Pediatric Brain and Spine
Our dedicated specialists use advanced techniques to diagnose and treat brain and spine conditions to support your family every step of the way with expert, caring guidance.
Nationally ranked Brain and Spine program
We deliver world-class, family-centered care for children with complex neurological and spinal conditions across Utah and the United States. Our Primary Children’s Hospital is the leading children’s hospital for Intermountain Health and is the pediatric teaching hospital for the University of Utah School of Medicine, and is recognized among the nation’s top 10 pediatric neurology and neurosurgery programs, with the No. 1 ranking for clinical outcomes.
Our team of caring specialists helps more than 12,000 children each year with conditions affecting the brain, nerves, and spine, including epilepsy, muscle and nerve disorders, stroke, brain tumors, and spinal problems. We use the latest treatments and technology, and we’re always working to find better ways to help kids through research and new therapies, like advanced devices for epilepsy.
If your family lives far from Salt Lake City, our telehealth program lets you connect with our experts from your local hospital, so your child can get top-quality care close to home. We’re here to support your whole family and make sure every child has the best chance for a healthy, happy future
Why choose us?
Nationally Ranked Excellence
Our Pediatric Brain and Spine program is ranked #10 in the nation and #1 for clinical outcomes in pediatric neurology and neurosurgery by U.S. News & World Report (2024–2025).
Highest Level of Specialized Care
We are accredited as a Level IV Epilepsy Center, the highest level of specialized epilepsy care available.
Unmatched Experience and Volume
Our expert team performs 900+ neurosurgeries, 170+ epilepsy surgeries, and 300+ spine surgeries annually, caring for over 12,000 children with neurological and spine conditions each year.
Comprehensive, Multidisciplinary Team
With 43 specialists across epilepsy, neuromuscular disorders, neuro-oncology, stroke, vascular, and spine care, we provide truly multidisciplinary, individualized treatment for every child.
Innovative Treatments and Technology
We offer the latest in diagnostic testing, medication management, and advanced surgical options, including Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS), Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), and responsive neurostimulation (RNS). Our program is a leader in neuromodulation therapies and minimally invasive surgical techniques.
Pioneers in Research and Clinical Trials
Our team leads and participates in 185+ IRB-approved clinical studies and is at the forefront of pediatric neurology and neurosurgery research, including gene therapy and precision drug delivery.
Family-Centered, Individualized Care
Every child’s journey is unique. We work closely with families to create personalized treatment plans and support them every step of the way.
Education and Training Excellence
As the pediatric teaching hospital for the University of Utah School of Medicine, we train the next generation of pediatric neurologists and neurosurgeons, ensuring continued excellence in care.
Accessible, Comprehensive Services
With 21,000+ outpatient visits, 1,550 hospital admissions, and 3,700 telehealth visits annually, we are committed to providing accessible, high-quality care for families across the region.
Ryan Ford
Ryan Ford’s journey with Dravet syndrome began almost at birth, with feeding challenges and her first prolonged seizure by four months old. Diagnosed at 14 months, she and her family faced relentless seizures—sometimes 300 to 400 a day—and repeated hospitalizations that upended daily life for everyone. When standard treatments failed, Ryan’s care team at Primary Children’s Hospital introduced them to responsive neurostimulation (RNS), an innovative device typically used in adults. At just six years old, Ryan became the first child with Dravet syndrome to receive RNS surgery at the hospital, a leap of faith that brought hope to her family.
The months following surgery were challenging, but the results have been life changing. Ryan now has fewer than five short seizures a day and recovers within minutes, giving her the chance to participate more at school and in family life. The biggest difference, her mother says, is not living in constant fear—a freedom that recently allowed them to take their first family cruise. While RNS isn’t a cure or the right solution for every child, Ryan’s story offers hope to families navigating drug-resistant epilepsy that new possibilities are emerging, and no one has to face the journey alone.
Brain and Spine conditions we treat
- Brain and spine Injuries: We care for children who have had accidents or injuries that affect their brain or spine, helping them heal and recover as fully as possible.
- Epilepsy and seizure disorders: Our epilepsy team offers both medical and surgical treatments to control symptoms and improve quality of life.
- Headaches and neurological disorders: Our specialists help children with chronic headaches, movement disorders, and other neurological issues, always focusing on your child’s unique needs.
- Neuromuscular and leukodystrophy disorders: Our team provides expert care for children with neuromuscular conditions and leukodystrophies, focusing on improving function and quality of life.
- Spina Bifida and spinal disorders: Our spine specialists care for children with conditions like spina bifida, scoliosis, and other spinal problems, offering both nonsurgical and surgical options.
- Stroke and vascular conditions: Our stroke and vascular specialists diagnose and treat children with blood vessel disorders affecting the brain and spine.
- Tumors: Our neuro-oncology specialists treat both benign (non-cancerous) and cancerous tumors in the brain and spine, using advanced techniques to make treatment as safe and effective as possible.
National recognition
Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the nation's best children's hospitals in 11 of 11 pediatric specialties, including neurology and neurosurgery.
The Brain and Spine program is ranked #10 in the country for 2024-2025, and is ranked the #1 program for clinical outcomes.
Neurology Impact Report
Discover how Intermountain Children’s Health is transforming pediatric brain and spine care in our latest Impact Report. Explore groundbreaking research and transformative treatments that highlight our commitment to world-class care. Learn about innovative stroke trials, advanced epilepsy therapies, and how we're making a difference for families in the Intermountain West. Dive into the report to uncover our specialized programs, community outreach, and training for future medical leaders.
