We are the national leader in health disparities research assessing stroke-related disparities among Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders. The Queen’s Medical Center established the Neuroscience Institute in 1996 with the mission to provide state-of-the-art medical care to patients with neurological conditions and diseases. Through the integration of clinical excellence, education and research, our specialists improve the lives of our patients, every day. This Center of Excellence embodies the full spectrum of care, from our inpatient Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit and dedicated neuroscience floors, to our specialty outpatient clinics.

Our Stroke Center was opened in 1997 and was designated by The Joint Commission as a Primary Stroke Center in 2004. In 2016, Queen’s Neuroscience Institute achieved The Joint Commission’s highest level of stroke accreditation to become the state of Hawaii’s first Comprehensive Stroke Center.

The Comprehensive Epilepsy Center at The Queen’s Medical Center Neuroscience Institute is accredited by the NAEC (National Association of Epilepsy Centers) as Hawaii’s only Level 4 Comprehensive Epilepsy Center. Level 4 epilepsy centers have the professional expertise and facilities to provide the highest level medical and surgical evaluation and treatment for patients with complex epilepsy.

Our specialized neurology team is committed to keeping the Health of Hawaii Strong.

Education & Outreach

As a part of its mission to educate and improve the health care of the people of Hawaii, the Queen’s Neuroscience Institute is active in continuing to educate physicians, nurses and the community through a variety of clinical and community outreach efforts, and partnerships with local non-profit organizations.

Some of our educational programs include:

• Physician Continuing Education Program
• Nursing Continuing Education Program
• Resident and Medical Student Education Program

Some of our outreach efforts include:

• Think First: We have reestablished a Hawaii chapter of this American Association of Neurological Surgeons-sponsored program. In collaboration with The Rehabilitation Hospital of the Pacific and various Hawaii state agencies, this program is targeted at teaching school-age children about water, helmet and seat-belt safety.
• Partnership with the American Heart Association (AHA) and American Stroke Association (ASA): We work closely with these organizations to promote awareness of stroke and its risk factors, and to provide health screenings and educational materials at community health fairs.
• Work with the Epilepsy Foundation: Our team participates in a variety of public events, such as Sharon’s Ride for Epilepsy, in partnership with the Epilepsy Foundation. This relationship also supports the Comprehensive Epilepsy Center‘s efforts to improve the care and support for Hawaii’s epilepsy population.
• Speaking of Health: A free, Queen’s-sponsored community health lecture series that focuses on raising awareness on health-related issues of concern. We have lectured on health topics such as stroke, epilepsy and movement disorders.
• Participation at community and neighbor island health fairs through speaking at lectures, and providing Stroke Risk Assessments and Blood Pressure Screenings.
• High school and grade school outreach.

Research at The Queen’s Neuroscience Institute

Research is central to the NSI’s commitment to advanced treatments and education for providers and staff. We partner with national institutions and researchers to bring expanded opportunities and the highest level of care to our patients. Since its inception, the NSI has participated in studies involving new devices to treat aneurysms and to cool the body and brain. It has participated in studies involving traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, and seizures, including over 30 clinical stroke trials with Hawai‘i residents. The NSI also maintains a comprehensive stroke database.

Clinical Trials

CHARM

Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group, Multicenter, Phase 3 Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Intravenous BIIB093 (Glibenclamide) for Severe Cerebral Edema following Large Hemispheric Infarction. PI: Dr. Kazuma Nakagawa.

BOOST-3

Randomized trial of brain tissue oxygen optimization in severe traumatic brain injury.

FASTEST

Phase 3 study of recombinant factor VIIa for hemorrhagic stroke.

TIMELESS

Phase 3 study of tenecteplase for stroke in patients between 4.5 and 24 hours from onset.

ReCCLAIM II

Randomized trial of therapeutic hypothermia in acute cerebral ischemia with revascularization.

ICECAP

Randomized adaptive trial of cooling durations for neuroprotection after cardiac arrest.

AXIOMATIC

Phase 2 study of BMS-986177, oral factor Xia inhibitor, for secondary stroke prevention in patients receiving aspirin and clopidogrel.

ASPIRE

Randomized trial of anticoagulation in survivors of intracerebral hemorrhage with atrial fibrillation.

ARCADIA

Randomized trial of antithrombotic medications for secondary stroke prevention in patients with atrial cardiopathy and cryptogenic stroke.

STROKE-AF

Randomized trial of continuous cardiac monitoring in patients with recent ischemic stroke of presumed known origin.

RAGE

The Comprehensive Epilepsy Center participates in national clinical trials as well. Other national and international studies include research in traumatic brain injuries, devices, imaging, spinal cord surgery and injury, and improving rehabilitation. 

For more information about clinical trials, you can contact us at NeuroscienceResearch@Queens.org.