
Overview
Brenda Banwell is the director of the Department of Pediatrics, as well as pediatrician-in-chief and co-director of Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, where she helps manage the hospital’s many clinical and research centers. Dr. Banwell is a renowned expert in the research and treatment of pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS) and other neuroimmune disorders. She specializes in and studies the use of neuroimaging to assess the clinical and cognitive impact of the conditions, as well as the function of the immune system in children with these disorders. She also created a standardized clinical care algorithm and clinical database in order to evaluate the clinical impact of MS. Dr. Banwell has published more than 250 manuscripts in high-impact journals, along with over 25 book chapters. In addition, she has over 200 national and international invited lectureships and visiting professorships. An advocate for pediatric multiple sclerosis needs and research, Dr. Banwell serves as chair of the International Medical and Scientific Board of the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation, and the Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody–Associated Disease (MOGAD) International Research Consortium. She is also chair of the pediatric committee of the National Institutes of Health NeuroNEXT program, which conducts studies on treatments for neurological diseases through academic, private, and industry collaborations. Dr. Banwell currently serves as past-chair of the International Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Study Group, Dr. Banwell earned her medical degree from the University of Western Ontario. She later completed a residency in pediatrics at the University of Western Ontario-Children's Hospital of Western Ontario and a second residency in pediatric neurology at University of Toronto – The Hospital for Sick Children. Her residencies were followed by a fellowship in neuromuscular research at Mayo Clinic.
Dr. Banwell is highly rated in 16 conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Multiple Sclerosis (MS), CACH Syndrome, Optic Neuritis, and Transverse Myelitis.
Dr. Banwell is board certified in Royal College Of Physicians And Surgeons Of Canada. She is actively involved in clinical research, co-authoring 297 peer reviewed articles and participating in 1 clinical trial. Dr. Banwell is currently accepting new patients.
Specialties
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Insurance
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Accepted insurance plans:
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- OTHER MEDICAID
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- MEDICARE MAPD
- MEDICARE PDP
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- MEDICARE-MEDICAID PLAN
- OTHER MEDICARE PART D
- EPO
- HMO
- POS
- PPO
- EPO
- HMO
- INSURANCE PLAN
- MANAGED MEDICAID PLAN
- MEDICARE MAPD
- MEDICARE PDP
- MEDICARE SNP
- MEDICARE-MEDICAID PLAN
- OTHER MEDICARE
- OTHER MEDICARE PART D
Locations
601 North Caroline Street, Floor 5, Floor 5, Baltimore, MD 21287
Clinical Research
Clinical research consists of overseeing clinical studies of patients undergoing new treatments and therapies, and publishing articles in peer reviewed medical journals. Providers who actively participate in clinical research are generally at the forefront of the fields and aware of the most up-to-date advances in treatments for their patients.
1 Clinical Trials
Telehealth Video Visit
William D. Gaillard, MD, professor of neurology and neurophysiology, is chief of the Divisions of Child Neurology and of Epilepsy and Neurophysiology. He is director of the Comprehensive Pediatric Epilepsy Program — one of the leading multidisciplinary pediatric epilepsy programs in the country. As associate director of the Children’s National Research Institute’s Center for Neuroscience Research, he is responsible for overseeing and organizing clinical neuroscience research. Dr. Gaillard is professor of pediatrics and neurology at the George Washington University School of Medicine; Professor of Neurology, Georgetown University; and Adjunct Professor of Hearing and Speech Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park. Additionally, Dr. Gaillard holds longstanding collaborations with the Clinical Epilepsy Section (CES), National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and NIH. His innovative research utilizes advanced structural and functional imaging to examine the effects of epilepsy on brain structure and function. His pioneering work with functional imaging has changed clinical practice for patients with epilepsy, made important technical contributions to structural and functional imaging methods, and provided fundamental scientific insights on the biology of brain plasticity. Ultimately, the goal of his research is to improve the outcomes and lives of children with epilepsy. Dr. Gaillard is a past president of the American Epilepsy Society. He is past treasurer of the American Epilepsy Society, past chair of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) Commission on Diagnostics, past chair of the ILAE Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Task Force and past member of the Pediatric Commission. He is a past editor of Epilepsy Research and a past editor of Epilepsia. He is the author of more than 240 peer-reviewed scientific papers and more than 50 chapters and holds longstanding federal and foundation grant funding. Dr. Gaillard is highly rated in 21 conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Epilepsy, Seizures, Epilepsy in Children, Liver Embolization, and Deep Brain Stimulation. Dr. Gaillard is board certified in Pediatrics: American Board Of Pediatrics, 2005, American Board Of Psychiatry And Neurology, and American Board Of Psychiatry And Neurology, 1992. Dr. Gaillard is currently accepting new patients.
