Research

Physician-scientists at Stanford Neuroscience are actively involved in ground-breaking research to better the lives of individuals with neurological disorders. We work collaboratively to translate these research innovations into leading-edge treatments for patients around the world.

We are hopeful about identifying future treatments and care strategies through investigating the underlying mechanisms of neurological disease. Some of the clinical trials we offer our patients are not available anywhere else in the world.

Neurology

Stanford neurologists have come another step closer to identifying blood factors that might reverse neurological decline. This breakthrough is one that may change the lives of millions of people worldwide who endure the challenges of neurological disorders. Many of these disorders still have no treatment. We are driven to change that.

Our experts work closely with Stanford's world-renowned researchers in other fields, including behavioral sciences, neurobiology, psychiatry, molecular and cellular physiology, and bioengineering. This synergy has led to an incomparable range of advanced diagnostic and treatment options for patients.

The department has developed leading clinical care centers for dementia, epilepsy, stroke, multiple sclerosis and other neuromuscular disorders, movement disorders, and headache, in addition to three programs that are relatively rare in neurology departments – autonomic disorders, complex intraoperative monitoring, and neuro-oncology.

Neurosurgery

Stanford's neurosurgeons and research scientists are driving forward the most innovative technologies in neurosurgery – from leading-edge research and clinical trials to widespread implementation of our innovations. We are advancing the way many neurological diseases or injuries are treated, including stroke, Parkinson’s disease, moyamoya, epilepsy, and brain tumors.

We are restoring function through deep brain stimulation, focused ultrasound, CyberKnife radiosurgery, cellular transplantation, stem cell transplantation, and brain-computer interfaces. Significant innovations focused on minimally invasive surgery techniques, from endovascular to microscopic surgery, were developed at Stanford.

Our experts remain at the forefront of the most exciting clinical trials that are not commonly available at other centers. We are testing vaccines for glioblastomas, developing new anti-tumor CD47 therapies, and creating stem cell transplantation therapies to treat the brain following stroke.

As our technological innovations advance, so does our need to rigorously demonstrate that the treatments are effective. This is why we created a Division of Outcomes Research to help us achieve our goal of providing effective, evidence-based neurosurgery treatments.