Cedars-Sinai Neurologists Present Research at AAN 2026

Cedars-Sinai neurologists will present advances in research and patient care at the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Annual Meeting April 18-22 in Chicago. The Cedars-Sinai experts are available for interviews about new findings on treatment of stroke, migraine, and neuroimmunologic and neurodegenerative diseases, and they can discuss neuropalliative care and breaking news coming out of the meeting.

"The AAN Annual Meeting is an important opportunity for neurologists to share scientific and clinical advances shaping the care of patients with neurological disorders," said Nancy Sicotte, MD , chair of the Department of Neurology at Cedars-Sinai. "Our physician-scientists are sharing information about the most important challenges in neurology-from improving treatments for chronic neurological diseases to strengthening communication and support for patients and families."

Cedars-Sinai Experts Presenting Research at the Meeting

Alexis Simpkins, MD, PhD , director of Stroke Research and the Stroke RNA, Imaging, and Protein Predictors for Patient Tailored Treatment Program at Cedars-Sinai, will receive the DEI Changemaker Award, and she will chair the research hub at the meeting. She will also share information on women's leadership in neurology and the history of neurology.

Andrew Blumenfeld, MD , a Cedars-Sinai neurologist specializing in headache disorders, will present research on the use of botulinum toxin, popularly known as Botox, for chronic migraine management, and he can discuss advances in migraine treatment.

Richard Lewis, MD , professor of Neurology, will present research on new therapies for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP), a rare disorder in which the immune system damages the nerves, leading to weakness and numbness. He will also share results from late-stage clinical trials evaluating potential new CIDP treatments.

Paula Barreras, MD , assistant professor of Neurology and director of the Center of Excellence in Rare Neuroimmune Disorders at Cedars-Sinai, will discuss vascular causes of myelopathy, a frequent source of misdiagnosis in spinal cord disorders.

Jessica Besbris, MD , director of Neuropalliative Care and the Neurology Supportive Care Medicine Program, will discuss neuropalliative care, including ways neurologists can effectively and compassionately communicate about serious illnesses to their patients.

Yvette Bordelon, MD, PhD , director of the Cedars-Sinai Huntington's Disease Society of America Partner Center of Excellence, will discuss gene therapy for Huntington's disease, including new therapeutic developments, clinical applications of research and innovative technical advances.

Maranatha O. Ayodele, MD , assistant professor of Neurology, will moderate a session on cerebrovascular diseases and can discuss intracerebral hemorrhage and traumatic brain injuries.

Additional Cedars-Sinai Experts

Lisa Bateman, MD , director of the Surgical Epilepsy Program and professor of Neurology, can discuss epilepsy research and treatment advances.

Ilana E. Lasner, DO , assistant professor of Neurology, can discuss Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and migraines.

Marwa Kaisey, MD , associate professor of Neurology, will discuss disease-modifying therapies for multiple sclerosis.

Konrad Schlick, MD , Neurology Residency Program director, can discuss ischemic stroke management and neurology resident training.

Jodi Nelson, DO , assistant professor of Neurology, can discuss treating dementia and multiple sclerosis.

Contact

To arrange interviews with Cedars-Sinai experts, contact Kelsie Sandoval at [email protected] or 562-631-1169.