The Kennedy Krieger Institute
Dr. Comi graduated from SUNY Buffalo School of Medicine and received her training in pediatrics at the Children's Hospital of Buffalo and her child neurology training at Johns Hopkins Medicine. Her clinical specialization is in the treatment of the neurological aspects of Sturge-Weber syndrome and other disorders related to capillary malformation. Dr. Comi's clinical research interests focus on improving the early diagnosis and treatment of brain involvement in Sturge-Weber syndrome in order to prevent ischemic brain injury in affected infants and young children, and on studies to understand what causes Sturge-Weber syndrome. Her laboratory research work deals with the pathogenesis of Sturge-Weber syndrome, recently shown to be caused by a somatic mutation, and on developing new drug targets, screening assays, models and therapeutic strategies for Sturge-Weber syndrome. Her lab group also works on developing better neuroprotective and neuroregenerative responses to brain injury resulting from impaired blood flow to the brain. Dr. Comi is highly rated in 13 conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Sturge-Weber Syndrome, Parkes Weber Syndrome, Epilepsy in Children, Seizures, and Endovascular Embolization. Dr. Comi is board certified in American Board Of Psychiatry And Neurology. Dr. Comi is currently accepting new patients.
Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center - Green Spring Station, Lutherville
Dr. Tom Crawford has been a member of the Department of Neurology since 1987. He is co-director of the MDA clinic for Neuromuscular Disorders and Neurologist for the Ataxia Telangiectasia Clinical Center at Johns Hopkins. His practice involves general child neurology with a principal interest in caring for children with neuromuscular, neuromotor, and ataxic disorders. Primary research interests involve the basic science and clinical characterization of two important neurologic disorders that affect children: Spinal Muscular Atrophy and Ataxia Telangiectasia. He is also actively involved in the Biology of neurofilaments by characterization of transgenic animal models. He is on the Medical and Scientific Advisory Boards of Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy, and the Medical Advisory Committee for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. He is the Neurologist for the Ataxia Telangiectasia Clinical Center at Johns Hopkins, which has evaluated almost half of the known patients with this disorder in the United States. Additional specific clinical interests include evaluation and treatment of children with brachial plexus palsies. Dr. Crawford received his medical degree from the University of Southern California. He completed a pediatric internship and residency at the Pediatric Pavilion of the Los Angeles County / University of Southern California Medical Center, followed by a pediatric chief residency. He completed his training in Neurology with Special Qualification in Child Neurology at the Los Angeles Childrens Hospital. He then traveled east to the laboratory of Dr John Griffin at Johns Hopkins for a fellowship in Neuromuscular Disorders. Prior to medical training and Neurology residency, he majored in Psychology and Religion at Yale College. Dr. Crawford has published extensively and presented nationally and internationally. He has an active role in teaching medical students and residents in neurology. In addition, Dr. Crawford has special interest and experience in EMG studies of children and adults. Dr. Crawford is highly rated in 13 conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Primary Lateral Sclerosis, Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), Ataxia-Telangiectasia, and Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 2. Dr. Crawford is board certified in American Board Of Psychiatry And Neurology and American Board Of Pediatrics. Dr. Crawford is currently accepting new patients.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dr. Brenda L. Banwell
How do I make an appointment with Dr. Brenda L. Banwell?
