UCLA Pediatric Neurology: A Comprehensive Overview

The UCLA pediatric neurology program stands as a beacon of excellence in the diagnosis, treatment, and research of neurological disorders affecting infants, children, and adolescents. With a rich history of innovation and a commitment to multidisciplinary care, UCLA Health's pediatric neurology team offers a wide range of services, from managing common conditions like cerebral palsy and epilepsy to tackling rare neurogenetic diseases. This article delves into the various facets of the UCLA pediatric neurology program, highlighting its clinical services, research initiatives, educational programs, and the dedicated professionals who drive its success.

Outstanding Patient-Centered Care

The Division of Neurology at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center is committed to providing outstanding patient-centered care. The pediatric neurology clinic serves children from newborns through young adults, addressing a wide range of neurologic conditions. These include cerebral palsy, developmental delay, epilepsy, headache, and autoimmune conditions. The Division of Pediatric Neurology also runs a thriving consult service, regularly receiving consults from the emergency department, pediatric ward, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), nursery, and the pediatric outpatient clinic.

Comprehensive Clinical Services

UCLA Health's pediatric neurologists are recognized as leaders in their field, offering expert care for a diverse range of neurological conditions. These services are supported by advanced diagnostic tools and a holistic approach to patient care.

Epilepsy Care

The UCLA Pediatric Epilepsy Center is a comprehensive multidisciplinary center specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of all types of pediatric epilepsy. Diagnostic procedures include video EEG telemetry, MRI, PET, PET/MRI fusion studies, fMRI, neurocognitive testing, Wada, and electrocorticography. Therapies include pharmacological, surgical (including VNS), and diet therapy management. The center is recognized for its expertise in treating epilepsy in teens, understanding that seizures are only one aspect of their health. The specialists utilize the latest monitoring and imaging tools to accurately diagnose seizures and assess all aspects of a child's life affecting their health to determine the best possible treatment plan. The center emphasizes a holistic care approach to treat epilepsy in teens. It is the first of its kind on the West Coast.

Diet Therapy Program

The UCLA Diet Therapy program offers low-carbohydrate, high-fat ketogenic diets and modified Atkins diets for the treatment of medication-resistant epilepsy. Children on these special diets are carefully supervised by a nurse practitioner and ketogenic dietitian to provide maximal seizure benefit while ensuring that children meet their nutritional needs for proper growth and development. Prospective diet therapy patients are carefully evaluated for metabolic conditions, medical comorbidities, and dietary restrictions which may be incompatible with a high-fat diet. Following diet initiation, close monitoring for side effects and nutritional deficiencies is provided through frequent outpatient visits and blood tests for nutritional deficiencies. A referral is needed to schedule an appointment with the Ketogenic Diet Therapy Program.

Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) Program

The UCLA Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Program is a Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance-designated clinic and one of the largest programs in the Western United States. The program provides a multidisciplinary approach to clinical care for children with tuberous sclerosis complex and offers many clinical research studies and clinical trials to advance the knowledge and care of this rare genetic condition. With regard to clinical services, the program focuses on diagnostic and ongoing assessments, along with medical therapies, surgical treatments, and ketogenic diet evaluation and therapy. The Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance recognizes the program as a TSC Center of Excellence, meaning that patients receive the highest level of care based on guidelines developed by an international group of clinical experts. There is also a TSC neurology clinic for adults.

Infantile Spasms Program

The Infantile Spasms Program represents UCLA's cohesive union of research efforts and clinical care for children with Infantile Spasms, a type of epilepsy that affects infants under age 2. UCLA is a national and international referral center for infantile spasms. With regard to clinical services, the program focuses on diagnostic and prognostic assessments, as well as treatment with conventional medications, ketogenic diet therapy and evaluation, and epilepsy surgery.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Program

At UCLA, the approach to traumatic brain injury (TBI) is three-pronged, providing clinical care, pursuing both clinical and basic science research, and being involved in community outreach and education. Clinically, there is a multidisciplinary approach to sport-related concussion and pediatric TBI. The Sports Concussion clinic treats athletes participating in all levels of competitive sport participation, from school-aged children to the professional level. The pediatric TBI clinic provides care for children with all severities of traumatic brain injury and any persistent neurological and/or cognitive issues including headache, school difficulties, seizures, etc. Patients can receive comprehensive neurological exams and/or brief pencil and paper neuropsychological testing with a licensed neuropsychologist. For athletes, computerized neurocognitive testing is also provided at baseline and follow-up. A referral network includes spine specialists, orthopedists, primary care sports medicine, neurorehabilitation, and neuroimaging. The UCLA Steve Tisch BrainSPORT Program focuses on concussions sustained during athletics and recreation.

Other Neurological Conditions

In addition to the specialized programs mentioned above, UCLA pediatric neurologists diagnose and treat a wide range of other neurological conditions, including:

Brain tumors: irregular masses of cells in the brain, which may be cancerous (malignant) or noncancerous (benign).
Chronic or emergency headaches: sudden, severe head pain that causes other symptoms, such as double vision or neck pain.
Seizures: sudden, uncontrollable bursts of irregular electrical activity in the brain.
Neurocutaneous syndromes: chronic (ongoing) conditions that cause tumors to grow throughout the body, including in the brain and spinal cord.

