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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Hospitals & Academic Centers
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Ongoing Studies
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Publications
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Patients Enrolled

Patient Stories & Highlights

Nellie's story

Saydee’s story

2015 November Comeback Athlete: Holland Carlton

Read the Latest Research News from PNL

Title: PNL Team Attends the 13th Annual ELC Scrubs Party Benefiting our TBI research! 
The Emerging
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
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.
Holland Carlton and Dr. Reisner at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta neurosurgery
By PNL TEAM April 3, 2026
Holland Carlton had a brain tumor removed by Dr. Reisner at Children's in 2015. She now works alongside the care team that saved her life. Read her incredible story.
Dr. Andrew Reisner and PNL team on the Arthur M. Blank Hospital helipad
By PNL TEAM April 3, 2026
A helipad at Arthur M. Blank Hospital was donated in Dr. Reisner's honor by the Elaine and John Carlos family. See the PNL neurosurgery team on the helipad in photo.
By PNL TEAM March 12, 2026
Dr. Blackwell attended the inaugural meeting of the Paediatric Research for the Future of Children in Geneva, Switzerland. The forum has 5 main themes: Precision Medicine and Novel Therapies in Paediatrics, Big Data in Paediatric Research, Child Mental Health and Development, Early Life Determinants of Health and Disease, and Promoting Global Paediatric Research and Paediatric Clinician Scientists Dr. Blackwell presented Transforming Care for Pediatric Concussion: A Focus on Behavioral and Emotional Outcomes. She served as a speaker for the Child Mental Health and Development session alongside Dr. Constantino, Chief of Behavioral and Mental Health at CHOA.
By PNL TEAM March 12, 2026
The Pediatric Neurocritical Care Research Group (PNCRG) focuses on advancing knowledge to optimize neurological outcomes in critically ill children by performing clinical and preclinical studies, supporting education, developing, and promoting best practices, and promoting advocacy. Dr. Reisner and Dr. Fainberg had the pleasure of presenting Biomarkers in Traumatic Brain Injuries in Children at a virtual meeting for PNCRG.