Washington University Professor Receives AAN Norman Geschwind Prize in Behavioral Neurology

Newswise — The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) is awarding the 2009 Norman Geschwind Prize in Behavioral Neurology to Bradley L. Schlaggar, MD, PhD, a pediatric neurologist with Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, for his research to better understand the development of the network structure of the brain in patients with Tourette syndrome. Schlaggar will receive the award during the AAN's 61st Annual Meeting in Seattle, held April 25 through May 2, 2009. Schlaggar is an Academy member.

The Norman Geschwind Prize is awarded to an individual for outstanding research in the field of behavioral neurology. Applicants should have a strong desire to expand the field of behavioral neurology through research.

Tourette syndrome is widely known for chronic motor and vocal tics and is associated with difficulty in impulse control. This study points to malfunctioning in a network of regions in the brain, specifically the development of the executive control centers that affect attention and memory as a potential cause for Tourette syndrome.

"This approach to researching the network structure of the brain provides the potential for significant insight towards early detection and treatment of Tourette syndrome," said Schlaggar. "Our research helps lay the groundwork for the management of other neuropsychiatric disorders of childhood, adolescence, and aging."

The award is sponsored by the AAN and the Behavioral Neurology Section and endowed through Dr. Norman Geschwind's family, friends, and colleagues; Pfizer Inc; and the Society for Behavioral and Cognitive Neurology.The 61th Annual Meeting, one of the world's largest gatherings of neurology professionals, takes place in the Washington State Convention and Trade Center in Seattle.

The American Academy of Neurology, an association of more than 21,000 neurologists and neuroscience professionals, is dedicated to promoting the highest quality patient-centered neurologic care. A neurologist is a doctor with specialized training in diagnosing, treating and managing disorders of the brain and nervous system such as multiple sclerosis, restless legs syndrome, Alzheimer's disease, narcolepsy, and stroke.

For more information, visit www.aan.com/awards.