UK Kentucky Neuroscience Institute

09/16/2025

On this episode of UK HealthCast, Dr. Neil Toupin, child neurologist and director of UK HealthCare’s NEMO Clinic, talks about Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) — a rare genetic condition that weakens muscles over time.
Dr. Toupin shares:
🔹 What DMD is and early signs to watch for
🔹 Who’s most at risk
🔹 How UK HealthCare brings together a full team of specialists to support families

Listen to the podcast and read the Q&A here:

Dr. Neil Toupin, a child neurologist and director of the Neurodevelopmental Evaluation and Management Optimization (NEMO) Clinic, discusses Duchenne muscular dystrophy, one of the rare diseases he treats.

09/12/2025

Hoyt "Corky" Ball’s journey with Parkinson’s shows the real impact of a groundbreaking UK trial combining brain stimulation and nerve grafts. Read his inspiring story of hope and healing.

Hoyt "Corky" Ball, a Kentucky patient with Parkinson’s disease, has regained his quality of life through UK’s groundbreaking DBS-Plus clinical trial, which combines deep brain stimulation with nerve grafting to slow or reverse the disease.

09/03/2025

UK researchers are working to uncover why some stroke survivors develop dementia and how to help them recover their thinking and memory. Read to learn more about the current studies and research.

UK researchers are studying stroke-related brain changes to better predict who is at risk for dementia and aim to improve recovery, especially for patients in rural and Appalachian areas.

09/02/2025

“Whenever she looks at you and says, I’m gonna take care of your little girl like she’s mine, that means a lot.” 💙

Dr. Randaline Barnett, director of pediatric neurosurgery at UK HealthCare, is capturing hearts with more than her surgical skill. Known for her sparkly boots, warm hugs, and deep Kentucky roots, Dr. Barnett is redefining what it means to be a neurosurgeon.

The director of pediatric neurosurgery at UK is capturing national attention not only for her exceptional surgical skills, but for her deep Kentucky roots and unique approach to patient care.

09/01/2025

The Stroke Care Network – a collaboration between UK HealthCare and Norton Healthcare – is proof that we are stronger together.

As the first community-based stroke program in the region, the Stroke Care Network is designed to provide the highest quality clinical care and educational programs to physicians, hospital staff and community members.

The Stroke Care Network, spanning 41 hospitals across three states, ensures timely and high quality stroke care through collaboration, education, and community outreach, bringing lifesaving treatment closer to home for thousands.

08/30/2025

"We are making a difference for the children in Kentucky" says Dr. Sharoon Qaiser. Read more to learn how we are supporting children with headaches.

The Children and Young Adult Headache Research Program is using innovative tools like AI, patient drawings, and new medications to improve diagnosis and treatment for children suffering from migraines, especially in underserved areas.

08/29/2025

Former Texas A&M and Murray State coach Billy Kennedy once battled Kentucky on the court, now he’s teamed up with UK researchers in a groundbreaking Parkinson’s study. Learn more about his story.

Former Texas A&M basketball coach Billy Kennedy, diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2011, has found renewed hope and improved quality of life through groundbreaking treatment and research at the University of Kentucky.

08/27/2025

UK HealthCare’s ALS Multidisciplinary Clinic delivers expert, compassionate care tailored to each patient’s unique journey. With a collaborative team of specialists and access to the latest treatment options and clinical trials, we focus on easing symptoms, supporting quality of life, and helping patients live as fully as possible.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive motor neuron disease affecting the nerve cells in …

08/27/2025

Dr. Tarif Bakdash is driving UK’s Child Neurology Program to reach new heights. At the same time, he’s helping his team and their young patients excel by fostering a culture of caring, curiosity and collaboration.

Learn about his important work 👇

Dr. Tarif Bakdash is leading UK’s Child Neurology Program with a unique blend of curiosity, compassion, and collaboration, creating a supportive, family-like environment that inspires both his team and young patients to thrive.

08/26/2025

Dr. Neil Toupin shares his insights and advice for families navigating an SMA diagnosis.

Dr. David Neil Toupin, a child neurologist and director of the Neurology Evaluation and Management Optimization (NEMO) Clinic shares his insights and advice for families navigating an SMA diagnosis.

08/26/2025

Our Neuro-Ophthalmology Program uses cutting-edge technology and expert teamwork to diagnose and treat complex eye conditions connected to brain health. Our specialists collaborate closely with neurology and other departments to deliver personalized care, helping protect your vision and neurological health.

UK HealthCare’s neuro-ophthalmology experts address visual problems often rooted in neurological disorders, providing essential care for complex conditions.

08/22/2025

Adapt activities, encourage connection, and create calm spaces to bring joy for loved ones with Alzheimer’s. Read more for examples!

Adapting activities to match a person’s abilities helps individuals with Alzheimer’s stay engaged, connected, and comfortable throughout all stages of the disease.