You can book an appointment with Dr. Brenda L. Banwell by calling their office at 410-955-4259. MediFind provides direct contact information so you can schedule visits, second opinions, or consultations without navigating third-party calendars.
Is Dr. Brenda L. Banwell a top-rated expert for Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?
MediFind is an objective health platform that identifies experts based on real-world data. Dr. Brenda L. Banwell is classified as an Elite expert for Multiple Sclerosis (MS), meaning they are among the top experts in the country for this condition. This ranking is based on their volume of patients, published research, and peer connections.
What conditions does Dr. Brenda L. Banwell specialize in?
While Dr. Brenda L. Banwell is a Pediatric Neurology, they have specific expertise in Multiple Sclerosis (MS), CACH Syndrome, and Optic Neuritis. MediFind analyzes a doctor's articles and referral patterns to identify their specific areas of focus within Pediatric Neurology.
Does Dr. Brenda L. Banwell participate in research or clinical trials?
Yes. Dr. Brenda L. Banwell has published 297 articles and abstracts on conditions like Multiple Sclerosis (MS). You can view a list of Dr. Brenda L. Banwell's latest peer-reviewed publications and clinical trial participation on their profile to see if they are active in new treatments.
Does Dr. Brenda L. Banwell accept my insurance?
Dr. Brenda L. Banwell accepts most major insurance plans, including Aetna and Blue Cross Blue Shield. We recommend calling the office directly at 410-955-4259 to verify that your specific plan is currently accepted before your visit.
Areas of Expertise
MediFind evaluates expertise by pulling from factors such as number of articles a doctor has published in medical journals, participation in clinical trials, speaking at industry conferences, prescribing and referral patterns, and strength of connections with other experts in their field.
Learn more about MediFind’s expert tiers
- Elite
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)Dr. Banwell isElite. Learn about Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
- Distinguished
- CACH SyndromeDr. Banwell isDistinguished. Learn about CACH Syndrome.
- Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody-Associated Disease
- Neuromyelitis OpticaDr. Banwell isDistinguished. Learn about Neuromyelitis Optica.
- Optic NeuritisDr. Banwell isDistinguished. Learn about Optic Neuritis.
- Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis (RMS)Dr. Banwell isDistinguished. Learn about Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis (RMS).
- Transverse MyelitisDr. Banwell isDistinguished. Learn about Transverse Myelitis.
- Advanced
- Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM)Dr. Banwell isAdvanced. Learn about Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM).
- Agyria Pachygyria PolymicrogyriaDr. Banwell isAdvanced. Learn about Agyria Pachygyria Polymicrogyria.
- Anti-NMDA Receptor EncephalitisDr. Banwell isAdvanced. Learn about Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis.
- EncephalitisDr. Banwell isAdvanced. Learn about Encephalitis.
- Focal or Multifocal Malformations in Neuronal Migration
- HiccupsDr. Banwell isAdvanced. Learn about Hiccups.
- Myoclonic EpilepsyDr. Banwell isAdvanced. Learn about Myoclonic Epilepsy.
- ParaplegiaDr. Banwell isAdvanced. Learn about Paraplegia.
- PolymicrogyriaDr. Banwell isAdvanced. Learn about Polymicrogyria.
- Experienced
- Absence SeizureDr. Banwell isExperienced. Learn about Absence Seizure.
- Brain HerniationDr. Banwell isExperienced. Learn about Brain Herniation.
- Cerebellum Agenesis HydrocephalyDr. Banwell isExperienced. Learn about Cerebellum Agenesis Hydrocephaly.
- Cerebral HypoxiaDr. Banwell isExperienced. Learn about Cerebral Hypoxia.
- Congenital Fiber-Type DisproportionDr. Banwell isExperienced. Learn about Congenital Fiber-Type Disproportion.
- Congenital Myasthenic SyndromeDr. Banwell isExperienced. Learn about Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome.
