DALLAS - January 22, 2026 (NEWMEDIAWIRE) - The American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association has expanded it’s International Stroke Conference with multiple pre-conference symposiums in 2026. The meeting is in New Orleans, Feb. 4-6, 2026, and is a world premier global event dedicated to advancing stroke and brain health science.

The following is a list of all the pre-conference symposiums:

State-of-the-Science Stroke Nursing Symposium Pre-Conference Symposium - Feb. 3, 2026; 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CT

This forum provides updates on nursing topics related to stroke care, including prevention, management, rehabilitation and program development. Presentations include the top 10 changes in the acute ischemic stroke 2025 guidelines that impact nursing; early palliative interventions to promote positive outcomes with acute stroke treatment; unifying stroke care; and connecting stroke survivors with the health care system.

Brain Health Pre-Con Symposium - Feb. 3, 2026; 8:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CT

Reflecting the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s growing commitment to fostering science that supports optimal brain function across the lifespan, this new symposium will explore topics at the intersection of vascular neurology, cognitive neuroscience, aging and public health. Session topics include: the heart-brain connection, post-stroke cognitive and mental health problems and the use of AI to improve brain health.

HEADS-UP - Health Equity and Actionable Disparities in Stroke: Understanding and Problem-solving - Feb. 3, 2026; 8:30 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. CT

This multidisciplinary scientific forum focuses on race-ethnic disparities in cerebrovascular disease, reducing disparities in stroke and accelerating translation of research to improve outcomes for race-ethnic minorities who reside in the US.

HEADS-UP is a collaborative initiative with the American Stroke Association and the National Institutes for Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). Visit the HEADS-UP Symposia in the Program Planner for details.

Stroke in Practice: Stroke Lagniappe (formerly Stroke in the Real World) - Feb. 3, 2026; 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CT

The symposium highlights scientific advances in cerebrovascular disease while emphasizing their application in the real world. This year’s topic is addressing challenges in acute stroke management. 

Experimental Stroke Science (formerly Stroke in the Lab World) - Feb. 3, 2026; 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. CT

The focus of this symposium is on promising new developments in the lab and their possible effects on future stroke treatment. Topics include: intracerebral hemorrhage immunology, subarachnoid hemorrhage, leukocytes, intracerebral hemorrhage pathophysiology, cerebral amyloid angiopathy and intraventricular hemorrhages.

MEDIA ATTENDANCE: Media interested in attending the International Stroke Conference and the Pre-Conference Symposia can register here.

Statements and conclusions of studies that are presented at the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s scientific meetings are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the Association’s policy or position. The Association makes no representation or guarantee as to their accuracy or reliability. Abstracts presented at the Association’s scientific meetings are not peer-reviewed, rather, they are curated by independent review panels and are considered based on the potential to add to the diversity of scientific issues and views discussed at the meeting. The findings are considered preliminary until published as a full manuscript in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.

The Association receives more than 85% of its revenue from sources other than corporations. These sources include contributions from individuals, foundations and estates, as well as investment earnings and revenue from the sale of our educational materials. Corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations to the Association. The Association has strict policies to prevent any donations from influencing its science content and policy positions. Overall financial information is available here.

Additional Resources:

• The American Stroke Association International Stroke Conference 2026 Online Program Planner
• According to the American Heart Association’s 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics, stroke is now the #4 leading cause of death in the U.S. Learn more at www.stroke.org.
• American Stroke Association Stroke Hub or in Español
• For more news at American Stroke Association International Stroke Conference 2026, follow us on X @HeartNews #ISC26

About the American Stroke Association

The American Stroke Association is a relentless force for a world with fewer strokes and longer, healthier lives. We team with millions of volunteers and donors to ensure equitable health and stroke care in all communities. We work to prevent, treat and beat stroke by funding innovative research, fighting for the public's health, and providing lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based association was created in 1998 as a division of the American Heart Association. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-888-4STROKE or visit stroke.org. Follow us on Facebook and X .

For Media Inquiries:

AHA Communications & Media Relations in Dallas: 214-706-1173; ahacommunications@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org

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