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Vikram Rao
5.0 out of 5 (81)
Vikram Rao

Vikram Rao, MD, PHD

Epilepsy Neurology

Epilepsy Center
400 Parnassus Ave., Eighth Floor,
San Francisco, CA 94143
(415) 353-2437
5.0 out of 5 (81)
Virtual visits available
5.0 out of 5 (81)
Virtual visits available
Epilepsy Center
400 Parnassus Ave., Eighth Floor,
San Francisco, CA 94143
(415) 353-2437

Dr. Vikram Rao is a neurologist who specializes in treating patients with epilepsy. He takes a holistic approach to helping patients deal with the challenges of their seizures and works at multiple levels to improve their quality of life. He has a particular interest in utilizing medications, surgery and implanted neurostimulation devices to care for patients with complex epilepsy.

Rao's research involves using direct brain electrical recordings and implanted devices – such as the NeuroPace RNS System for responsive neurostimulation – to better understand how abnormal patterns of brain electrical activity give rise to seizures. He also uses these tools to explore the cognitive dysfunction and mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression, that are common in epilepsy patients.

Rao earned his medical degree from UCSF, completed his residency at Massachusetts General and Brigham and Women's hospitals, and returned to UCSF for a fellowship in neurology. He served as chief resident in neurology in 2011 and received the Senior Resident Teacher of the Year award in 2012.

Rao is a member of the American Epilepsy Society, American Academy of Neurology and San Francisco Medical Society.

  • Board Certifications

    American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Epilepsy, 2013

    American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Neurology, 2012

  • Fellowships

    VA Medical Center San Francisco, Polytrauma, 2014

    UCSF, Clinical Neurophysiology, 2013

  • Residencies

    Brigham and Women's Hospital, Neurology, 2012

  • Internship

    Massachusetts General Hospital, Internal Medicine, 2009

  • Degree

    University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine, 2008

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"All the things that make us uniquely human are part of what the brain does."

Meet Dr. Rao
Epilepsy is more than just seizures, and I believe listening to patients is as important as medications and other treatments, if not more so.

Conditions I specialize in

Where I see patients (1)

    My reviews

    5.0

    Overall Experience
    81 Ratings
    About our process
    May 08, 2025
    Dr Rao is the best. He gives several treatment options and explains each one. He listens to patients and family concerns. He takes the time to listen and doesn't push any treatments or plan of care on patients and their family.
    Mar 17, 2025
    The information given is provided in a way to assist in understanding how to deal with circumstances that may arise.
    Feb 09, 2025
    Dr. Rao was nothing short of exceptional
    Feb 05, 2025
    Dr Rao is fantastic, always looking out for me and easy to get ahold of.
    Dec 18, 2024
    Dr. Rao and the entire UCSF epilepsy and Neuro team are fantastic.
    Dec 12, 2024
    Overall, I was very pleased with the attention I got.
    Nov 13, 2024
    Dr Rau is an amazing and compassionate person with a great amount of knowledge. I am truly blessed to have him as part of my care team.
    Oct 24, 2024
    Great care!!!!
    Sep 04, 2024
    Dr. Rao is absolutely a wonderful physician. I know he listens carefully to my concerns and genuinely cares for his patients.
    Sep 04, 2024
    I have always been highly pleased with Dr. Rao. He listens well, answers my questions thoroughly, and provides clear explanations. He is also personable and friendly. Excellent experience (as usual).
    Jul 24, 2024
    Dr Rao is an excellent doctor!
    Jun 19, 2024
    My doctor made me laugh
    May 22, 2024
    We are very grateful for Dr. Rao's knowledge and guidance. He listens to our questions and includes us in decisions while providing us with helpful information.
    May 14, 2024
    Dr. Rao was extremely kind and generous with his time, interest, expertise, and reassurance regarding my health care.
    May 08, 2024
    I have and will continue to recommend UCSF medical and especially neurology departments. While hoping you don't ever have to be a patient yourself. I Highly Recommend the neurology department at UCSF!
    Mar 09, 2024
    This Doctor has been amazing and such a blessing
    Mar 08, 2024
    Excellent communication
    Mar 07, 2024
    Dr. Rao is very professional and empathetic to the needs of his patients. He is kind, knowledgeable and always takes my opinion in consideration. I feel safe and I trust him 100% with my care.
    Mar 07, 2024
    Dr. Rao is so easy to talk to, always gets back to me promptly. Great Dr to work with.
    Aug 24, 2023
    Dr Rao was very professional, friendly and thorough. He made me feel very comfortable.
    Aug 18, 2023
    Extremely happy with provider.

    Selected research

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    My work

    "Rebooting" the brain of a patient with epilepsy

    Kimberly began having debilitating seizures and anxiety while overseas. Care from Dr. Rao and colleagues finally brought her condition under control.

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