
Steven Zeiler, MD, PhD
Vascular Neurology
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Faculty
About Steven Zeiler
Professional Titles
- Director, Vascular Neurology Fellowship Program
Primary Academic Title
Associate Professor of Neurology
Background
Dr. Steven Zeiler focuses on the diagnosis and management of cerebrovascular disease (stroke), including acute stroke therapy, secondary prevention of stroke, and recovery from stroke.
Dr. Steven Zeiler received his medical and doctor of philosophy degrees from the University of Colorado. He completed a one year internal medicine internship at the University of Colorado prior to coming to Johns Hopkins for his residency training in Neurology. Following his residency, Dr. Zeiler then completed a one year fellowship in Vascular Neurology also at Johns Hopkins.
Centers and Institutes
Clinical Trials Summary
To learn more about our current cerebrovascular clinical trials, please visit The Johns Hopkins Institute for Clinical and Translational Research (ICTR) and enter "cerebrovascular" in the search box.
Recent News Articles and Media Coverage
Research Interests
Stroke recovery
Lab Website
The Zeiler Stroke Recovery Laboratory - Lab Website
Dr. Zeiler has created a multi-modal set of three research endeavors aimed at testing stroke outcomes during the time period of heightened recovery. These projects are based on mechanisms known to measure and influence brain plasticity, and investigation of these areas holds promise for more complete recovery in stroke patients.
Ultra-High Field MRI Study of Brain Reorganization after Stroke
Using specialized MRI techniques, Dr. Zeiler’s team studies how brain reorganization evolves after stroke and interacts with training. This will allow a targeted understanding of where and when the brain adapts to and recovers from stroke.Nutritional Modification and Enhanced Stroke Recovery
Dr. Zeiler’s team is modeling a lack of recovery in animals who undergo delayed training after stroke (which has previously been shown to lead to poor motor recovery) and is investigating caloric restriction, which has been shown to enhance brain plasticity and can restore improvement in recovery.Medicines and Enhanced Stroke Recovery
The team is modeling a lack of recovery in animals who undergo delayed training after stroke and is testing the effects of both fluoxetine and Cerebrolysin® on restoring the recovery phase.
Research Summary
Principal investigator, Johns Hopkins Department of Neurology 2010 to present
Assessment of post-stroke neocortical plasticity using a multi-modal approach in the motor and visual cortices.
Postdoctoral fellowship, University of Colorado at Boulder 2002 to 2003
Advisor: Kevin Jones, Ph.D
Title: Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor Signaling in Murine Visual Cortex.
Continuing upon my thesis research, I further described part of the biochemical signaling pathway through which brain derived neurotrophic factor signals to influence visual cortical plasticity.
Thesis project research, University of Colorado at Boulder 1998 to 2002
Advisor: Kevin Jones, Ph.D
Using genetic knockout mouse technology, I characterized the requirements for brain derived neurotrophic factor in the development and plastic changes of murine visual cortex.
Eleanor Roosevelt Institute 1998
Adviosr: Kathleen Gardiner, Ph.D.
Using several different computer algorithms, I annotated genes on chromosomes 21 and 22 and subsequently validated gene godels using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and sequencing techniques. I also analyzed the 3’ untranslated regions of the glutamate receptor family.
Undergraduate research, University of Colorado at Boulder 1995 to 1996
Advisor: William B. Wood, Ph.D.
I studied P granules, organelles asymmetrically segregated during early development of the C. elegans embryo, via cloning, characterization, and genetic mapping of a gene likely to be a P granule component.
Selected Publications
Zeiler, S. R., Krakauer, J.W. The interaction between training and plasticity in the poststroke brain. Curr Opin Neurol. Curr Opin Neurol. 2013 Oct 16. [Epub ahead of print]
Zeiler, S. R., Gibson, E. M., Hoesch, R. E., Li, M. Y., Worley, P. F., O’Brien, R. J., Krakauer, J. W. Medial Premotor Cortex Shows A Reduction In Inhibitory Markers And Mediates Recovery In A Mouse Model Of Focal Stroke. Stroke. 2013 Feb;44(2):483-9.
