SUMMARY
Rushna P. Ali, M.D., is a functional neurosurgeon and translational investigator dedicated to advancing precision neuromodulation for neurological disease. Her research program focuses on developing therapies that restore function by identifying, mapping and modulating dysfunctional neural networks across a broad spectrum of neurological disorders.
Her work integrates clinical trials, neurophysiology, neuroimaging, computational neuroscience, biomarker discovery, and innovative neuromodulation technologies to better understand how electrical stimulation can reshape neural circuits and promote recovery. Dr. Ali's research spans chronic pain, facial pain, movement disorders, epilepsy, stroke and spinal cord injury, with an emphasis on translating scientific discoveries into individualized therapies that improve patient outcomes. Through multidisciplinary collaboration among neuroscience, engineering and rehabilitation, her long-term vision is to establish precision neuromodulation as a platform for personalized neurosurgical care that not only treats symptoms but also restores function and enhances quality of life.
Focus areas
- Precision neuromodulation and network-based therapies. Dr. Ali develops personalized neuromodulation strategies by identifying and targeting dysfunctional neural networks responsible for neurological disease. Her research integrates stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG), advanced neurophysiology, neuroimaging and computational approaches to define patient-specific therapeutic targets and optimize stimulation parameters. The goal is to move beyond anatomical targeting toward precision, network-guided neuromodulation.
- Restorative neuromodulation for neurological recovery. A major focus of Dr. Ali's research is understanding how neuromodulation promotes neuroplasticity and functional recovery following neurological injury. She leads investigator-initiated studies evaluating vagus nerve stimulation paired with rehabilitation, functional connectivity and biomarker-guided approaches to improve recovery after ischemic stroke. Her work also explores emerging neuromodulation strategies for recovery following spinal cord injury and other disabling neurological conditions.
- Advanced functional neurosurgery for movement disorders, epilepsy and pain. Dr. Ali investigates innovative surgical therapies for Parkinson's disease, tremor, dystonia, epilepsy, chronic pain, facial pain and cancer-related pain. Her research evaluates next-generation deep brain stimulation, spinal cord stimulation, peripheral nerve stimulation, intracranial stimulation and lesioning techniques. She also investigates biological and physiological predictors of treatment response to support more individualized patient care while incorporating gene- and cell-based therapies.
- Translational clinical trials and emerging neurotechnology. Dr. Ali serves as principal investigator and site investigator on multiple multicenter clinical trials evaluating novel neuromodulation therapies and implantable neurotechnologies. Her research emphasizes translating engineering innovations into clinical practice by evaluating safety, effectiveness, patient-centered outcomes, biomarkers and real-world implementation. She is particularly interested in next-generation adaptive neuromodulation, neurophysiological biomarkers, artificial intelligence and brain-computer interface technologies that will shape the future of restorative neuroscience.
Significance to patient care
Neurological disorders such as chronic pain, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, stroke and spinal cord injury can significantly affect a person's independence and quality of life. Dr. Ali's research is focused on making neuromodulation treatments more precise, more personalized and more effective. By studying how brain and nervous system networks change with disease and respond to electrical stimulation, her team aims to identify the right therapy for the right patient at the right time. Her work seeks to expand treatment options for patients whose conditions cannot be managed with medications alone by developing therapies that restore movement, reduce pain, improve recovery and help patients regain independence.
Professional highlights
- American Society for Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery:
- Chair, Education Committee, 2026-present.
- Member, Board of directors, 2024-present.
- Chair, Scientific Planning Committee, 2024-2026.
- Associate editor, Operative Neurosurgery, 2025-present.
- Congress of Neurological Surgeons:
- Member, Executive Committee, 2024-present.
- Educator of the Year Award, 2021.
- North American Neuromodulation Society:
- Co-chair, Guidelines Committee, 2024-present.
- Member, Board of directors, 2023-present.
- Chair, Scientific Program Committee, 2025-2026.