Los Angeles researcher receives $154,000 for stroke research

A Los Angeles researcher is receiving $154,000 to continue his research aimed at developing a blood test for diagnosing stroke through the Lawrence M. Brass, MD, Stroke Research Award, cosponsored by the American Brain Foundation and the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. The award was presented in Washington, DC, during the American Academy of Neurology's 67th Annual Meeting, the world's largest meeting of neurologists.

Sunil Sheth, MD, a clinical instructor and fellow in the division of interventional neuroradiology at the University of California, Los Angeles, received the award for developing a lab test that can diagnose stroke from a single drop of blood. "We have shown that our test works well in a laboratory, and we would now like to validate this test where it matters the most—in actual people suffering from stroke in an emergency room," said Sheth.

Sheth's experiments will explore a new approach by looking at a class of molecules that are the most abundant in the brain, but have never previously been studied in relation to stroke. "This test would revolutionize how we initially evaluate for stroke, and help more patients get treatment faster," said Sheth.

Clinical research is the fundamental transition stage between discovery and treatment and provides the scientific basis for all forms of care, addresses patient and caregiver needs and is the backbone for drug development and cost-effectiveness studies needed to improve lives.

Added Sheth, "Gaining this kind of support at this early point in my career is both humbling and tremendously encouraging. I hope to take advantage of this generous support to continue advancing our ability to improve the lives of patients suffering from stroke."

Provided by American Academy of Neurology