Deborah Sival

Dr. Deborah Sival is a Clinical Professor and Pediatric Neurologist at the University of Groningen’s Faculty of Medical Sciences. She holds positions as a Principle Investigator at the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) and is a member of the center of expertise for Movement Disorders. Her roles include Associate Editor of the European Journal of Paediatric Neurology and leadership in professional organizations such as the Dutch Society of Paediatric Neurology (NVKN) and the European Paediatric Neurologic Society (EPNS).

Education: She obtained her MD from Erasmus University Rotterdam (1988) and a PhD from the University of Groningen (1993) with research on fetal motor behavior in complicated pregnancies. Her neurology training included residency at UMCG and a fellowship in Pediatric Neurology at Beatrix Children’s Hospital.

Research focuses on prenatal/postnatal motor behavior analysis, spina bifida neuropathology, and early recognition of movement disorders in children. She mentors PhD students and contributes to clinical practice through telemedicine advancements and diagnostic tool development.

Professional contributions include editorial work, advocacy for rare neurological disease care, and leadership in transitioning pediatric patients to adult healthcare systems. Her work emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration in pediatric neurology and translational research.