Neurology & Neurosurgery

Overview

Our world-renowned pediatric neurology and neurosurgery teams in Cleveland Clinic’s Neurological Institute are committed to providing the most comprehensive, advanced care for all pediatric neurological disorders.

Comprised of specialists board-certified in pediatrics, pediatric neurology and pediatric neurosurgery, the teams oversee more than 10,000 patient visits each year. Our specialists are pioneers in new and advanced treatments for many of the diseases and disorders we treat. We work in partnership with other pediatric disciplines to offer specialized diagnoses and cutting-edge treatments to every child and family.

Our pediatric neurology and neurosurgery programs are consistently ranked in U.S. News & World Report's "Best Children’s Hospitals."

Pediatric Neurology

Our pediatric neurology team is made up of nationally and internationally respected members trained in pediatrics, child neurology and pediatric neurology subspecialties. They collaborate closely with pediatricians and pediatric specialists across multiple centers in Cleveland Clinic Children’s and the Neurological Institute to offer state-of-the-art medical care and rehabilitation services for acute illnesses and injuries as well as chronic and disabling conditions. Learn more about our specialty programs.

Several of our programs have been recognized by national organizations as Centers of Excellence.  This designation is awarded to specialized programs providing distinguished expertise, comprehensive and multidisciplinary clinical care, and quality outcomes.

• CDKL5.
• Mitochondrial Medicine.
• Neurofibromatosis.
• Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis.

Pediatric Neurology Team

Pediatric Neurology Team

Aaron Abrams, MD	Mohammed Aldosari, MD	Andrea Cleveland, CNP
Ashley Giel, CNP	Gary Hsich, MD	Sudeshna Mitra, MD
Sumit Parikh, MD	Alyssa Rowe, CNP

Neurology Sub-Specialists

Autism

Meagan Adley, PsyD

Cynthia Johnson, PhD

Behavioral Health

Gerard Banez, PhD	Ethan Benore, PhD, BCB, ABPP	Marcia Bitting, CNP
Katherine Corvi, PsyD	Cara Cuddy, PhD	Carrie Cuffman, MD
Abby Demianczyk, PhD	Kristen Eastman, PsyD	Kate Eshleman, PsyD
Hallie Fetterman, PhD	Catherine Gaw, PsyD	Vanessa Jensen, PsyD
Kathryn Jones, PhD	Amy Lee, PhD	Catrina Litzenburg, PhD
Michael Manos, PhD	Beth Anne Martin, PhD
Kate McLean, PhD	Desimir Mijatovic, MD	Alison Moses, PhD
Emily Mudd, PhD	Katherine Myers, DO, MPH	Gina Rhodes, PhD
Marilyn Sampilo, PhD	Pamela Senders, PhD	Marie Trace, MD
Mary Wong, MD	Molly Wimbiscus, MD

Brain Tumor and Neuro-Oncology

Denice Limbert, PA-C

Neha Patel, MD

Cerebrovascular

Andrew Russman, DO

Diagnostic Radiology/Neuro Imaging

Stephen Jones, MD, PhD	Doksu Moon, MD	Ellen Park, MD
Paul Ruggieri, MD

Endocrinology

Andrea Mucci, MD

Epilepsy

Ana Arenivas, PhD, MPH	Tatiana Falcone, MD	Ajay Gupta, MD
Prakash Kotagal, MD	Deepak Lachhwani, MD	Ahsan Moosa Naduvil Valappil, MD
Elia Pestana Knight, MD	Elaine Wyllie, MD

Gastroenterology

Deborah Goldman, MD

Genetics

Vickie Zurcher, MD

Hematology/Oncology

Rabi Hanna, MD

Head and Neck

Brandon Hopkins, MD

Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology

Mary Rensel, MD

Neuroethics

Lauren Sankary, JD

Paul Ford, PhD

Neuromuscular

Jennifer Ui, MD

Neuropsychology

Patricia Klaas, PhD

Ophthalmology

Fatema Ghasia, MD

Elias Traboulsi, MD, M.Ed

Pediatric Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Lainie Holman, MD

Erin Murdock, MD

Noel Pristas, MD

Psychiatry and Psychology

Joseph Austerman, DO

Jason Lambrese, MD

Sleep

Jennifer Brubaker, PhD, CNP

Lauren Goldman, MD

Vaishal Shah, MD

Pediatric Neurosurgery

The Pediatric Neurosurgery Program provides comprehensive services to children suffering from diseases that affect the developing brain and spinal cord.