Han, Y., Li, N., Zeiler, S. R., Pelled, G. Peripheral nerve injury results in immediate increases in lamina V neuronal activity. (in press). Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair.
Qiao, Y., Zeiler, S. R., Mirbagheri, S., Leigh R., Urrutia, V., Wityk, R., Wasserman, B. A., Intracranial Plaque Enhancement in Patients with Cerebrovascular Events: Initial Results using 3D High Resolution Vessel Wall MRI. (epub – ahed of print) Radiology.
Zeiler, S. R., Gorski, J. A., Jones, K. R. (in revision for European J.Neurosci) BDNF acts as an activity dependent survival and modification factor for visual cortical synapses.
Marshall, S. A., Zeiler, S. R., Nyquist, P. A. The Use of Permissive Hypercapnia in the setting of Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy and ARDS: a brief case discussion regarding the use of lung protective ventilation in the setting of anoxic brain injury and eventual patient outcome. In preparation for The Neurologist.
Chik, Y, Gottesman R. F., Zeiler S. R., Rosenberg, J., Llinas R. H. Differentiation of Transverse Sinus Thrombosis From Congenitally Atretic Cerebral Transverse Sinus With CT. Stroke. 2012 Jul;43(7):1968-70. Epub 2012 May 15
Marsh, E.B., Zeiler, S.R., Levy, M., Llinas, R.H., Urrutia, V.C. Diagnosing CNS Vasculitis: the case against empiric treatment. Neurologist. 2012 Jul;18(4):233-8.
Qiao Y., Etesami M., Astor B.C., Zeiler S.R., Trout H.H. 3rd, Wasserman B.A. Carotid Plaque Neovascularization and Hemorrhage Detected by MR Imaging are Associated with Recent Cerebrovascular Ischemic Events. Am J Neuroradiol. 2012 Apr;33(4):755-60. Epub 2011 Dec 22.
Zeiler, S. R., Turtzo, C.L., Kaplan, P. W. SPECT Negative SIRPIDs Mimicking a Stroke After Cardiac Arrest. J Clin Neurophysiol. 2011 Oct;28(5):493-6.
Zeiler, S. R., Jordan, J. D., Greenberg, B. M., Kaplan, P. K. ANNA-3 Associated Stiff-Person-Syndrome. J. Cancer and Science Therapy. 2009 Vol. 2 Issue 1; 1 – 2.
Zeiler, S. R., Kaplan, P. W. Our digital world: camera phones and the diagnosis of a seizure. Lancet. 2009 Jun 20;373(9681):2136.
Zeiler S. R., Kaplan P. W. (2008) Propofol withdrawal seizures (or not). Seizure. 2008 Oct;17(7):665-7. Epub 2008 May 14
Gorski J. A., Zeiler S. R., Tamowski S., Jones K. R. (2003). Brain-derived neurotrophic factor is required for the maintenance of cortical dendrites. J Neurosci. Jul 30;23(17):6856-65.
Akbarian, S., Rios, M., Liu, R-J., Gold, S., Fongl, H., Zeiler, S., Coppola, V., Tessarollo, L., Jones, K., Nestler, E. J., Aghajanian, G. K., Jaenisch, R. (2002). Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor is Essential for Opiate-Induced Plasticity of Noradrenergic Neurons. J Neurosci. May 15;22 (10):4153-62.
Bennett J. L., Zeiler S. R., Jones K. R. (1999). Patterned expression of BDNF and NT-3 in the retina and anterior segment of the developing mammalian eye. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci, Nov;40(12):2996-3005
Read the latest research papers that Dr. Zeiler has published at PubMed.
