Barrow Neurological Institute

Barrow Neurological Institute Minding What Matters Most™ | Preserving thoughts, memories, dreams, personalities, and movement. We are Minding What Matters Most®.

We are preserving thoughts, memories, dreams, personalities, and movement.

As part of the   initiative, we're proud to offer   at   for international visiting scholars.Marina Mendes Melo, MD, who...
04/04/2026

As part of the initiative, we're proud to offer at for international visiting scholars.

Marina Mendes Melo, MD, who visited Barrow from São Paulo, Brazil, described the experience as more incredible than she could have imagined. She observed many complex cases performed by Barrow President and CEO Michael T. Lawton, MD, including midbrain cavernous malformations and giant aneurysms.

Her visit also coincided with the annual Spetzler Microneurosurgery Course, which includes hands-on instruction in the Loyal and Edith Davis Neurosurgical Research Laboratory (pictured).

"Barrow is truly impressive—without a doubt, a world-class hospital," Dr. Mendes Melo said. "I am deeply grateful to Dr. Lawton and everyone who contributed to the neurosurgical team. The nurses, residents, and staff were all incredibly kind. This is an experience I will carry with me for the rest of my life, especially the people from all over the world whom I had the privilege of meeting."

Learn more about observer opportunities and read other testimonials by visiting https://bar.rw/observers.

Congratulations to James (Jim) Render, the first research participant from   to receive the Citizen Scientist Champion A...
04/03/2026

Congratulations to James (Jim) Render, the first research participant from to receive the Citizen Scientist Champion Award from the Global Alzheimer's Platform Foundation!

This award recognizes a participant who fights for the cause and serves as an advocate for trial participation in the community. A retired scientist himself, Jim has participated in at least five clinical trials since receiving his diagnosis of (LBD). He also served as a panel speaker for the Lewy Body Dementia Association and is involved in support groups.

Barrow nominated Jim for the 2025 award, and he was honored at the recent Site Optimization Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada.

🏆 Learn more about Jim and the other 2025 National Citizen Scientist Honorees at https://bar.rw/citizenscientists2025.
📽️ Hear from Jim and his family about the importance of research participation by watching his video at https://bar.rw/jimrender.

At the 2026 Muscular Dystrophy Association Clinical & Scientific Conference last month, Barrow nurse practitioner Jourda...
04/02/2026

At the 2026 Muscular Dystrophy Association Clinical & Scientific Conference last month, Barrow nurse practitioner Jourdan Milliard and occupational therapist Angela Escalante presented a poster on our EssentiALS tool.

The Gregory W. Fulton ALS and Disease Center at Barrow Neurological Institute created this web-based tool to help patients with (ALS) and their caregivers stay informed, proactive, and engaged in their care.

EssentiALS begins with a brief quiz, which is based on the ALS Functional Rating Scale. The tool learns where the patient is in their disease progression and presents a library of resources tailored to their specific needs.

"Patient and caregiver education is such an important part of care, so it was really meaningful to share this work with the community," Jourdan said.

Learn more about EssentiALS and get started by visiting BarrowNeuro.org/EssentiALS.

Today marks the beginning of  .At  , we're not only committed to managing   with available treatments; we're also workin...
04/01/2026

Today marks the beginning of .

At , we're not only committed to managing with available treatments; we're also working tirelessly to discover new treatment options.

In a paper published in "Parkinsonism and Related Disorders," researchers from Barrow and Washington University in St. Louis shared the results of a study in which they used Medicare data to evaluate immunosuppressants in disease. Immunosuppressants target neuroinflammation, which likely plays a role in Parkinson's disease progression.

Read the paper at https://bar.rw/immunosuppress-pd.

As we wrap up  , we're proud to share that our   Program participated in another year of Walk MS!The "Barrow Believers" ...
03/31/2026

As we wrap up , we're proud to share that our Program participated in another year of Walk MS!

The "Barrow Believers" joined both the and events this month. These two walks—which are part of a nationwide series—have raised nearly $260,000 for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, whose work benefits patients at who are living with .

Donations are still being accepted at WalkMS.org. Learn more about the Barrow MS Program at BarrowNeuro.org/MS.

Are you living with multiple sclerosis or another   disorder? Join us for our next   Empowerment Summit! Care partners a...
03/30/2026

Are you living with multiple sclerosis or another disorder? Join us for our next Empowerment Summit! Care partners are also welcome.

Register by this Friday, April 3, to hear from experts on a variety of topics, including movement for pain relief, sleep hygiene, techniques for vocal relaxation, and more.

📆: Saturday, April 11
⏰: 8:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
📍: Creighton University Health Sciences - Phoenix, 3100 North Central Avenue, , 85012

This event is free and open to the public. Sign up at https://bar.rw/msempower2026.

Questions? Please send an email to Claudia.Markov@CommonSpirit.org.

March is  !Whether it's providing education or resources, addressing the social and emotional needs of our patients and ...
03/30/2026

March is !