Our team of specialty-trained pediatric neurosurgeons treat a wide range of neurological disorders and conditions, including:

• Brain and spinal cord tumors.
  • Benign and malignant tumors.
  • Neurofibromatosis.
  • Pituitary adenomas.
  • Skull-based pathology.

• Congenital disorders.
  • Chiari malformation.
  • Cerebral spinal fluid abnormalities (including arachnoid cysts and hydrocephalus).
  • Congenital spine disorders ((including myelomeningocele, tethered cord, spina bifida and complex craniocervical abnormalities).

• Craniofacial conditions
  • Craniosynostosis.
  • Plagiocephaly.

• Spasticity.

• Spine disorders.

• Cerebrovascular Abnormalities.
  • Arteriovenous malformations.
  • Aneurysms.

Our pediatric neurosurgery services were among the first in the country to emphasize the continuity of treating pediatric problems into adulthood, which means you and your child can continue to work with the same team of specialists over the course of your child's treatment. This team-based care allows for a very individualized approach to assessment, surgical evaluation, follow-up and ongoing care.

Pediatric Neurosurgery Team

Pediatric Neurosurgery Team

Violette Recinos, MD	Andrew Fitzgerald, PA-C	Jeff Tarcy, PA-C
Lindsay Ondrey, PA-C

Neurosurgery Sub-Specialists

Brain Tumor and Neuro-Oncology

Lilyana Angelov, MD	Varun Kshettry, MD	Pablo Recinos, MD
Violette Recinos, MD	Pranay Soni, MD

Cerebrovascular

Mark Bain, MD

Peter Rasmussen, MD

Dermatology and Plastic Surgery

Bahar Bassiri Gharb, MD, PhD

Antonio Rampazzo, MD, PhD

Epilepsy

William Bingaman, MD

Richard Rammo, MD

Demitre Serletis, MD, PhD

Fetal Surgery

Darrell Cass, MD

Head and Neck

Patrick Byrne, MD, MBA

Michael Fritz, MD

Alan Kominsky, MD

Radiation Oncology

Samuel Chao, MD

Erin Murphy, MD

John Suh, MD

Spine

Megan Jack, MD

Ajit Krishnaney, MD

Alexander Spiessberger, MD

Transitional Care Program (Pediatric to Adult)

Susan Jakubek, PA-C

Jeff Tarcy, PA-C

Sarel Vorster, MD, MBA

Specialty Programs

Our pediatric neurology and neurosurgery teams partner with pediatric and adult sub-specialists across Cleveland Clinic to deliver specialized, multidisciplinary care through the following programs:

Pediatric Autonomic Disorders Program

The Pediatric Autonomic Disorders Program provides state-of-the-art care for children with autonomic disorders affecting function of the sweat glands, peripheral nerves, heart or endocrine system. This multidisciplinary program is a collaboration among Cleveland Clinic adult and pediatric neurologists and cardiologists, offering sophisticated diagnostic testing and advanced treatment for various autonomic disorders, including:

• Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.
• Dysautonomia.
• Orthostatic hypotension or intolerance.
• Syncope.

Pediatric Brain & Central Nervous System Tumor Program

The Pediatric Brain & Central Nervous System Tumor Program provides comprehensive services to children suffering from cancers that affect the developing brain and spinal cord.

Cleveland Clinic’s brain tumor and neuro-oncology team is an established international leader in the diagnosis, treatment and research of tumors of the brain, spine and nerves as well as their effects on the nervous system. The team utilizes the latest diagnostic and treatment modalities to provide pediatric and adolescent patients the most advanced care available and to extend hope for an improved quality of life.

Learn more about the Brain & Central Nervous System Tumor Program.

