Leif Havton

Dr. Leif Havton, M.D., Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Neurology at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He is actively affiliated with the UCLA Neurological Rehabilitation and Research Program and the Brain Research Institute, focusing on neurological disorders related to spinal cord injury and autonomic nervous system dysfunction.

• Primary Affiliation: Department of Neurology, UCLA
• Research Programs: UCLA Neurological Rehabilitation and Research Program, Brain Research Institute

Dr. Havton's research centers on spinal cord injury recovery, neural regeneration, and neuromodulation of lower urinary tract function. His work explores axonal plasticity following ventral root avulsion injuries, ketamine anesthesia effects on neurological responses, and noninvasive spinal stimulation techniques to restore autonomic and motor functions in primate models.

His recent publications highlight innovations in chondroitinase treatment for spinal repair, neuroanatomical mapping of sinoatrial node innervation, and comparative studies of anesthesia protocols in urodynamic testing. These studies span neuroscience, neurosurgery, biomedical engineering, and neuropharmacology disciplines.

Dr. Havton employs advanced methodologies such as neurophysiological mapping, spinal cord grafting, and computational modeling of axonal structures in his investigations. His research often utilizes primate models (rhesus macaques) and rodent systems to bridge translational gaps between basic science and clinical applications.

Collaborations with multidisciplinary teams across neurology, urology, and rehabilitation medicine demonstrate his commitment to cross-disciplinary approaches in neurological disease research.