPIs(using GerdQ questionnaire). The secondary objectives are: to measure the response at the current treatment after a 4-week period of systematic treatment and to identify the percentage of patients which require alterations of their treatment (GerdQ questionnaire)"

The National Birth Defects Prevention Network (NBDPN) is a group of individuals involved in birth defects surveillance, research, and prevention. It was created to establish and maintain a national network of state and population-based programs for birth defects surveillance and research. The Network assesses the impact of birth defects upon children, families, and health care; identifies factors that can be used to develop primary prevention strategies; and assists families and their providers in secondary disabilities prevention.

A recent study using high-dose rhEpo (3000 U rhEpo/kg body weight at birth) for neuroprotection in very preterm infants revealed that no signs of adverse effects of early high-dose rhEpo treatment in very preterm infants were identified. Contrary to this, a recent study in PVL of a rat model revealed that using a low dose rhEpo (50-100 U/kg) was effective in the treatment of brain damage induced by hypoxia-ischemia and did not affect normal oligodendrocyte maturity. On this basis, the researchers intent to investigate (1) whether low-dose rhEpo (100 U/kg) or high-dose rhEpo (3,000 U/kg) given to very preterm infants (gestation age < 32 weeks) immediately after birth and subsequently during the first 2 days is safe and possesses neuroprotective properties;(2) whether there are gender differences in response to the hypoxia-ischemic insult and EPO treatment; (3)the pharmacokinetics of low dose and high dose rhEPO.

The investigators study aims to investigate the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic differences of dexmedetomidine between patients receiving and not receiving enzyme-inducing anticonvulsant therapy and to identify a potential mechanism for these differences.

PDF link on site directs to a list of more than 240 organizations in the United States likely to help those looking for information, referrals, and other guidance in connection with brain-related disorders. Listings provide mailing addresses, toll-free numbers, e-mail and clickable Web site addresses, and identify the primary services each organization provides. Brain Connections is provided by the Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives. Your Source Guide to Information on Brain Diseases and Disorders