You can see it coming in right there, that little spot,” says neuroscientist and engineer Laura Lewis. A remarkably bright pulsing dot has appeared on the monitor in front of us. We are watching, in real time, the brain activity of a graduate student named Nick, who is having an afternoon nap inside an imaging […]
As of Sept. 1, 2025, Christopher Smyser, MD, will be the next division director of Pediatric and Developmental Neurology at WashU Medicine Neurology. He succeeds Christina Gurnett, MD, PhD, who has served as division director of Pediatric and Developmental Neurology since 2018. Smyser began his training at the University of Iowa, earning his undergraduate degree […]
Cerebral palsy affects around one in 345 children in the U.S., and more than half of them experience a problem called dystonia — involuntary and often painful muscle contractions, most commonly in the legs, that lead to abnormal movement and postures and make regular activities such as walking difficult. Traditionally, doctors have relied on subjective […]
Alzheimer’s disease scientists at Washington University in St. Louis researching early clues that the disease may be developing recently pinpointed one: changes or disturbances in circadian rhythm, or “body clock.” Their recent study found that circadian rhythm changes which cause disrupted sleep can occur as many as 20 years before Alzheimer’s symptoms begin … and well […]
The Department of Neurology congratulates three staff members for being awarded the Neurology Staff Employees of the Quarter for Q4 FY25. The department accepts nominations for three award categories to highlight the dedication and accomplishments of our staff members — clinical, research and administration. Clinical Staff Employee of the Quarter Teanna Tanner, RMA, CCMA Medical […]
The itching, redness and swelling of an allergic reaction are caused by mast cells — the vigilant first responders of the immune system that spring into action with histamine-filled granules in response to a perceived threat.
Congratulations to the members of the Department of Neurology who received accolades through the Supporting a Fair Environment (SAFE) program! SAFE aims to improve the learning environment by promoting positive behaviors and managing concerns about learner mistreatment and unprofessional behaviors. SAFE accolades include treating others with dignity and respect, creating an environment that values diversity, […]
The Department of Neurology is pleased to announce 67 of our faculty members have been selected as 2025 Castle Connolly Top Doctors®. We are proud of our physicians for their dedication to their work and patients each and every day. Each year, Castle Connolly uses a merit-based system to select board-certified physicians for its Top […]
The goal of the $10,000 WashU Medicine Bold Pioneer Award is to recognize and encourage early career investigators who have demonstrated bold, pioneering research that is high-risk by virtue of being fundamentally different from standard approaches. The intent is to encourage scientific research investigators to challenge status quo approaches by developing fundamentally different methods, approaches, […]
Joseph T. Black, MD, a retired professor of neurology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, died Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at his home in Clayton. He was 85. Black was a longtime member of the Department of Neurology’s clinical teaching faculty and part of Barnes-Jewish Hospital’s neurology practice since 1976. In recognition […]