Rate My Professor Neil Spratt

Professor Neil Spratt is a clinical neurologist and Professor in the School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy (Human Physiology) at the University of Newcastle, within the College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing. He earned his PhD in Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences from the University of Melbourne and National Stroke Research Institute, and Bachelor of Medical Science (Honours) and Bachelor of Medicine (Honours) from the University of Newcastle. A Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (FRACP), he serves as Senior Staff Specialist in Neurology at John Hunter Hospital, Hunter New England Local Health District. Spratt heads the Stroke Translation Laboratory, affiliated with the Hunter Medical Research Institute, Priority Research Centre for Stroke and Brain Injury, and HMRI Centre for Brain and Mental Health stroke stream. His career features NHMRC Health Professional Research Fellowship (2007-2011), NHMRC Career Development Fellowship (2012-2015), NHMRC/NHF Future Leader Fellowship (2016-2019), and HMRI Early Career Research Fellowship in Stroke (2017-2022). Awards include Vice Chancellor's Award for Supervision Excellence (2013), Sylvia and Charles Viertel Clinical Investigators Award (2007-2008), and Foundation for High Blood Pressure Award (2006).

Spratt's research specializes in translational stroke studies, exploring acute ischemic stroke mechanisms like leptomeningeal collateral flow, intracranial pressure elevation, CSF outflow resistance, glymphatic clearance, and choroid plexus alterations. Discoveries include hypothermia preventing post-stroke ICP rise and novel collateral enhancement therapies. He pioneered imaging-guided reperfusion in trials like EXTEND-IA and IST-3, establishing tenecteplase as global standard, and developed statewide telestroke networks with virtual reality training to boost rural thrombolysis. Rehabilitation efforts cover environmental enrichment, cardiorespiratory fitness, diet, physical activity, and boredom mitigation. Key publications: 'Intracranial pressure elevation post-stroke: Mechanisms and consequences' (2023), 'Rollout of a statewide Australian telestroke network including virtual reality training is associated with improved hyperacute stroke workflow metrics and thrombolysis rate' (2024), 'Whole Blood Viscosity and Cerebral Blood Flow in Acute Ischemic Stroke' (2024), 'Environmental enrichment: neurophysiological responses and consequences for health' (2018 chapter), and 'Imaging the Penumbra: Positron Emission Tomography Fluoromisonidazole' (2007 chapter). His contributions have transformed stroke care, enhancing independence for patients, and he co-chairs stroke streams while mentoring leaders.