- Cortical DysplasiaDr. Banwell isExperienced. Learn about Cortical Dysplasia.
- Delta-SarcoglycanopathyDr. Banwell isExperienced. Learn about Delta-Sarcoglycanopathy.
- Distal Myopathy 2Dr. Banwell isExperienced. Learn about Distal Myopathy 2.
- Drug Induced DyskinesiaDr. Banwell isExperienced. Learn about Drug Induced Dyskinesia.
- DysferlinopathyDr. Banwell isExperienced. Learn about Dysferlinopathy.
- Emery-Dreifuss Muscular DystrophyDr. Banwell isExperienced. Learn about Emery-Dreifuss Muscular Dystrophy.
- EpilepsyDr. Banwell isExperienced. Learn about Epilepsy.
- Epilepsy Juvenile AbsenceDr. Banwell isExperienced. Learn about Epilepsy Juvenile Absence.
- Fukuyama Type Muscular DystrophyDr. Banwell isExperienced. Learn about Fukuyama Type Muscular Dystrophy.
- GAPO SyndromeDr. Banwell isExperienced. Learn about GAPO Syndrome.
- Generalized Tonic-Clonic SeizureDr. Banwell isExperienced. Learn about Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizure.
- HeadacheDr. Banwell isExperienced. Learn about Headache.
- Herpes Simplex EncephalitisDr. Banwell isExperienced. Learn about Herpes Simplex Encephalitis.
- HydrocephalusDr. Banwell isExperienced. Learn about Hydrocephalus.
- Increased Intracranial PressureDr. Banwell isExperienced. Learn about Increased Intracranial Pressure.
- Landau-Kleffner SyndromeDr. Banwell isExperienced. Learn about Landau-Kleffner Syndrome.
- Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON)Dr. Banwell isExperienced. Learn about Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON).
- Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS)Dr. Banwell isExperienced. Learn about Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS).
- LeukodystrophyDr. Banwell isExperienced. Learn about Leukodystrophy.
- LissencephalyDr. Banwell isExperienced. Learn about Lissencephaly.
- Memory LossDr. Banwell isExperienced. Learn about Memory Loss.
- MicrocephalyDr. Banwell isExperienced. Learn about Microcephaly.
- Microcephaly with Spastic QuadriplegiaDr. Banwell isExperienced. Learn about Microcephaly with Spastic Quadriplegia.
- Miyoshi MyopathyDr. Banwell isExperienced. Learn about Miyoshi Myopathy.
- Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C)
- NeurosarcoidosisDr. Banwell isExperienced. Learn about Neurosarcoidosis.
- Neurotoxicity SyndromesDr. Banwell isExperienced. Learn about Neurotoxicity Syndromes.
- Oculopharyngeal Muscular DystrophyDr. Banwell isExperienced. Learn about Oculopharyngeal Muscular Dystrophy.
- Rasmussen EncephalitisDr. Banwell isExperienced. Learn about Rasmussen Encephalitis.
- SeizuresDr. Banwell isExperienced. Learn about Seizures.
- Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)Dr. Banwell isExperienced. Learn about Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
- Spastic Paraplegia Type 2Dr. Banwell isExperienced. Learn about Spastic Paraplegia Type 2.
- Spastic Paraplegia Type 7Dr. Banwell isExperienced. Learn about Spastic Paraplegia Type 7.
- SpasticityDr. Banwell isExperienced. Learn about Spasticity.
- Status EpilepticusDr. Banwell isExperienced. Learn about Status Epilepticus.
- Tubular Aggregate MyopathyDr. Banwell isExperienced. Learn about Tubular Aggregate Myopathy.
- Walker-Warburg SyndromeDr. Banwell isExperienced. Learn about Walker-Warburg Syndrome.
- X-Linked Dominant Scapuloperoneal Myopathy
- X-Linked Myotubular MyopathyDr. Banwell isExperienced. Learn about X-Linked Myotubular Myopathy.
- Zika Virus DiseaseDr. Banwell isExperienced. Learn about Zika Virus Disease.