Diagnostic Testing

To accurately diagnose neurological conditions, UCLA pediatric neurologists utilize a variety of diagnostic tests, including:

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Neurological exams: assess the nervous system.
Electroencephalogram (EEG): records electrical activity in the brain.
Imaging tests: several types of imaging tests are used to evaluate a child’s brain.

Research and Innovation

UCLA has a strong commitment to research and innovation in pediatric neurology. The program's faculty members are actively involved in basic science research, clinical research, and community outreach.

Research Foci

Research areas include:

Identifying biomarkers for the development of epilepsy.
Identifying biomarkers for the development of autism.
Improving epilepsy surgery outcomes for tuberous sclerosis complex.
Clinical trials for TSC-related epilepsy and tumors.
Standardized treatment protocols using prednisolone, ACTH, and vigabatrin for infantile spasms.
The use of quantitative EEG measures to better characterize infantile spasms and predict outcomes.
The utility of surgery for treatment of infantile spasms.
The identification of genetic and other clinical predictors of treatment response.
The impact of epilepsy on brain development.
The neurochemical and network relationships between epilepsy and common psychiatric comorbidities such as depression, ADHD, and autism.
Neuroprotection and prevention of the evolution of epilepsy.
Traumatic brain injury models in the laboratory to study how cognitive deficits may emerge from brain trauma, and approaches to prevention.
Role of stem cells in the genesis of cancer.
The study of high-frequency oscillations (HFO) and how they may improve surgical outcomes, as well as how they may serve as biomarkers for the genesis of epilepsy after neonatal asphyxia, traumatic brain injury, and in tuberous sclerosis.
Clinical outcome after pediatric TBI, with interests in post-concussive autonomic dysfunction and gender disparities in concussion incidence and recovery.

Brain Injury Research Center (BIRC)

In conjunction with the Brain Injury Research Center (BIRC), UCLA performs outreach, educating the community about traumatic brain injury and sports concussion. There are educational sessions for the community-at-large, athletic trainers, school administrators, and other physicians in both small-scale lectures and large symposia. The BIRC also supports the research arm of the Pediatric TBI program, with research in animal models of TBI and epilepsy, endocrine issues, and repeat injury. From a clinical research standpoint, UCLA is currently participating in the multi-institutional National Sports Concussion Outcomes Study following athletes of all ages after injury and investigating neuroimaging and neuropsychological correlates of symptoms after TBI of all severities.

Clinical Trials

Because UCLA specialists participate in ongoing research, patients are offered the latest, most promising new therapies as soon as they’re available.

Education and Training

UCLA is committed to training the next generation of pediatric neurologists. The program offers a comprehensive residency program and actively contributes to the education of medical students and pediatric residents.

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Child Neurology Residency Program

Established in 1976, the UCLA Child Neurology Residency Program has graduated nearly 40 Child Neurologists. The program is known for clinical excellence, innovative research, and outstanding teaching. The comprehensive curriculum can be tailored to the specific interests and talents of each trainee, providing the flexibility and guidance to pursue careers within a broad spectrum of child neurology.

The Child Neurology Residency Program at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) is a five-year accredited categorical program offering a comprehensive training experience for future child neurologists. Established in 1989, this residency is deeply integrated within the Neurological Institute at CHLA, providing access to a diverse range of subspecialties and collaborative learning opportunities with a team of over 20 child neurologists and professionals from various fields including child and adolescent psychiatry, neurocritical care, and pediatric neurosurgery.

Program Structure and Curriculum

The residency consists of two years of general pediatrics training followed by three years of focused child neurology training. Residents will rotate through multiple neurology subspecialties in a structured manner, allowing them to develop a solid foundation in both pediatric and adult neurology. The curriculum emphasizes a patient-centered care approach within an integrated healthcare setting, catering to a broad and diverse patient demographic. The training includes active involvement in an outpatient neurology clinic which manages numerous subspecialties such as neuromuscular disorders and pediatric epilepsy. A structured clinical rotation schedule is divided into 13 four-week blocks, adhering to an innovative 4+2 block system that optimizes resident education.

Training Sites

Significant training occurs at varied sites to give a well-rounded residency experience:

Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, known for its outstanding patient care and educational resources.
Adult neurology training primarily takes place at Keck Hospital of USC and LA General Medical Center, providing a comprehensive immersion in adult neurological conditions.
Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center adds a unique aspect of rehabilitation-focused training.

Research Opportunities

The program actively promotes clinical research within all areas of child neurology. With expanding clinical programs, residents have opportunities to engage in meaningful research projects, contributing to advancements in pediatric neurology. The research track is designed for those interested in pursuing a career as clinician-scientists, providing dedicated research time and mentorship.