Honors
- Osler Housestaff Teaching Award, 1/1/12
- Teaching Excellence Award, Johns Hopkins University Medical Student Award, 1/1/11
- DeFord Teaching Excellence Award, Johns Hopkins Neurology Residency, 1/1/11
- Jay Slotkin Research Award, 1/1/09
- Guy McKhann teaching Award, 1/1/09
- Fellow Scholarship, Annual American Neurological Association Meeting, 1/1/09
- Resident Scholarship, Annual American Academy of Neurology Meeting, 1/1/09
- Osler Housestaff Teaching Award, 1/1/08
- American Academy of Neurology Extended Neuroscience Award, 1/1/05
- Junior and Senior Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) Medical Honors Society, 1/1/04
- Jahnigen Award, 1/1/03
- Rocky Mountain Neuroscience Conference Annual Student Achievement Award, 1/1/01
- Academic Excellence Award, University of Colorado, 1/1/97
- Summa Cum Laude, 1/1/96
- Mortar Board, 1/1/95
- Phi Beta Kappa, 1/1/95
- Golden Key National Honor Society, 1/1/94
- Dean''s Scholar and Scholarship, 1/1/94
- Alpha Epsilon Delta Honors Society, 1/1/93
- University of Colorado Kittredge Honors Award, 1/1/93
- Kittredge Honors Scholarship, 1/1/93
- National Science Scholar and Scholarship, 1/1/92
- Kittredge Honors Program, 1/1/92
Lectures & Presentations
- Interaction between post-stroke plasticity, rehabilitation, and functional recovery; from rodents to humans., Winter Conference on Neuroplasticity, Peurtro Rico, 1/1/14
- Stroke and Vasculitis; How to Help, How to Harm. Medical Grand Rounds, Good Samaritan Hospital, Baltimore, 1/1/13
- Stroke and Vasculitis; How to Help, How to Harm. Neuroscience Grand Rounds., Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Baltimore, 1/1/13
- Stroke and Vasculitis; How to Help, How to Harm. Neurovascular Case Review (division of Neuro-Interventional Surgery)., Christiana Care Hospital, Newark, 1/1/13
- The Importance of Mouse Medial Premotor Cortex, Early Re-Training, and Fluoxetine In The Recovery From a Focal Stroke Induced Motor Deficit., Platform presentation at Translational and Motor Control Satellite, New Orleans, 1/1/12
- Timing, Training, and Biological Determinants of Post-Stroke Recovery., West Virginia University, Department of Neurology Grand Rounds, West Virginia, 1/1/14
- Timing, Training, and Biological Determinants of Post-Stroke Recovery., Johns Hopkins, Department of Neurology Grand Rounds, Baltimore, 1/1/13
- Timing, Training, and Biological Determinants of Post-Stroke Recovery., Good Samaritan Hospital, Department of Medicine Grand Rounds, Baltimore, 1/1/13
Memberships
- American Academy of Neurology
- American Heart Association
- Society for Neuroscience, Member
- Student Interest Group in Neurology (S.I.G.N), President
Locations
- Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center - Green Spring Station, Lutherville
- 10753 Falls Road, Pavilion II STE 115, Lutherville, MD 21093
- phone: 410-955-9441
- fax: 410-616-7231
Expertise
Education
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Fellowship, Neurology, 2010Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Residency, Neurology, 2009University of Colorado Anschutz
Medical Education, MD, 2005University of Colorado at Boulder
Graduate School, PhD, 2002Board Certifications
Vascular Neurology
American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, 2011Neurology
American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, 2009Insurance
- Aetna
- CareFirst
- Cigna
- First Health
- Geisinger Health Plan
- HealthSmart/Accel
- Humana
- Johns Hopkins Health Plans
- MultiPlan
- Pennsylvania's Preferred Health Networks (PPHN)
- Point Comfort Underwriters
- Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS)
- UnitedHealthcare
- Veteran Affairs Community Care Network (Optum-VACCN)
Ratings & Reviews
4.9 out of 5
43 ratings, 24 reviewsThe Patient Rating score is an average of all responses to physician related questions on the national CG-CAHPS Medical Practice patient experience survey through Press Ganey. Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the best score. Comments are also gathered from our CG-CAHPS Medical Practice Survey through Press Ganey and displayed in their entirety. Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/12/2024
Dr. Zeiler is an A+ doctor !