Whether it's providing education or resources, addressing the social and emotional needs of our patients and their families, or advocating for 's programs out in the community, our social workers are a vital part of the Barrow team.

Thank you to our for all you do.

In observation of   in April, the   Program at   is once again participating in the Head and Neck Cancer Alliance's Move...
03/29/2026

In observation of in April, the Program at is once again participating in the Head and Neck Cancer Alliance's Move-a-Thon!

This annual, nationwide event aims to raise awareness about head and neck cancer as well as funds for the Alliance. This organization works to advance the prevention, detection, treatment, and rehabilitation of head and neck cancer through public awareness, research, advocacy, and survivorship.

While you can participate from anywhere during the month of April and move in any way that you'd like, we'd love to have you join our team! Come on out with "Barrow Head Over Heals for Hope" as we walk together in central .

📆: Saturday, April 25, 2026
⏰: 10 a.m.
📍: Granada Park, 6505 North 20th Street, Phoenix, 85016

To learn more and register, or simply make a donation, please visit https://bar.rw/headoverheals2026.

We’re seeking individuals who have been diagnosed with mild Alzheimer’s dementia to participate in a Phase II clinical t...
03/28/2026

We’re seeking individuals who have been diagnosed with mild Alzheimer’s dementia to participate in a Phase II clinical trial at in , Arizona.

This study will evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of the multiple sclerosis drug siponimod in people with mild .

Interested in participating or have a loved one who might be? Visit https://bar.rw/siponimod to learn more.

March is  , a time to shed light on a chronic condition that affects at least 2.8 million people worldwide.  develops wh...
03/27/2026

March is , a time to shed light on a chronic condition that affects at least 2.8 million people worldwide.

develops when the immune system mistakenly attacks the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves—collectively known as the central nervous system. This abnormal immune response damages nerve fibers and their protective myelin coating, forming scar tissue. This damage disrupts communication between the brain and the rest of the body, causing various complex symptoms.

The average person has about a one in 750 chance of developing MS. However, the actual number of people with MS may be higher, due to incorrect or misdiagnoses. While we don't know exactly what causes multiple sclerosis, we do know that MS appears when several factors collide simultaneously. These include someone's genetic makeup, lifestyle, environment, and exposure to infectious agents or variants.

Visit BarrowNeuro.org/MS to learn more about the Program at , the first and only Center for Comprehensive Care in designated by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

(🩺 Medically reviewed by Michael Robers, MD)

March is  , a time to bring to the forefront an often underrecognized yet debilitating—and sometimes life-threatening—di...
03/26/2026

March is , a time to bring to the forefront an often underrecognized yet debilitating—and sometimes life-threatening—disease that occurs when proteins build up abnormally in the body.

These amyloid accumulations can develop in various organs and tissues, including the heart and the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord. When these nerves (known as peripheral nerves) are damaged, a condition known as develops. These patients experience relatively rapid progression of numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness in the hands and feet, as well as symptoms of autonomic dysfunction related to cardiac, gastrointestinal, and/or genitourinary involvement.

Ayushi Chugh, MD, FAAN, a in the Gregory W. Fulton ALS and Disease Center at , was recently invited to speak about amyloid neuropathy at Arizona State University's Updates in Conference.

Presented by ASU's Complex Adaptive Systems Initiative, the conference drew nearly 130 registrants. Participants included individuals affected by amyloidosis, advocates, clinicians, and industry partners—reinforcing a shared commitment to advancing our understanding of this disease.

As Major League Baseball prepares to kick off the 2026 season with  , we're expressing our gratitude for their partnersh...
03/25/2026

As Major League Baseball prepares to kick off the 2026 season with , we're expressing our gratitude for their partnership in raising awareness about stroke.

again joined the United Stroke Alliance's initiative this year, which aims to raise awareness about stroke through MLB and Minor League Baseball games. Our staff attended three of the Cactus League's games, where they shared information on stroke prevention, demonstrated neuro-robotic technology used in stroke rehabilitation, and showcased our state-of-the-art .

We also invited Barrow patients to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Bruno Johnson took the field at Camelback Ranch - Glendale on Feb. 24, ahead of the Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Cleveland Guardians game. Hemant Shah kicked off the Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Seattle Mariners game at Peoria Sports Complex on Feb. 27.

Bruno—a father of four, grandfather of one, and owner and operator of a physical training business—experienced a in November 2025 that left him temporarily unable to move the right side of his body. With the exceptional care from his medical team and access to life-saving treatments at Barrow, Bruno made a full recovery. He describes his journey as a testimony of faith, resilience, and purpose.

Hemant worked at finance company for 25 years until he had a stroke on Dec. 22, 2024. He has been receiving therapy in the Center for Transitional (CTN) at Barrow over the past year and has made tremendous progress. As a lifelong baseball fan, Hemant was honored to throw out the first pitch. While growing up in the suburbs of Chicago, he loved playing baseball and watching the Chicago Cubs on TV. But as a resident of nearly 30 years, Hemant is now a devoted Diamondbacks fan.

Learn more about and care by visiting BarrowNeuro.org/Stroke.

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