Maggie Waung

MD PhD

Director, Neurology Complex Diagnosis Clinic
Neurologist
Headache scientist and dog lover

Dr. Maggie Waung is a neurologist who specializes in caring for patients with headache and other chronic pain disorders.

Waung has been the Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Endowed Professor in Neurology since 2021. To understand how patients develop persistent, recurring and debilitating headaches, Waung studies pain processing in the brain. Her research uses optogenetics, a cutting-edge method of manipulating light-sensitive proteins to reveal nerve cell function. In addition to illuminating the causes of migraines, the goal is to develop better, targeted therapies.

Waung earned her medical degree and a doctorate in neuroscience from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. She completed a residency in neurology at UCSF.

Waung is a member of the Society for Neuroscience, American Academy of Neurology, American Headache Society and Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society.

  • Education

    University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, 2010

    University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, PhD, Neuroscience, 2010

  • Residencies

    UCSF, Neurology, 2014

  • Board Certifications

    Neurology, American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology

  • Academic Title

    Associate Professor

Headache is a serious and undertreated illness. My passions are helping patients in the clinic and tackling this complex disorder in the lab.

Conditions I specialize in

Treatments I provide

As a general neurologist, I provide a broad spectrum of neurological care and work closely with my colleagues in neurology subspecialties. I evaluate and treat most neurologic conditions, including vertigo, headache, numbness, tingling, weakness and episodic disorders.

Where I see patients (5)

    My work

    Helping patients with puzzling neurological symptoms

    Learn how Dr. Waung is finding answers – and treatments – for patients' mystery conditions.