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/2/2024
I was pleased with my interaction with Dr Zeiler. He had done his homework and was intimately familiar with my medical history prior to our first Interaction. He listened to my concerns and provided me with clear, easy to understand Information regarding my health, how my condition had affected me and what I should do in the future. Dr Zeiler is an excellent doctor. I feel fortunate to have him on my team!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/21/2024
Paid attention to me. Discussed with me ( not just talked at me). Responded to what I said. Communicated clearly. Respected me. Never rushed me. Pleasant to interact with. Exactly what I think a doctor should be. Seemed extremely knowledgeable about my disorder. The ideal doctor.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/21/2024
Respectful,knowledgeable engaging
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/18/2024
All around excellent experience.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/17/2024
I'm just so happy that he listened to my concerns. He was "Great
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/26/2024
Dr Zeiler was very engaged. I fell very comfortable that he knows what he is doing and understands my issues
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/12/2024
Doctor Zeiler is excellent. Very good communication and takes the time to explain everything about my condition and what I can expect in my recovery process.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/25/2024
Dr. Zeiler was able to answer many of our questions about a lesser known type of dementia (CAA). His professional and personalized treatment of my husband was deeply appreciated and our visit was one of the very best experiences we have had with a neurologist. We look forward to seeing Dr. Zeiler again and know that we can count on his support and health care.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/25/2024
Great communication. Listened and responded with respect...great eye contact. Gave excellent explanations of tests and medical events. He was reassuring and honest. Took his time and performed a detailed exam and give feedback.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/18/2024
Dr. Zeiler is a wonderful provider and I would highly recommend him. He went over my symptoms and illness thoroughly and is still working on my follow up testing to help him make a diagnosis. I waited a full year to see him and as frustrating as that was, he was also worth the wait as he took my issues very seriously and is helping me find answers that other doctors can't.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/15/2024
Dr. Zeiler is a great provider! He listens well & does an amazing job explaining conditions, treatment options, test results or questions. He is able to explain something, in a way that makes it easy to understand, which also helps relieve any anxiety you may have.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/8/2024
Dr Zeiler always listens and gives medical advice based on my personal experience rather than just textbook answers
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/24/2024
I love Dr. Zeiler. I wish he could be my doctor for everything. He is truly one of a kind!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/10/2024
Dr Zeiler always makes me feel comfortable and like I'm his only patient.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/10/2024
I love de zieler
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/10/2024
Dr.Zeiler was very attentive to what I had to say and am very had he us now one of "my" doctors!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/23/2024
Dr. Zeiler is very easy to talk to and explains my medical situation very well.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/6/2024
Dr zeiler is smart, informed, willing to listen, willing to look things up when he doesn't have an answer. I feel so fortunate that he has been part of my Careteam.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/2/2024
Dr. Zeiler, provided the most comprehensive exam/questioning I have ever received from my clinician. He delineated the problem areas of my health and how we would address them.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/15/2024
Dr. Zieler was one of the best Doctors I have ever dealt with. He has a fantastic bedside manner. He was very concerned about my condidion and put me at ease with is demeaner. I wish I could see him for all my medical needs.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/1/2024
Dr. Zeiler was very personable, interested in my case and very good about explaining my condition as well as what the future plan is for my continued care. I am happy to be able to have his help with my care. I had a condition that that was very hard to diagnose and he was able to determine the cause, for which my family and I are truly grateful.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/28/2024
Excellent visit.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/7/2024
I have a rare disorder.Dr Zeiler was the best physician I have seen regarding this.