Pediatric Cerebrovascular Disorders Program

The Pediatric Cerebrovascular Disorders Program offers advanced imaging, comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic interventions for all forms of neonatal and childhood stroke, including:

• Central nervous system vasculitis.
• Stroke associated with cardiac disease or interventions.
• Moyamoya disease.
• Neonatal stroke.
• Vasculopathy of neurofibromatosis.

Children with acute stroke are cared for in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit staffed full-time by experienced pediatric intensivists in conjunction with our pediatric neurologists.

Community Pediatric Neurology Program

The Community Pediatric Neurology Program offers expanded service closer to home for children with neurological disorders. The coverage area includes Cleveland Clinic’s main campus as well as its regional hospitals and family health centers. This outreach ensures convenient access to neurological services for families in our community.

Cyclic Vomiting Program

The Cyclic Vomiting Program evaluates and treats children with unexplained episodic vomiting. This program is the only one in northeast Ohio and one of the only three in the country. The consultation includes an evaluation by a neurometabolic specialist and metabolic gastroenterologist. Experts in pediatric headache, psychology and psychiatry are an integral part of the team.

Pediatric Epilepsy Program

The Pediatric Epilepsy Program is one of the largest, most comprehensive programs in the world for the evaluation, medical and surgical treatment of epilepsy in children. The program has access to the latest in high-resolution, noninvasive imaging technology and sophisticated post-processing software to co-register and analyze data from multiple tests to better localize the seizure focus and develop a targeted treatment plan.

Learn more about the Pediatric Epilepsy Program.

Pediatric and Adolescent Headache Program

The Pediatric and Adolescent Headache Program treats patients affected by both acute and chronic headaches, especially those with refractory headaches who have failed previous attempts at therapy.

A three-week inpatient rehabilitation program is offered to those whose headaches have resulted in excessive school absences and overuse of medication. Collaboration with other specialties, including psychology and rehabilitation, enhances outcomes. An infusion suite is available on an urgent basis for those experiencing headache crises.

Pediatric Movement Disorders and Spasticity Program

The Pediatric Movement Disorders and Spasticity Program treats conditions that affect muscle response, including:

• Ataxia.
• Cerebral palsy.
• Dystonia.
• Myelomeningocele.
• Spasticity.
• Tourette syndrome.

Therapies include botulinum toxin injections, deep brain stimulation, physical therapy, orthopedic interventions, intrathecal baclofen infusion and selective dorsal rhizotomy.

Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis and Neuro-Immunology Program

The Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis and Neuro-Immunology Program offers advanced diagnosis and treatment of multiple sclerosis and other neurological autoimmune conditions in children, including:

• Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM).
• Anti-N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor encephalitis.
• Autoimmune encephalitis.
• Autoimmune epilepsy.
• MOG antibody disease (MOGAD).
• Neuromyelitis optica (NMO).
• Optic neuritis.
• Transverse myelitis.

Specialized care is facilitated by collaboration with pediatric neurology team members who are world- renowned specialists in the clinical and laboratory diagnosis of this group of disorders.

Learn more about the Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Center of Excellence.

Myelomeningocele Clinic for Spina Bifida

The Myelomeningocele Clinic is a team-based program offering the best available care for children with spina bifida. It is one of only a few such programs recognized by the Ohio Bureau for Children with Medical Handicaps.

Our team consists of pediatric specialists in neurology, neurosurgery, urology, orthopedics, orthotics, gastroenterology, and physical and occupational therapy. A dedicated nurse ensures that patients’ tests and visits are coordinated to minimize unnecessary visits. Consultants to this clinic specialize in neurosurgery, ophthalmology, psychology and social work.

Neonatal and Fetal Neurology Program

The Neonatal and Fetal Neurology Program offers prenatal consultation for a wide range of neurological disorders detected in utero by fetal ultrasound, MRI or amniocentesis. Consultation and treatment also are provided for a variety of newborn conditions, including:

• Brachial plexopathies.
• Central nervous system malformations.
• Arteriovenous malformation.
• Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.
• Neonatal seizures.
• Stroke.

