Institute of Neuroscience

The Institute of Neuroscience (ION) at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) School of Medicine is a world-class center of excellence in brain health education, research, and personalized treatment serving the Rio Grande Valley community and beyond.

Transforming Brain Health in the Rio Grande Valley and Beyond

The Vision for the UTRGV Institute of Neuroscience is to transform brain health in the Rio Grande Valley and Beyond and act as a catalyst for multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary excellence in research, education, clinical care, and community partnership to advance brain health.

Faculty at the Institute of Neuroscience includes nationally and internationally renowned basic and clinical scientists and master clinicians from the UTRGV School of Medicine, including Neuroscience, Human Genetics, Neurology, Psychiatry, Psychology, Behavioral Health, and Medical Education. Their expertise includes neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders, such as stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, major depression, bipolar disorder, addiction, and neuropathic pain among others. It also includes molecular geneticists, biomedical engineers, cognitive neuroscientists, artificial intelligence, and expertise in neuroimaging and neuromodulations.

The Institute of Neuroscience houses an advanced neuroimaging suite that includes a 3T MRI and CT/PET scan machines as well as an infusion suite that can accommodate four patients simultaneously. ION houses a Clinical Research Unit with a dedicated clinical research laboratory and sample processing space, and a dedicated research pharmacy in addition to several medical and behavioral examination rooms. Additionally, ION also houses two neuromodulation laboratories dedicated to neuropsychiatric disorders and neurorehabilitation research and an active community outreach program.

Research at the UTRGV Institute of Neuroscience (ION):

• The UTRGV Institute of Neuroscience, basic science laboratories are located at the UTRGV Biomedical Research Building, McAllen, with a major focus on neuropathic pain in association with addiction, Alzheimer’s disease and HIV, and diabetic retinopathy.
  
  
• The UTRGV Institute of Neuroscience participates in world-class clinical and translational research in the areas of:
  
  
  • Addiction & Mood Disorders
  • Alzheimer Disease
  • Bipolar Disorder and Alcohol Use Disorder
  • Clinical Trails
  • Depression and Alcohol Use Disorders
  • Neuromodulation Research
  • Pharmacotherapy for Alcohol Use Disorders
  • Stroke Recovery

Clinical Trials and Research:

In addition to treating neurological issues, our scientists conduct multidisciplinary research to develop our understanding of the functions and mechanisms that impact brain health. From clinical trials to advance medical science, some of the research at ION will focus on experimental treatments for Alzheimer’s Disease, stroke recovery, and involve medical students in the research.

If you are interested in participating in a research study, complete our online form below.

Education

At the UTRGV Institute of Neuroscience, our faculty and staff are dedicated to educating the next generation of neuroscience leaders, with emphasis on under-represented minorities, for the Rio Grande Valley and the nation through high-quality professional and graduate degree programs in the biomedical sciences.

Additionally, medical students will be able to train with world-class faculty, physicians, and research scientists as people in South Texas will be able to get diagnosed and treated close to home. The UTRGV Institute of Neuroscience will open a broader pathway to brain health and provide the expert access to healthcare everyone should have.

Our Educational Programs

• Undergraduate Medical Education (UME)

Patient Care

In affiliation with our UT Health RGV clinical program, our sts, other clinical specialists, and scientists work together to create personalized diagnostic and treatment plans for every patient. The Institute of Neuroscience provides the highest-quality neurological care and cutting-edge research in the Rio Grande Valley.

To make an appointment or find a doctor, please visit our UT Health RGV Institute of Neuroscience website to view all services and treatments available.