Neurotrauma Program

The Pediatric Neurotrauma Program at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland is dedicated to the care of babies and children who have suffered a traumatic brain or spinal injury. Our team includes experts in neuroscience and specialists from our Level I Pediatric Trauma Care Center, which is one of just six in California to be verified at the highest level by the American College of Surgeons. By working together, we're able to reach the right diagnosis swiftly and devise treatment plans that put our patients on the road to recovery and bring peace of mind to parents.

Because brain injury can cause numerous symptoms that are different for each child, we coordinate care from many UCSF specialists, including those in neurology, neurosurgery, sports medicine and rehabilitation medicine, as well as from our Pediatric Brain Center. Our experts collaborate on all aspects of your child's care, from diagnosis through recovery. We have specialized clinics to address unique needs, including pediatric programs focused on headaches, epilepsy and strokes, and a multidisciplinary clinic for kids who need assistance to make a safe return to the classroom.

Our doctors know which methods have been shown in both research and everyday practice to heal neurological injuries, and they individualize each treatment plan to support the child's needs and goals. Our trauma team is also actively involved in supporting community health through education on injury prevention, including helmet and car seat programs, with the goal of reducing brain injuries in the families we see.

Why families choose us

High-quality medical care in a compassionate setting

Anxiety and the body's response to it can interfere with recovery, so our neurotrauma team strives to ensure that children feel safe and understand – to the extent that their age and development allow – what is happening. The experts in our comprehensive Child Life Services program are trained to help children feel more comfortable about undergoing exams, tests, procedures and rehabilitation.

Concussion diagnosis and treatment

Care for a concussion depends largely on the cause, as well as the location, severity and extent of neurological damage. Experts in our Pediatric Neurotrauma Program are experienced in diagnosing and treating concussion, post-concussion syndrome and traumatic brain injury. Young athletes with minor head injuries can receive treatment for a sports-related concussion through our Pediatric Sports Concussion Program.

Expertise in traumatic injuries

With all of the resources necessary to provide optimal trauma care to pediatric patients, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland is always ready to provide highly specialized emergency services – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When care is delivered by emergency room nurses and doctors experienced with brain and spinal injuries in children, using equipment specifically designed for children, kids have better outcomes. And because UCSF is active in cutting-edge research, our patients receive the latest proven treatments.