Neurocutaneous Disorders Program

The Neurocutaneous Disorders Program provides team-based care for a large population of children with neurocutaneous disorders such as:

• Neurofibromatosis.
• Tuberous sclerosis.
• Sturge-Weber syndrome.

Since 2006, Cleveland Clinic has been a designated affiliate of the Neurofibromatosis Clinic Network (NFCN), established by the Children’s Tumor Foundation.

Learn more about the Neurofibromatosis Program.

Pediatric Neurometabolic and Genetic Disorders Program

The Pediatric Neurometabolic and Genetic Disorders Program provides diagnosis and treatment for the complex genetic and metabolic disorders that underlie many pediatric neurological and developmental issues. Areas of particular focus include:

• Amino and organic acid metabolism disorders.
• Complicated craniofacial abnormalities, such as craniosynostosis.
• Congenital birth defects.
• Central nervous system white matter disorders.
• Underlying genetic and metabolic disorders in the setting of learning and developmental disabilities and epilepsy.
• Lysosomal storage diseases.
  • Batten disease.
  • Gaucher disease.
  • Metachromatic leukodystrophy.
  • Tay-Sachs disease.
• Niemann-Pick disease.
• Phenylketonuria.
• Urea cycle disorder.
• Zellweger syndrome.

Learn more about the Pediatric Medical Genetics Program.

Pediatric Neuromuscular Disease Program

The Pediatric Neuromuscular Disease Program diagnoses and treats conditions such as:

• Congenital myopathies and myasthenia gravis.
• Muscular dystrophy.
• Hereditary neuropathies and other polyneuropathies.
• Refsum Disease.
• Spinal muscular atrophy.

Affected children have access to the latest therapies, including drug trials, plasmapheresis and immunoglobulin when indicated.

Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Program

The Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Program offers a comprehensive spectrum of mental health services for children from infancy through adolescence. Our pediatric psychiatric services are designed to meet the needs of children, adolescents and their families in times of adjustment or crisis.

Learn more about the Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Program.

Pediatric Sleep Disorders Program

The Pediatric Sleep Program specializes in treating infants, children and adolescents with sleep problems. Specialists in child neurology, pulmonary medicine, pediatrics, child psychology and ear nose and throat surgery are available to treat a variety of disorders, including:

• Bedtime struggles.
• Bedwetting.
• Narcolepsy.
• Nighttime awakenings.
• Night terrors.
• Nocturnal seizures.
• Sleepwalking.
• Sleep apnea.
• Snoring.

Learn more about the Pediatric Sleep Program.

Centers of Excellence

Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Pediatric Neurology and Neurosurgery offers several programs that have been recognized by national organizations as Centers of Excellence. This designation is awarded to specialized programs providing distinguished expertise, comprehensive and team-based clinical care, and quality outcomes.

• CDKL5.
• Mitochondrial Medicine.
• Neurofibromatosis.
• Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis.

Appointments & Locations

Make an Appointment

To schedule an appointment with a pediatric neurology or neurosurgery specialist, please call 216.636.5860 or 866.588.2264.

Our pediatric neurology and neurosurgery teams work closely with the pediatricians and pediatric specialists in Cleveland Clinic Children’s, offering advanced medical, surgical and rehabilitative care for acute illnesses and injuries, as well as chronic and disabling conditions. For more information on our specialists and services, visit Cleveland Clinic Children’s.

Virtual Visits

Existing patients can get an initial evaluation or follow-up care from a Center for Pediatric Neurology & Neurosurgery specialist using your phone, tablet or computer. This means there's no travel or parking, less waiting and significant time savings.

New patients who live in Ohio or in a state that a Center for Pediatric Neurology & Neurosurgery specialist is licensed in are also eligible for virtual visits.

Call 216.636.5860 for more information about scheduling, cost and set-up instructions.

• Learn more about virtual visit options for scheduled appointments.

MyChart

MyChart connects you to your child's healthcare team from the comfort and safety of home. With this secure, online tool you can manage appointments and complete pre-visit tasks, communicate with providers, and keep track of test results and medications.

• Visit clevelandclinic.org/mychart to get started.

