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Pediatric Brain Center

Cerebral Palsy & Movement Disorders Center

The UCSF Peacock Cerebral Palsy & Movement Disorders Center is the leading treatment program in Northern California for children with cerebral palsy and spasticity. Children receive evaluation and care from UCSF experts in pediatric neurology, pediatric neurosurgery, pediatric physical therapy and occupational therapy, and pediatric orthopedics. Our team also includes rehabilitation doctors certified in brain injury medicine.

Our spasticity program – the largest and most comprehensive in the region – is led by nationally recognized specialists in rhizotomy, a surgical treatment for spasticity. In fact, our center is named for one of the treatment's pioneers, Warwick Peacock, MD. Thanks to his innovative work and collaborative relationship with our hospital, we treat more than half of the pediatric spasticity cases in California. We are proud to be certified by California Children's Services (CCS), a program that recognizes centers providing top-notch care for certain pediatric medical conditions.

Surgical procedures for spasticity, such as rhizotomy and baclofen pump placement, combined with orthopedic surgery and intensive physical rehabilitation, can improve quality of life for kids with cerebral palsy. We also offer inpatient care, as the only CCS-recognized pediatric inpatient rehabilitation center in Northern California, with the goal of increasing children's chances of meeting their individual long-term goals. During your child's stay with us, we monitor their recovery and work to enhance their overall health, and we also help coordinate resources for continued care at home, which may include an array of therapeutic services.

Our San Francisco program provides transitional care for adolescents and young adults with cerebral palsy and spasticity. These patients can access our lifetime care program and begin working with pediatric orthopedic surgeons and rehabilitation doctors who specialize in adult care.

We are committed to helping our patients receive care close to home, which is why pediatric physical medicine and rehabilitation doctors from our Oakland and San Francisco programs see patients in school-based CCS clinics, also called Medical Therapy Units, throughout the Bay Area and beyond.

In addition to caring for patients, our experts conduct cutting-edge research on spasticity and dystonia (a movement disorder that causes involuntary muscle contractions). Our patients have access to pioneering therapies developed by UCSF faculty as well as opportunities to participate in clinicals trials (studies of promising new treatments).




Our locations (3)

    Our team

    Patient stories

    Boy runs with confidence after nerve surgery

    A condition called spastic diplegia was limiting Micah's movement. After surgery on nerves in his spine and then rehab, he got back to being active.

    Awards & recognition

    • One of the nation's best for neurology & neurosurgery

    • in NIH funding among U.S. neurology programs

    • Ranked among the nation's best in 11 specialties

    Related conditions

    Related treatments

    • Dorsal rhizotomy

    • Intrathecal baclofen therapy

    • Orthopedic surgery

    Plan your visit

    Preparing for your appointment

    What to Bring

    • Photo I.D.
    • Health insurance card
    • Insurance authorization, if required
    • Doctor's referral, if required
    • Recent test results related to your child's condition
    • List of medications, including dosages, plus any your child is allergic to
    • List of questions you may have
    • Device or paper for taking notes

    For visitors

    Before you head to the hospital, check out our guidelines for visitors and caregivers.

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    Your Stay

    We offer valuable information to help you plan for your child's upcoming hospital stay. Find out about food services, family accommodations and more.

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    Your Child's Care Team

    Our doctors, nurses, child life specialists and other providers have special training to care for children. Meet your child's care team.

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    Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance

    Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.

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    Support services

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    Child Life Services

    Activity rooms, pet therapy and more to help kids feel at home.

    Child Life

    Certified child life specialists ease the stress and anxiety of childhood illness through therapeutic play, schooling and family-focused support.

    Family Amenities

    Family-friendly amenities help you relax and take care of yourself while staying close to your child. We offer lounges, kitchens, showers, breastfeeding rooms and more.

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    Social Services

    Social workers ease the effect of illness, injury and hospitalization on your family with counseling and assistance to help you navigate the challenges.

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    Activity Rooms

    Activity rooms offer a relaxed environment for children of all ages. Features include a playroom, digital arts studio and teen lounge. Find out more.

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    Art Therapy

    Art therapy helps kids and families express themselves, making it easier to cope with pediatric health issues. Group and bedside services are available.

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    Music Therapy Program

    Board-certified music therapists help kids cope with illness and the feelings that come with it. Find out about group activities and bedside therapy.

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    School Program

    Our schoolroom services and individual learning programs help children hospitalized at UCSF continue their education and get ready to return to school.

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    School Re-Entry Program

    We help kids return to school after hospitalization by educating staff and students about their needs and recommending needed accommodations. Read more.

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    Individual Playtime & Instruction

    If your child can't be around other kids for medical reasons, you can sign up for private sessions in our activity and school rooms. Find out how.

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    Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance

    Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.

    Family Resource Center

    We help families cope with the challenges of childhood illness and hospitalization in a relaxing environment where parents can get a much-needed break.

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    Parent Support Program

    Weekly activities, including knitting, scrapbooking, chair massage and more, help family caregivers get a much-needed break. Find out more.

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    Patient Relations

    Patient relations reps and nursing supervisors are here to answer questions and address concerns. Learn about your rights, how to reach us and more.

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    Spiritual Care

    Chaplains help UCSF patients, families and staff cope with the spiritual and emotional challenges of childhood illness. Learn more.

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    International Services

    If you're coming to UCSF from outside the U.S., we coordinate your child's appointments and provide other helpful services. Here's how to get started.

    Feeling at home

    From bedside bingo to therapy dogs, we're here to help kids smile and feel more like themselves.

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