Pediatric Brain Center

Neurology Program

The Pediatric Neurology Program provides world-class care for a wide range of neurological disorders – conditions involving the brain, spinal cord or nerves. We treat kids of all ages, including infants, children and adolescents. Because we work solely with pediatric patients, all our services are designed to meet the special needs of young bodies and minds.

Your child’s neurology team

Our care team includes pediatric neurologists, some with advanced training in specific areas related to children's neurological health.

As many of our young patients have complex neurological conditions that require additional types of expertise, we often work closely with colleagues in pediatric neurosurgery, pediatric physical medicine and rehabilitation, neurointerventional radiology, neuropsychology and other specialties.

We take a personalized approach to care, designing treatment plans for each child’s needs, age and stage of development. Our pediatric neurologists offer the latest treatments and participate in clinical trials – studies that can provide access to experimental therapies when traditional options haven’t been successful.

If needed, we may refer your child to one of our subspecialty programs, such as the following:

For a full list of neurology clinics and programs, please visit the Pediatric Brain Center.

Helping you navigate your child’s neurological care

Together with our dedicated support staff, we strive to make the treatment process easier on families, from coordinating same-day appointments with multiple specialists to linking parents with support resources both within UCSF and elsewhere.

Our pediatric neurologists see patients at locations throughout the Bay Area, and we’ll help you find the services your child needs at a location that's convenient for you.

Exceptional care for developing brains

Our locations (9)

    Our team

    Special programs

    Gould Syndrome Program

    The UCSF Gould Syndrome Program is the world’s first medical service dedicated to caring for patients with this rare genetic disorder.

    Awards & recognition

    • U S News and World Report badge recognizing UCSF Benioff among the Best Children's Hospitals Ranked in 11 Specialties, 2024-2025

      Ranked among the nation's best in 11 specialties

    • U S News and World Report badge recognizing UCSF Benioff among the Best Children's Hospitals for Neurology and Neurosurgery, 2024-2025

      One of the nation's best for neurology & neurosurgery

    • in NIH funding among U.S. neurology programs

    Related conditions

    Plan your visit

    Preparing for your appointment

    What to Bring

    • Photo I.D.
    • Health insurance card
    • Insurance authorization, if required
    • Doctor's referral, if required
    • Recent test results related to your child's condition
    • List of medications, including dosages, plus any your child is allergic to
    • List of questions you may have
    • Device or paper for taking notes

    For visitors

    Before you head to the hospital, check out our guidelines for visitors and caregivers.

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    Your Stay

    We offer valuable information to help you plan for your child's upcoming hospital stay. Find out about food services, family accommodations and more.

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    Your Child's Care Team

    Our doctors, nurses, child life specialists and other providers have special training to care for children. Meet your child's care team.

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    Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance

    Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.

    Learn more

    Support services

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    Child Life Services

    Activity rooms, pet therapy and more to help kids feel at home.

    Child Life

    Certified child life specialists ease the stress and anxiety of childhood illness through therapeutic play, schooling and family-focused support.

    Family Amenities

    Family-friendly amenities help you relax and take care of yourself while staying close to your child. We offer lounges, kitchens, showers, breastfeeding rooms and more.

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    Social Services

    Social workers ease the effect of illness, injury and hospitalization on your family with counseling and assistance to help you navigate the challenges.

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    Activity Rooms

    Activity rooms offer a relaxed environment for children of all ages. Features include a playroom, digital arts studio and teen lounge. Find out more.

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    Art Therapy

    Art therapy helps kids and families express themselves, making it easier to cope with pediatric health issues. Group and bedside services are available.

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    Music Therapy Program

    Board-certified music therapists help kids cope with illness and the feelings that come with it. Find out about group activities and bedside therapy.

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    School Program

    Our schoolroom services and individual learning programs help children hospitalized at UCSF continue their education and get ready to return to school.

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    School Re-Entry Program

    We help kids return to school after hospitalization by educating staff and students about their needs and recommending needed accommodations. Read more.

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    Individual Playtime & Instruction

    If your child can't be around other kids for medical reasons, you can sign up for private sessions in our activity and school rooms. Find out how.

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    Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance

    Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.

    Family Resource Center

    We help families cope with the challenges of childhood illness and hospitalization in a relaxing environment where parents can get a much-needed break.

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    Parent Support Program

    Weekly activities, including knitting, scrapbooking, chair massage and more, help family caregivers get a much-needed break. Find out more.

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    Patient Relations

    Patient relations reps and nursing supervisors are here to answer questions and address concerns. Learn about your rights, how to reach us and more.

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    Spiritual Care

    Chaplains help UCSF patients, families and staff cope with the spiritual and emotional challenges of childhood illness. Learn more.

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    International Services

    If you're coming to UCSF from outside the U.S., we coordinate your child's appointments and provide other helpful services. Here's how to get started.

    Tender wagging care

    Our therapy dogs spread joy and smiles at the bedside and throughout the hospital.

    Visit Child Life services

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