- About this provider
Yousef Hannawi, MD
Physician, Associate Professor
Neurology, Neurocritical Care
Conditions and expertise
- Cerebral Small Vessel Diseases
- Stroke
Locations
- The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
Academics and research
Department: Neurology
About
- Gender
- Male
Biography
As a neurologist, I specialize in neurocrticial care and manage patients with various brain injuries including stroke, brain hemorrhages, aneurysms and traumatic brain injuries. When it comes to neurocritical care, time is brain. I’m passionate about my job because in my field, every minute of patient care really matters. We work efficiently to save every brain cell possible in a timely manner.
I strive to create a tailored, individualized care plan for each of my patients. I incorporate the latest findings from clinical trials and actively engage with my patients and their families to create an approach that suits their loved ones’ wishes and needs.
At Ohio State, we strive to provide exceptional care through collaborative teamwork across various specialties, including neurology, critical care, neurosurgery and rehabilitation. This multidisciplinary care means state-of-the-art therapy for every single patient.
When I’m not working, I like to spend my time reading, relaxing with my family and enjoying the outdoors.
Highlights
- My research interests include finding novel biomarkers for recovery following brain injuries
Conditions and expertise
- Cerebral Small Vessel Diseases
- Stroke
Locations
Please note: Not all physicians schedule patients at each listed location.
Credentials
Education
- Fellowship - Neurocritical Care
- The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA
7/1/2013 - 6/30/2015 - Residency - Neurology
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
7/1/2009 - 6/30/2013 - Residency - Pathology - Clinical
- Al Assad University Hospital, Damascus, Syria
11/1/2006 - 5/31/2008 - Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- University of Tishreen, Lattakia, Syria
9/1/2000 - 9/12/2006
Certifications
-
American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology, Neurocritical Care
10/11/2022 -
United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties
12/31/2015 -
American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology-Neurology
9/19/2013
Academics and research
My research focuses on understanding the mechanisms and phenotypes of cerebral small vessel disease and its related clinical spectrum involving vascular cognitive impairment, lacunar ischemic stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage.
My ongoing projects aim to understand mechanisms of vascular dysfunction in this setting as well as to develop disease-related therapeutics. I am also leading stroke clinical trials including prevention, recovery and acute management of stroke. I represent The Ohio State University College of Medicine within the Ohio Valley Regional Coordinating Center for the NINDS stroke studies.
I appreciate the commitment to innovation here in the Ohio State College of Medicine, and the readily available resources that allow me to pursue highly complex research.
Research interests
- Cerebral Small Vessel Disease
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment
- Stroke
- Intracerebral Hemorrhage
- Aging
- Endothelial Cells
- Aging Dependent Cognitive Function
- Neurovascular Function
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Acute Brain Injury
- Prognostication
- Clinical Trials
- Animal Models
Awards and Honors
- Director, Division of Cerebrovascular Diseases and Neurocritical Care
- Medical Director, Neurosciences Critical Care Unit

Academic information
- Department:
- Neurology
- Division:
- Neurology
More about my research
News and media
My Videos
My news coverage
Consulting and Related Relationships
At The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, we support a faculty member’s research and consulting in collaboration with medical device, research and/or drug companies because a faculty member’s expertise can guide important advancements in the practice of medicine and improve patient care. In order to provide effective management of these relationships, the University requires annual disclosures from all faculty members with external interests related to their University responsibilities.
As of 11/3/2025, Dr. Hannawi has reported no relationships with companies or entities.
