At UCSF Health, our researchers and clinicians are redefining brain health, one bright idea at a time. Whether helping paralyzed patients communicate through brain signals, pioneering neurosurgery techniques in awake patients, or developing therapies that reverse the damage caused by multiple sclerosis, we're shedding new light on what's possible in care for the human brain.
UCSF pushes the frontiers of neurology & neurosurgery
“Neuroprosthesis” translates brain signals into sentences
Groundbreaking technology developed at UCSF helps a patient with severe paralysis create sentences and manipulate objects with brain signals.
Awake brain surgery allows safe removal of previously inoperable cancers
UCSF neurosurgeons use advanced brain mapping and feedback from conscious patients to protect the brain during tumor removal.
Drug reverses cell damage from multiple sclerosis
Leading-edge therapy devised at UCSF shows promise in repairing demyelination. Could it mean MS won’t always lead to a wheelchair?
From stroke to a full recovery, in record time
Just 36 hours after experiencing a blood clot, Don Onken was recovering at home, thanks to prompt life-saving care from UCSF.
Research initiatives
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UCSF Center for Cerebrovascular Research
The UCSF Center for Cerebrovascular Research studies many aspects of cerebrovascular disease, from genetics to treatment outcomes, with a focus on vascular malformations of the brain.
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UCSF Department of Neurological Surgery Research
The UCSF Department of Neurological Surgery studies a broad range of topics, bringing scientists and physicians together to advance our understanding of the mind and improve patient care.
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UCSF Department of Neurology Research
The UCSF Department of Neurology conducts research to improve understanding of neurological disorders, with the goals of finding better treatments and methods of prevention.
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UCSF Epilepsy Center Research
The UCSF Epilepsy Center conducts research on medical imaging and both surgical and nonsurgical treatments for epilepsy. Research findings play a key role in shaping the center's patient care.
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UCSF Headache Center Research
The UCSF Headache Center conducts research on a variety of therapies for headaches, enrolling patients who are great candidates and using their study findings to shape clinical practice.
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UCSF Memory and Aging Center Research
The UCSF Memory and Aging Center conducts research to test potential new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, as well as studies aimed at improving understanding of these conditions.
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UCSF Movement Disorders and Neuromodulation Center Research
The UCSF Movement Disorders and Neuromodulation Center is active in research to improve the understanding and treatment of movement disorders.
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UCSF Multiple Sclerosis Center Research
The UCSF Multiple Sclerosis Center's research program investigates potential new treatments and works to improve understanding of the disease, including the effects of genes, the environment and the immune system.
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UCSF Parkinson's Disease Clinic and Research Center
The UCSF Parkinson's Disease Clinic and Research Center conducts studies aimed at uncovering better treatments and, ultimately, a cure for Parkinson's disease.

Rankings and recognition
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Best in California and No. 2 in the nation for neurology & neurosurgery
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Among the top hospitals in the nation