Doctors examining a newborn in a hospital crib, with a caregiver standing nearby

How Is The Pediatric Neurotrauma Lab Leading Innovative Research?

The Pediatric Neurotrauma Lab, co-directed by Andrew Reisner, MD and Laura Blackwell, PhD, is a multi-institutional collaboration between Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University. Our mission is to establish a basic science research program focused on pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI). We work to improve the health and quality of life of children living with acute neurological injuries, specifically TBI


Through our large volume of pediatric neurotrauma patients, we use translational research to improve patient care. We collaborate with local and national researchers of all disciplines to advance the understanding and treatment of TBI.

The Pediatric Neurotrauma Lab’s mission

Our Mission is to facilitate research that can improve the treatment and outcomes of traumatic brain injuries in children.


Areas of Study include:

  • Concussions
  • Traumatic Brain Injury
  • Biomarkers from acquired Brain Injury
  • Firearm Injuries
  • Health Disparities & Social Determinants of Health

Dedicated to our patients

Dedicated to students

WFNS 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa

INTS 2024 in Cambridge, UK

NNS 2025 in Philadelphia, PA

Meet the team

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Ongoing Studies
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Patients Enrolled
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Collaborating Hospitals & Academic Centers

Patient Stories & Highlights

Nellie's story

Saydee’s story

2015 November Comeback Athlete: Holland Carlton

Read the Latest Research News from PNL

Dr. Laura Blackwell speaking at the Pediatric Brain Injury Conference in Calgary

6th Biennial Conference on Pediatric Brain Injury in Calgary, Canada!

By PNL TEAM • July 23, 2026
Dr. Laura Blackwell spoke at the sixth Biennial Conference on Pediatric Brain Injury in Calgary, presenting on biomarkers in the new TBI classification for children.
Dr. Blackwell and Jai Trivedi at the 2026 Neurotrauma Symposium

2026 National Neurotrauma Society Symposium in Milwaukee, Wisconsin!

By PNL TEAM • July 23, 2026
Dr. Laura Blackwell and Jai Trivedi presented research at the 2026 National Neurotrauma Society Symposium in Milwaukee on pediatric brain injury care and assessment.
Dr Reisner honored Children's Healthcare Atlanta patients staff Braves game

Green Out for Children’s at the Atlanta Braves Game!

By PNL TEAM • July 23, 2026
Dr. Reisner honored Children's Healthcare of Atlanta patients and staff at Braves on July 21 2026. He stepped onto field during the green out in the 8th inning time.
PNL receives check Emerging Leaders Children's Healthcare Atlanta May 12 2026

PNL Team Receives Generous Check from the Emerging Leaders for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta!

By PNL TEAM • May 20, 2026
ELC presents Pediatric Neurotrauma Lab with donation May 12 2026 to support TBI biomarker research for precision treatment and reducing unnecessary imaging children.
Title: PNL Team Attends the 13th Annual ELC Scrubs Party Benefiting our TBI research! The Emerging

PNL Team Attends the 13th Annual ELC Scrubs Party Benefiting our TBI research!

By PNL TEAM • April 22, 2026
ELC 13th Annual Scrubs Party March 28 2026 raises over 500000 for Pediatric Neurotrauma Lab to support pediatric TBI research at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta GA.
Dr Reisner presents EANS webinar neuromonitoring children traumatic brain injury

2026 EANS Webinar: Neuromonitoring in children with traumatic brain injury!

By PNL TEAM • April 22, 2026
Dr. Reisner presents at EANS webinar on neuromonitoring in children with traumatic brain injury. Topic covers the role of biomarkers in monitoring children with TBI.