    Read the story on ucsf.edu

    My reviews

    4.8

    Overall Experience
    179 Ratings
    About our process
    Dec 10, 2024
    Excellent exam and diagnosis/treatment discussion.
    Dec 05, 2024
    Very interested and caring. Very thorough in every aspect. I left feeling uplifted.
    Dec 03, 2024
    I have and will recommend Dr Maggie Waung always.
    Nov 29, 2024
    Dr Waung is the most caring, resourceful, brilliant physician I've ever had. She makes me feel as though she will never give up on me which gives me hope.
    Nov 17, 2024
    One of the best doctor's visits I have ever had. Dr. Waung is a model of how medicine should be practiced. I feel lucky to have her on my side.
    Nov 16, 2024
    Dr. Waung and her team are amazing! Since the very first visit thru this most recent one, she has been unbelievably responsive and helpful. No later then we complete the appointment and she has the AVS completed in the system and the pharmacy is texting me that prescriptions have already been received . She has gone above and beyond at every opportunity available and I feel that she genuinely cares about my health and progress, even with things outside the scope of her profession. I can't say enough good things to adequately cover it all; but what a phenomenal healthcare system it would be if all doctors and their teams functioned at the level they do!
    Oct 27, 2024
    Truly appreciate Dr. Waung's compassion and knowledge.
    Oct 17, 2024
    I am very happy with Dr Maggie Waung. She is attentive, caring and provides excellent education and treatment. She has provided good referrals as needed and answers all of my questions.
    Oct 09, 2024
    My reasons for care with Dr. Waung are unfortunate, but having Dr. Waung as part of my care team makes me feel hopeful about discovering possible improvements, and well cared for. I am so grateful for the care and support I receive from Dr. Waung.
    Oct 03, 2024
    My daughter has been sick most of this year and we've seen many physicians but not one to compare to Dr Waung. She is exceptional -- brilliant, focused, compassionate, thorough, committed.
    Oct 01, 2024
    Dr. Waung is an extraordinary physician, and extremely knowledgeable regarding SIH/CSF leak for which she is treating me.
    Sep 26, 2024
    Dr. Waung was absolutely wonderful!! She was a thoughtful listener, patient, and empathetic...an absolute joy!!!
    Sep 25, 2024
    Dr. Waung has been instrumental in my care. She identified the problem immediately, and in her calm and professional manner, explained the issues and path forward. I am so fortunate to have Dr. Waung as one of my most trusted health care providers.
    Sep 21, 2024
    Very professional
    Sep 05, 2024
    Dr Waung was the most detailed, focused, informed physician Ive ever seen.
    Aug 27, 2024
    I find Dr. Wuang to be an exceptional care provider, with great knowledge & expertise along with care and concern for my health. She is very good at explaining the situation and the expected course of action. I feel quite fortunate to be in her care.
    May 14, 2024
    Dr Maggie Waung is a wonderful doctor.
    Apr 20, 2024
    Excellent care
    Apr 08, 2024
    Dr, Waung was extremely thorough and extremely patient in asking questions and probing to get these questions answered completely in order to get all the information she needed. She was very kind and caring and explained her thinking and assessments in a very straightforward and understandable way. She was excellent in every way,
    Mar 23, 2024
    Dr Waung was extremely thorough in the exam. Though my husband and I had some chronological issues in describing the past 3 years, she listened carefully and put all the information we gave her in order.
    Mar 19, 2024
    Dr. Waung is excellent. I couldn't ask for better care, caring and concern.
    Mar 12, 2024
    Dr Waung is an amazing doctor. I wish all medical practitioners were are caring and knowledgable as she is
    Mar 08, 2024
    I've been sick for over 10 years and this was the first time a provider has been so knowledgeable and concerned about my condition.
    Mar 08, 2024
    Dr Waung is outstanding!
    Dec 27, 2023
    Sometimes I feel as if I know moire about my condition than the caregiver as I have done. More research snd present more treatment options
    Nov 30, 2023
    Dr. Waung was very detailed, thorough, and compassionate during the visit.
    Oct 26, 2023
    Excellent care provider! Explained everything and suggested a course of action/treatment.
    Oct 11, 2023
    My physician was extremely care, highly knowledgeable and gave me hope.
    Oct 10, 2023
    I highly recommend Dr.Waung!
    Sep 26, 2023
    She is the best!
    Sep 22, 2023
    Dr. Huang is exceptional in every way. I am so grateful to have her as my doctor.
    Sep 21, 2023
    She is one of the best Doctors I have ever had!
    Aug 06, 2023
    I feel very fortunate to be treated by such an exceptional, caring, and professional physician l such as Dr. Waung at the extraordinary UCSF.
    Jul 25, 2023
    Dr. Waung is very good.
    Jun 28, 2023
    Dr. Waung is exceptional. I am very grateful to have her as my doctor.
    Jun 08, 2023
    Dr. Waung is excellent! She is thorough and caring, listens and involves me. My situation is difficult and having her as my provider gives me confidence in seeking solutions and improvements to this difficult situation. Thank you Dr. Waung!
    May 06, 2023
    Dr Waung was caring and took the time to understand all my symptoms.
    Apr 20, 2023
    I am ever so grateful for the kindness.
    Apr 06, 2023
    This was my second appointment with Dr. Waung. My situation is difficult and I again found my appointment with her to leave me hopeful. She is caring, attentive, proposed new medication and other avenues to try. It may be a journey to manage my pain, but I am grateful to have found a thorough, caring provider who listens to me and takes action.
    Mar 16, 2023
    Dr. Wuang is a good listener and a natural healer.
    Mar 12, 2023
    Dr. Waung is a gifted, patient-centered doctor. Comprehensive "intake" was superior: the specificity of her questions, sustained interest and concern for helping me gave me hope and much comfort. I learned more in this visit with Dr. Waung than I have in more than 5 years of visits with various specialists. I am so grateful for the UCSF Complex Diagnosis Clinic, which has an obvious culture of kindness and caring! Thank you!
    Mar 02, 2023
    Very concerned doztor
    Feb 24, 2023
    Dr Maggie Waung is an extraordinary physician in every way.

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