08/22/2025

The University of Kentucky Center of Excellence in Rural Health will host the 10th Annual Kentucky Rural Telehealth Summit on Sept. 25 at the Administrative Office of the Courts in Frankfort, Ky.

Learn more and register 👇

The University of Kentucky Center of Excellence in Rural Health (UK CERH) will host the 10th Annual Kentucky Rural Telehealth Summit on Sept. 25 in Frankfort, Ky.

08/22/2025

The UK College of Dentistry recently hosted more than 400 orthodontic residents from across the U.S. and Canada for the 36th annual Graduate Orthodontic Residents Program.

"It’s a great feeling to be able to show off our campus and the Lexington area.”

The University of Kentucky College of Dentistry hosted over 400 orthodontic residents from across the U.S. and Canada for the 36th annual Graduate Orthodontic Residents Program (GORP).

08/21/2025

At the foundation of UK’s Neuroscience Research Priority Area is the belief that an environment that promotes dedicated research and teamwork enhances problem-solving, accelerates learning, promotes creativity and builds stronger relationships.

Kentucky Neuroscience Institute Research team is working together across campus to turn scientific discoveries into real treatments that improve brain health and help patients in Kentucky and beyond.

08/21/2025

Up to one-third of stroke survivors go on to develop dementia and cognitive impairment. But is it possible to predict, at the time of a stroke, who will have the best cognitive recovery?

That’s a question neuropsychologist Dr. Jordan Harp hopes to answer.

UK researchers are studying stroke-related brain changes to better predict who is at risk for dementia and aim to improve recovery, especially for patients in rural and Appalachian areas.

08/21/2025

UK HealthCare has implemented a powerful new tool in the ongoing effort to save lives through organ donation: a seamless registration feature within the MyChart patient portal.

Learn more, including how to easily navigate the registration process in MyChart 👇

UK HealthCare UK HealthCare launches new organ donation sign-up through MyChart By Jared Holt Wednesday Video provided by UK HealthCare Corporate Communications LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 20, 2025) — UK HealthCare has implemented a powerful new tool in the ongoing effort to save lives through organ dona...

08/20/2025

UK HealthCare was designated as a Magnet organization in 2016 and 2021 by the ANCC Magnet Recognition Program® and we are now applying for redesignation. We invite patients, family members, staff, and other interested parties to provide feedback via email or direct mail by Sept. 19, 2025.

Read our official public notice announcement with full details.

08/20/2025

On this episode of “Behind the Blue,” Dr. Larry Goldstein talks about the origins of the Department of Neurology in the UK College of Medicine and its evolution into a leader in patient care, education and research.

UK HealthCare ‘Behind the Blue’: Larry Goldstein on 60 years of neurology at UK By Kody Kiser and Rick Childress Monday LEXINGTON, Ky. (August 18, 2025) – The University of Kentucky College of Medicine’s Department of Neurology is marking its 60th anniversary, celebrating a legacy that began...

08/19/2025

Dr. Brooke Hudspeth, UK College of Pharmacy Chief Practice Officer, shares what you should know about two common new weight-loss drugs.

You’ve likely heard about glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists — commonly referred to as GLP-1 medications, and more widely recognized through pharmaceutical brand names like Ozempic and Mounjaro.

08/19/2025

Our robust and growing epilepsy program has become known for its innovative approach to successful patient assessments. It is the goal of the epilepsy team, the Kentucky Neuroscience Institute and the UK HealthCare Comprehensive Epilepsy Program to bridge the treatment gap.

UK’s epilepsy team is using advanced imaging and teamwork to better pinpoint where seizures start in the brain, helping more patients find effective treatments and improve their quality of life.

08/18/2025

Neurologist Dr. Sharoon Qaiser goes beyond the typical history and physical exam for young patients. The director of UK HealthCare’s Children and Young Adult Headache & Research Program asks patients to draw pictures that reflect their headaches and pain.

The Children and Young Adult Headache Research Program is using innovative tools like AI, patient drawings, and new medications to improve diagnosis and treatment for children suffering from migraines, especially in underserved areas.

08/18/2025

Meet Brad Tannen, our new chair of ophthalmology and visual sciences!

08/15/2025

Lisa Buede is among the first patients at UK Markey Cancer Center to benefit from a new treatment approach that uses advanced surgical robots to diagnose and treat early stage lung cancer in one session.

“We’re now able to take patients from ‘you might have cancer’ to ‘your cancer is gone’ in a single day.”

By the time 59-year-old Lisa Buede learned she had stage 1 lung cancer, the tumor was already gone. The UK Markey Cancer Center’s new same-day procedure combines diagnosis and treatment for early stage lung cancers using advanced surgical robots, eliminating weeks of waiting between biopsy and sur...