Barrow Neurological Institute

Today, Neuralink released a special update that recognized PRIME Study patients' contributions to research. Of the seven individuals who have received the company’s N1 Implant so far, six underwent the procedure at #BarrowNeurologicalInstitute in #Phoenix, #Arizona. The N1 implant is a #braincomputerinterface (BCI) device that allows people with #quadriplegia to control a computer with their thoughts. Meet four of the Barrow patients participating in the #PRIMEStudy: 1. Noland was the first person to receive the N1 Implant. After his #spinalcordinjury, he relied on a mouth stick and tablet to interact with the outside world—a cumbersome process requiring assistance from his parents. Today, he is using his Neuralink device to play (and often beat) his friends in video games. In addition to regaining his digital autonomy, Noland has found purpose as a study participant. 2. Before his #spinalcordinjury, Alex built machine parts in a shop. After losing function in his arms, he was limited to verbally consulting on projects. Now, Alex is using his N1 Implant to design 3D machine parts with a computer-aided design (CAD) software. He’s also enrolled in a feasibility study, CONVOY, in which he uses N1 to control a robotic arm. 3. Brad was the first person with #amyotrophiclateralsclerosis (ALS) to receive the N1 Implant. The father of three was diagnosed with #ALS about six years ago, and he not only lost his ability to move but also speak. To communicate, he relied on eye-tracking technology. This method is not only tedious; it requires a dark environment, meaning Brad couldn’t communicate when outside during daylight. Brad’s participation in the study is opening up new possibilities for communication, independence, and quality time with his family. 4. Mike is the first person with a full-time job to use the N1 Implant. He worked as a survey technician for city government and spent the majority of his time in the field until his ALS made the work too difficult. Like Alex, Mike has used CAD software with his Neuralink device to continue doing survey work from home and provide for his family.

Congratulations to John Karis, MD, director of MRI and brain imaging for the Department of #Neuroradiology at #BarrowNeurologicalInstitute, on receiving the Dr. Roger Bird Mentorship Award! Named after the Institute's former #NeuroradiologyFellowship Program director, the Dr. Roger Bird (left) Mentorship Award is given to a member of the neuroradiology faculty who most inspires and challenges the neuroradiology fellows to achieve their potential. Dr. Karis formally received the award at the recent neuroradiology graduation ceremony.

Cluster headache is the most severe and disabling #headache disorder, but there is limited education and treatment available for the condition—especially when compared to migraine. Lindsay Frerichs, MD, (right) a #headacheneurologist in the #LewisHeadacheCenter at #BarrowNeurologicalInstitute, collaborated with Annika Ehrlich, DNP, FNP-C, CNRN, AQH, to perform a needs assessment for this underrepresented population. They presented their findings with a poster at the American Headache Society 67th Annual Scientific Meeting (#AHSAM). Drs. Frerichs and Ehrlich surveyed participants about their number of #headache attacks per year, the time it took to receive a diagnosis, the type of specialist who diagnosed them, how #clusterheadache has impacted their mental health, and their demographics. To learn more about their findings, check out the Healio article at https://bar.rw/cluster.

The American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS)/Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) Cerebrovascular Section has selected #BarrowNeurologicalInstitute President and CEO Michael T. Lawton, MD, for the 2025 Ralph G. Dacey, Jr. Medal for Outstanding Cerebrovascular Research. Dr. Lawton will formally receive the award at the Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery meeting on July 15 (#SNIS2025). Dr. Dacey, a professor of neurological surgery at Washington University in St. Louis and the namesake of the award, nominated Dr. Lawton for this year’s medal. A committee of neurosurgeons and neuroscientists then selected Dr. Lawton from a pool of candidates. The AANS/CNS #Cerebrovascular Section has given the Ralph G. Dacey, Jr. Medal annually since 2019 to recognize practicing #neurosurgeon-investigators who have made game-changing contributions to our understanding of cerebrovascular diseases—from the laboratory to the clinic. The award also aims to highlight the importance of cerebrovascular #research and to inspire continuous scientific investigation. Read the story at https://bar.rw/dacey.

Calling all #neurorehabilitation professionals: Registration is open for our 2025 Acquired #BrainInjury and #SpinalCordInjury Symposium! This interdisciplinary course will focus on the current evidence-based practice and research for the treatment of individuals with acquired brain injuries and spinal cord injuries. Continuing education credits are available for #physicaltherapists, #occupationaltherapists, and #speechtherapists. Students are also welcome to attend. 📆: Saturday, Oct. 11 - Sunday, Oct 12 📍: Goldman Auditorium, #BarrowNeurologicalInstitute, 2910 North Third Avenue, #Phoenix, #Arizona 💻: Virtual option available Sign up before Sept. 22 to save $25! Visit https://bar.rw/abisci2025 for details and registration.

Congratulations to Monica Acevedo-Molina, PhD, a #neuropsychology resident at #BarrowNeurologicalInstitute, on being selected by the Arizona Psychological Association (AzPA) to receive the organization’s Distinguished Contribution to Diversity in #Psychology Award! The award recognizes Dr. Acevedo-Molina’s commitment to advocating for diversity in all forms in #Arizona. She will be presented with the award at the AzPA’s annual convention this fall.

A new study from #BarrowNeurologicalInstitute that explores golf course proximity and Parkinson's disease risk has been making headlines around the country. The population-based, case-control study, led by Barrow researcher Brittany Krzyzanowski, PhD, and published in JAMA Network Open, found the greatest risk of #Parkinsons within one to three miles of a golf course. Effect sizes were largest in water service areas with a golf course in vulnerable groundwater regions. The associations remained even after the researchers adjusted for age and income, which suggests there could be something more than demographics driving the relationship between #golf course proximity and risk of #Parkinsonsdisease, Dr. Krzyzanowski explained. "We speculate that pesticides might play a role," she told Fox News Media. "However, we didn’t include data on pesticides in this study, so future research is needed to better understand what’s going on." Read the story in Fox News at https://lnkd.in/gmNY5BNZ.

Barrow #Neuroradiology Graduation Dinner // June 22, 2025 Congratulations to the 2025 graduates of our #NeuroradiologyFellowship Program. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors! To view a list of all of our 2025 graduates, see where they are headed next, and read their reflections of their time at #BarrowNeurologicalInstitute, visit https://bar.rw/grads2025. (📸: Timon Harper Photography)

Last week, our high school interns celebrated the completion of their #summerinternships with a symposium where they presented their work. We're very proud of you all and excited to see where your futures take you! Learn more about the Summer #HighSchoolInternship Program at #BarrowNeurologicalInstitute by visiting https://bar.rw/highschool.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Michael T. Lawton. President & CEO of Barrow Neurological Institute, the Robert F. Spetzler Endowed Chair for Neurosciences, and Chair of the Department of Neurosurgery. A master surgeon and global leader in academic neurosurgery, Dr. Lawton has performed over 5,000 aneurysm surgeries, 1,300 AVMs, 1,400 cavernous malformations, and 800 bypasses. His remarkable case volume is matched by a deep commitment to education, innovation, and patient care—qualities that have earned him international acclaim. At Barrow, Dr. Lawton continues to redefine the intersection of high-volume surgical excellence, translational research, and global neurosurgical education. In this special event, he will share reflections on his journey, philosophy, and purpose—offering rare insight into what it means to lead with skill, vision, and unwavering dedication. Friday, July 11th, 2025 7:00–8:00 PM EST Register now by scanning the QR code or through the following link: https://lnkd.in/ddWzHjBn