Christopher Giza

Christopher Giza is a Professor in Pediatric Neurology and Neurosurgery at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, affiliated with the UCLA Brain Injury Research Center, UCLA BrainSPORT, and the NFL Neurological Care Program. He completed medical training at West Virginia University and UCLA, with additional experience in search-and-rescue medicine.

• Dartmouth College (Undergraduate)
• West Virginia University (MD)
• University of Pennsylvania (Internship)
• UCLA (Neurology Residency)

Dr. Giza's research focuses on neuroplasticity after brain injury, recovery mechanisms in pediatric TBI, sport-related concussion pathophysiology, post-traumatic epilepsy, and developmental neuroscience. His work spans basic science models, clinical outcome studies, and translational research for injury prevention.

His recent publications reflect cutting-edge work in concussion biomarkers, neuroinflammation, cognitive staging, and racial disparities in care. These articles demonstrate a strong emphasis on:

• Neuroimaging techniques (DTI, functional connectivity, ENIGMA consortium collaborations)
• Biomechanical modeling of head impacts
• Longitudinal studies of recovery trajectories
• Neurochemical profiling (plasma tau, cytokines)
• Evidence-based return-to-play guidelines

Scientific recognition includes the Professional in the Field Award from the Brain Injury Association of California (2012). He has held leadership roles in multiple national concussion initiatives including the American Academy of Neurology's Sports Concussion Guideline Committee, NCAA Concussion Task Force, and CDC Pediatric mTBI Committee.

As director of the UCLA BrainSPORT program and NFL Neurological Care Program, he integrates clinical care, research, and public health outreach for concussion prevention and management.