David O. Okonkwo, MD, PhD

Professor

Neurological Surgery

Director

Brain Trauma Research Center (Clinical Director)
Neurotrauma Program
Scoliosis and Spinal Deformity Program

Areas of Interest

Brain and spine trauma
Scoliosis
Spinal deformity
Minimally invasive spinal surgery
Experimental therapies for brain and spinal cord injuries
Syringomyelia
Normal pressure hydrocephalus

David O. Okonkwo, MD, PhD | UPMC Neurosurgeon

Biography

Dr. Okonkwo is professor of neurological surgery as well as clinical director of the Brain Trauma Research Center and director of the neurotrauma program. He also serves as director of the scoliosis and spinal deformity program at UPMC Presbyterian.

Dr. Okonkwo received his medical and doctoral degrees from the Medical College of Virginia of Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. He completed his neurosurgical residency at the University of Virginia and a fellowship at Auckland Public Hospital in Auckland, New Zealand. He has also received specialized training in scoliosis and other spinal deformities.

Dr. Okonkwo has published more than 70 papers in refereed journals, authored numerous book chapters, and garnered several awards for his scientific research.

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Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Recovery
UPMC neurosurgeon and trauma expert Dr. David Okonkwo used an innovative treatment to keep Joshua Roe’s brain cool after a car crash caused a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and put him into a coma.

Minimally Invasive Scoliosis Surgery
Drs. Kanter and Okonkwo discuss minimally invasive surgery for complex scoliosis, which may offer faster recovery and better outcomes.