NeuroSpring

NeuroSpring supports research in the neurosciences with the aim of creating new medical products to treat neurological diseases. Our mission is to advance neuroscientific research and training that drives improved healthcare for the underserved.

NeuroSpring puts charitable donations to use in the research and development new medical therapies. Organizational support comes from donations and intellectual property purchase fees.

NeuroSpring has a volunteer staff of scientists who are responsible for the daily management of its projects. NeuroSpring also has on its volunteer staff medical writers and grant experts who assist with fundraising efforts. NeuroSpring's staff also participates in several educational activities including Skype-a-Scientist presentations to primary grade classes around the country, a high school internship program, and a scholarship program for young scientists. NeuroSpring has raised funds to complete research projects supporting development of key medical device technologies. Finally, NeuroSpring has a Clinical Program Board composed of world-recognized neurologists who provide strategic guidance and quality oversight to the work conducted by the organization.

Previous projects excluding the facial nerve stimulator and artificial intelligence diagnostic medical device are listed below:



The Haptoglobin - Vasospasm Project

Cerebral artery vasospasm is a constriction of brain arteries developing several days after subarachnoid hemorrhage. Vasospasm is the primary cause of morbidity and mortality in subarachnoid hemorrhage patients who survive the initial hemorrhage. Support by an American Heart Association grant, NeuroSpring's research found a protein in the blood - haptoglobin - to be the strongest risk factor for predicting the development of vasospasm in subarachnoid hemorrhage patients.



The Ouabain - Pseudotumor Project

Pseudotumor cerebri (also known as idiopathic intracranial hypertension) is a headache condition that often damages the vision. Caused by an increase in pressure inside the skull, pseudotumor was previous not known to have a cause. With support from the National Headache Foundation, NeuroSpring was first to discover a link between levels of the steroid, ouabain, and pseudotumor cerebri.



The Glucocorticoid - Traumatic Brain Injury Project

A family of steroids known as glucocorticoids has often been studied as a possible therapy for traumatic brain injury patients, but with conflicting and confusing results. NeuroSpring evaluated the literature, and its findings suggest that glucocorticoids may be effective but only in certain types of traumatic brain injury patients.



The Insula Stroke Project

Previous research has suggested that stroke in a certain part of the brain called the insula cortex are particularly dangerous because it affects cardiac function. NeuroSpring's research indicates that the association between stroke in the insula and poor outcomes is not so straightforward as previously believed.