Locations

Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital for Rehabilitation Cleveland Clinic Main Campus Fairview Hospital Hillcrest Medical Office Building I Hillcrest Medical Office Building II S Building Strongsville Family Health and Surgery Center

Clinical Trials & Research

The Neurological Institute advances research into disease of the brain and spine and conducts clinical therapeutic trials to support patients with neurological disorders. Our multidisciplinary research collaboration combines the expertise of clinical principal investigators with state-of-the-art imaging and data analysis to establish and implement new approaches to the treatment of neurological diseases. In addition, the Neurological Institute trains clinical fellows, full-time research fellows, and residents as next generation clinical research scientists.

Clinical trials and research are the key for advancing medial knowledge and patient care. They provide hope through offering testing of new drugs, new surgical techniques or other treatments before they are available.

• Access our pediatric neurosciences clinical trials.
• Learn about our pediatric neurosciences research programs.

Resources

Helping you understand your child's disease is a very important part of our job. Our goal is to provide you with the best information, because the more you know about the diagnosis and treatment, the more you and your child will benefit.

Our team of specialists collaborates with the Cleveland Clinic Pediatric Institute and Cleveland Clinic Children’s to provide the most advanced care for all pediatric neurological disorders.

Neurological conditions in children can range from mild cases of sleep disturbances or headaches to more severe brain malformations, epilepsy and genetic and metabolic disorders. Listen to free audio files from Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Pediatric Neurology and Neurosurgery about care for neurological conditions in children and adolescents.

Patient Resources

• Adrenoleukodystrophy Foundation.
• American Epilepsy Society.
• American Academy of Pediatrics.
• Autoimmune Encephalitis Alliance.
• Batten Disease Support and Research Association.
• Beyond Batten Disease Foundation.
• Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association.
• Child Neurology Foundation.
• Child Neurology Society.
• Children's Tumor Foundation.
• Conquer Chiari.
• Cure Tay-Sachs Foundation.
• Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Association.
• Dysautonomia Support Network.
• Dystonia Medical Research Foundation.
• Epilepsy Foundation.
• Exceptional Parent.
• Familial Dysautonomia Foundation.
• Foundation Fighting Blindness.
• Global Foundation for Peroxisomal Disorders.
• Hereditary Neuropathy Foundation, Inc.
• Hydrocephalus Association.
• Hydrocephalus Support Group.
• Joshua Frase Foundation.
• MLD Foundation.
• Moyamoya Foundation.
• Multiple Sclerosis Foundation.
• Muscular Dystrophy Association.
• Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America.
• National Gaucher Foundation.
• National Children’s Cancer Society.
• National Hydrocephalus Foundation.
• National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
• National Neurofibromatosis Foundation, Inc.
• National Niemann-Pick disease Foundation, Inc.
• National PKU Alliance.
• National Sleep Foundation.
• National Tay-Sachs & Allied Diseases Association.
• National Urea Cycle Disorders Foundation.
• Neurofibromatosis Network.
• Spastic Paraplegia Foundation.
• Spina Bifida Association of America.
• Sturge-Weber Foundation.
• Tourette Syndrome Association, Inc.
• Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Alliance.
• United Cerebral Palsy Association.
• United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation.

Medical Professionals

Refer a Patient

Our Pediatric Neurology & Neurosurgery teams offer direct referral lines to ease the process of making a patient referral.

To refer a patient to the Neurological Institute via phone, please call our dedicated physician referral hotline at 216.445.8455. An intake coordinator will handle your call directly. If you are unable to reach an intake coordinator, please leave a message and they will return your call within the work day (if left before 1 p.m. ET) or the next work day (if left after 1 p.m. ET).

To refer a patient to the Neurological Institute via fax, please download and complete our physician referral form and fax to 216.636.2596.

• Physician Referral Form

Publications

Pediatric Neurosciences Brief, published by Cleveland Clinic’s Neurological Institute, provides updates on research, innovations and education for use in your own cutting-edge practice for care of children with neurological disorders.

• Subscribe to Peds Neuro Brief

DrConnect

Stay connected to patients you refer to Cleveland Clinic through online updates and electronic medical records.

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