Research - Cottage Neuroscience Institute

Advancing Neurosurgical and Neurological Care Through Research

World-class Neuroscience Research to Improve the Diagnosis, Treatment and Options for Patients

Cottage Neuroscience Institute neurosurgeons, neurologists and clinicians have been conducting critical research for more than a decade.

Clinical trials have brought innovative technologies, life-saving treatment options and expanded medication choices to Cottage patients that wouldn’t otherwise be available. The treatment options from these clinical trials will continue to enhance existing medical services provided to patients.

Neuroscience research at Cottage Health covers a spectrum of investigation and encompasses the different areas of expertise of our health care providers. Our research extends to investigational clinical trials (phases III-IV), registries and retrospective studies. Researchers at Cottage conduct industry-sponsored trials as well as investigator-initiated studies.

The Cottage Health Research Institute (CHRI) offers consultation, liaison and administrative resources to researchers to support the translation of clinical and academic research. CHRI works closely with investigators to implement protocols at Cottage Health and assists in participant screening, consenting, enrolling, conducting study visits, and collection and entry of data.

---

Neuroscience Clinical Trials

Anticoagulation in Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ICH) Survivors for Stroke Prevention and Recovery (ASPIRE) Study

Primary Investigator: Brian Walcott, MD
Contact: CHRI@sbch.org or 805-287-6260
ASPIRE is a double-blind, multicenter, NIH-funded stroke study for patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation who have experienced an intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in the last six months. This study aims to compare the effects of apixaban (also known as Eliquis®) with aspirin in this population to determine which is better at preventing strokes and death. Patients will participate in the study for up to three years, with a minimum of one year. For more information, please visit ASPIRE Stroke Trial.

Stroke Thrombectomy and Aneurysm Registry (STAR) Study

Primary Investigator: Brian Walcott, MD
Contact: CHRI@sbch.org or 805-287-6260
STAR is a retrospective and prospective database that houses procedure details and outcomes of patients undergoing surgical and endovascular interventions for central nervous system vascular lesions. The data is collected from Jan. 1, 2013 and ongoing. The study aims to provide key information on predictors of outcomes after surgical interventions for central nervous system vascular lesions. The knowledge gained would be used to better understand patient stratification, assessing the risk-benefit ratio of the procedure for different patient populations, and defining prognostic features. For more information, please visit STAR (Stroke Thrombectomy and Aneurysm Registry) | College of Medicine | MUSC.

Observational Studies and Registries

RaceCAR-Macrophages Glioblastoma

Primary Investigator: Nicole Moayeri, MD and Denise Montell, PhD (UCSB)
Contact: CHRI@sbch.org or 805-287-6260
Upon completion of this study, the investigators will have a better understanding of the promise of RaceCAR M and RaceM/ADCP as treatments for human brain tumors with a particular focus on glioblastoma multiforme (GBM).

Acute Stroke in Younger Women

Primary Investigator: Cathy Cleek
Contact: ccleek@sbch.org or 805-569-7820
This study seeks data for two objectives. The primary objective is to assess the correlation between acute stroke incidence and exposure to the COVID-19 virus and receipt of the COVID-19 vaccination. Further, it will evaluate whether acute stroke patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection exhibit higher rates of disability and in-hospital mortality. The secondary objective is to compare the incidence and clinical outcomes (e.g., disability and mortality) of acute stroke in female patients at SBCH with national trends from March 2018 to March 2025.

Canine detection of pre-seizure odor in patients with epileptic seizures in an epilepsy monitoring unit

Primary Investigator: Arianne Johnson, PhD, Michael Gibbs, MD and Karen Secore, APRN
Contact: CHRI@sbch.org or 805-287-6260
This ongoing study seeks to determine pre-ictal odor from patients with epilepsy is detected by trained seizure alert dogs. This protocol was developed as a pilot study utilizing samples from one patient with epileptic seizures during admission to an epilepsy monitoring unit. Pending this prospective feasibility trial, an additional protocol will be submitted for further investigation.

Quality Improvement Projects

Measuring the Impact of Targeted Epilepsy Education on the Knowledge of Caregivers of Children with Epilepsy

Primary Investigator: Anne Chevitarese
Contact: CHRI@sbch.org
This project will compare the knowledge of caregivers of pediatric patients with newly diagnosed epilepsy before and after they are educated with validated Epilepsy Education Tool. It will investigate the impact on the knowledge of caregivers of children with a new diagnosis of epilepsy using a validated educational tool provided by a registered nurse in one education session. The outcome will be measured by a pre and post survey completed by parents, which will identify a possible change in their knowledge base.

SCI Navigator Pilot Program

Primary Investigator: Rosalie Yeager
Contact: Rosalie Yeager, r2yeager@sbch.org
This program assesses the impact of a dedicated SCI Navigator to support patients who will likely have a decreased length of stay at SBCH and be better prepared for a discharge acute rehabilitation. Identification of these patients at SBCH will also assist with data collection for future programs and policy changes needed to optimize the overall care of this population.