VCU’s Department of Neurology is engaged in basic and clinical research to better understand the underlying cause of complex neurological diseases and conditions that translates research discoveries into new treatments. As research, education and practice intersects, VCU and VCU Health are redefining the future of neurological patient care by developing potentially transformative disease modifying therapies. In parallel, researchers are working to redefine how we diagnosis and manage complicated neurological diseases.

Collectively, this work enables neurology researchers to apply the latest in research to treat epilepsy, sleep disorders, stroke, chronic pain and migraine, neuromuscular diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS); neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, and studies of cancers of the brain and nervous system (neuro-oncology).

The Vice-Chair for Research, Nicholas E. Johnson, MD works closely with Chair of the Department to oversee activities pertaining to the research goals of the Department. This includes developing and implementing research initiatives and mechanisms to ensure ongoing support for a growing research infrastructure.

The research interests of faculty within the Department of Neurology span the spectrum from basic laboratory research investigating diseases at a molecular and genetic level, to dedicated clinical outcomes research and finally to translation of knowledge from bench to bedside.

Our departmental research portfolio is diverse, including support from the National Institutes of Health, Department of Defense, patient foundations, and industry sponsors. 

For a list of active clinical trials and research studies, visit the C. Kenneth and Diane Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research website. To learn more about research and innovation at VCU, explore the Research and Innovation website.