Residency Benefits and Support

Residents benefit from an annual salary and a housing stipend during their training. The program provides health and dental insurance, paid vacation days, and an education stipend for continued learning opportunities.

Application Process and Competitiveness

Applications are processed through the National Resident Matching Program via the Electronic Residency Application Service. The program requires submission of completed application documents before any interview consideration. Applicants must provide a range of application materials including a personal statement, letters of reference, and USMLE or COMLEX scores, with special emphasis on passing scores. The program encourages strong clinical performance evidenced in letters of recommendation and a well-rounded application. This residency program is known to be highly competitive, emphasizing not only academic excellence but also interpersonal skills and teamwork. A collaborative atmosphere leads to a nurturing learning environment where residents form lasting friendships. Given its prestigious ranking among pediatric neurology and neurosurgery programs nationally, applicants should be prepared to showcase a strong application profile.

Faculty Contributions

Faculty members have full-time appointments in the Department of Pediatrics, UCLA School of Medicine, and contribute to pediatric house staff didactics and medical student lectures. Also, faculty regularly lead pediatric case conferences and grand rounds.

Training Future Leaders

UCLA trains future leaders in neurology, pediatrics, and child neurology, ensuring that children have access to exceptional care for years to come.

Dedicated Professionals

The UCLA pediatric neurology program is staffed by a team of highly skilled and dedicated professionals, including physicians, nurse practitioners, social workers, and researchers. Several key figures contribute significantly to the program's success.

Faculty and Staff

The team at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center includes two full-time child neurologists and a nurse practitioner. A social worker is also available to work closely with clinic patients when needed.

Dr. Meeryo Choe

Dr. Meeryo Choe is an Associate Professor in Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology, at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine and the Program Director for the Child Neurology Residency Program. She is also the Associate Director of the UCLA Steve Tisch BrainSPORT Program and helps oversee its mission, providing clinical care for injured student athletes, performing clinical research in pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI), and educating the community about sports-related concussion. Her research focuses on clinical outcome after pediatric TBI, with interests in post-concussive autonomic dysfunction and gender disparities in concussion incidence and recovery. She was a co-author on the CDC’s pediatric mTBI review and guidelines published in JAMA Pediatrics and is a site-PI for the CARE4Kids U54, a multi-institutional longitudinal pediatric concussion study.

Dr. Chen

Dr. Chen joined the faculty of the Department of Pediatrics in 2007 after completing her general pediatrics, adult, and child neurology training at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. Her research interests focus on the treatment of rare neurogenetic diseases, specifically lysosomal storage disorders. Current active studies include intrathecal enzyme replacement for mucopolysaccharidosis type I and metachromatic leukodystrophy, intrathecal cyclodextrin for Niemann Pick Type C disease, and anti-inflammatory therapy for mucopolysaccharidosis type III. Dr. Chen is equally committed to maintaining an active clinical service in general child neurology serving DHS patients in the greater Los Angeles region.

Dr. Shafali Jeste

Dr. Shafali Jeste, MD, is the Chair and Executive Medical Director of the Department of Pediatrics in the David Geffen School of Medicine (DGSOM) and Executive Director of the Children’s Discovery and Innovation Institute, effective October 1, 2025. Dr. Jeste is a behavioral child neurologist specializing in autism and related neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). She most recently served as a Professor of Pediatrics and Neurology at the USC Keck School of Medicine, and the Las Madrinas Chair, Chief of Neurology and Co-Director of the Neurological Institute at CHLA. Dr. Jeste has conducted transformative clinical research to accelerate precision health in NDDs, from early detection and diagnosis to the development of brain-based biomarkers that have been integrated into clinical trials. Her team has prioritized partnerships with patients and families in these clinical trial readiness initiatives, and she has been an international advocate for patient-centered research in neurodevelopmental disorders. Dr. Jeste has designed innovative studies in early predictors of autism in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) that integrate biomarkers with behavior to define atypical development prior to the onset of autism. This work in TSC has led to the first randomized controlled clinical trial of behavioral intervention for these infants and has paved the way for other early intervention trials in rare genetic syndromes. She also has led initiatives in clinical trial readiness for neurodevelopmental disorders more broadly, both in genetic syndromes, such as Angelman and Dup15q syndrome, and in non-syndromic autism through the national Autism Biomarkers Consortium for Clinical Trials. Since 2024 she has co-led the steering committee of Aligning Research to Impact Autism (ARIA), an initiative that will advance scientific discovery to create more therapeutic opportunities for individuals with autism and related neurodevelopmental disorders. At UCLA she developed the Care and Research in Neurogenetic Syndromes (CARING) clinical program, and at CHLA the KiNDD (Kids with Neurogenetic and Developmental Disabilities) clinical program, each of which provides multidisciplinary care and direct access to research opportunities for children with genetic NDDs.

Community Engagement

UCLA pediatric neurology actively engages with the community through outreach programs and educational initiatives. They work with regional centers, public schools, and private schools to provide the best care possible for their patients. The program's specialists care for patients, participate in research, and educate the community on sports concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI).

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