Archana Purushotham

Dr. Archana Purushotham is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurology at Baylor College of Medicine and Director of the Headache Center of Excellence at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, Texas. She holds dual qualifications in Biomedical Engineering (MS from IIT Bombay) and Medicine (MBBS from JIPMER), with a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Minnesota. Her clinical expertise spans vascular neurology, headache medicine, and integrative care models.

Dr. Purushotham’s research integrates neuroimaging (fMRI, stroke MRI) with exploration of complementary therapies like Ayurveda, yoga, and meditation. Notably, she conducted the first study on standalone Ayurvedic treatment for acute stroke. She actively promotes integrative healthcare through roles like Whole Health Champion at MEDVAMC, advancing VA’s shift toward holistic care models.

Her professional credentials include certifications in Neurology, Vascular Neurology, and Headache Medicine from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She is fluent in Hindi, Kannada, and Tamil, enhancing her clinical outreach to diverse populations.

Key research themes include cognitive neuroscience via MRI, integrative nutrition science, and clinical applications of traditional medicine. Her work bridges modern medicine with Ayurvedic practices, focusing on stroke recovery and neurovascular health.