Atlanta: A National Leader in Pediatric Research and Advanced Medical Programs

Dr. Reisner with PNL Students

PNL Meet the Team

Dr. Reisner presenting at ICRAN 2025

Meet the PNL Team!

Dr. Reisner at ICRAN 2024 in Jaipur, India!

Atlanta: A National Leader in Pediatric Research and Advanced Medical Programs

Learn More

Emory SOM Spotlights Dr. Blackwell!

2023 Pediatric Research Alliance Conference in Atlanta, GA

PNL with Dr. Lucky Jain and Dr. Wilbur Lam

Dedicated to Students

Congress of Neurological Surgeons 2023 - Top 3 Disparities in Healthcare Poster Award

ICRAN 2023 in Santa Cruz, Bolivia

National Neurotrauma Society- Diversity Award 2023

National Neurotrauma Society- Diversity Award 2022

INTS 2022 in Berlin, Germany

NNS 2023 in Austin, TX

PNL with Dr. Manley & TRACK-TBI

How Is The Pediatric Neurotrauma Lab Leading Innovative Research?

The Pediatric Neurotrauma Lab, directed by Andrew Reisner, MD, 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

Contact Information:

Andrew Reisner, MD

Pediatric Neurosurgeon


Arthur M. Blank
2220 North Druid Hills Road NE

Atlanta, GA 30329

(404) 785-2900


Laura Blackwell, Ph.D.

Board Certified Neuropsychologist


Scottish Rite Hospital

1001 Johnson Ferry Road NE

Atlanta, GA 30342

(404)-785-5895

Patient Stories & Highlights

Saydee’s story

Saydee sustained a concussion and a black eye and chipped her teeth during a softball game. After being treated through the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Concussion Program, she is now back on the field and ready to play.

2015 November Comeback Athlete: Holland Carlton

After a concussion landed Holland at the doctor’s office, a CT scan revealed the last thing she and her family expected—a brain tumor. In March 2015, Holland underwent a nine-hour surgery to remove the growth. After the procedure, she had to relearn routine daily activities at the Children’s Inpatient Rehabilitation Program. She is now back on the field playing soccer and is preparing for the upcoming tryouts for the varsity team.

Read the Latest Research News from PNL

Dr. Reisner presenting on post-traumatic aneurysms at the 2024 Neurotraumatology Conference in Jaipu
By PNL TEAM March 17, 2024
Dr. Reisner attended the 2024 International Conference on Recent Advances in Neurotraumatology in Jaipur, India, presenting on post-traumatic aneurysms and osteopontin biomarkers while leading discussions on neurotrauma and road safety as WFNS Neurotrauma Chair.
PNL team and collaborators presenting and chairing sessions on pediatric traumatic brain injury, neu
By PNL TEAM December 10, 2023
PNL team members attended the 18th World Congress of Neurosurgery in Cape Town, South Africa, presenting groundbreaking research on pediatric TBI, neurotrauma biomarkers, and cerebrovascular disease. Dr. Reisner chaired Neurotrauma sessions as the 2023 WFNS Chair.
Dr. Blackwell featured in Emory School of Medicine’s Research Spotlight
By PNL TEAM December 1, 2023
Dr. Blackwell is featured in Emory School of Medicine’s Research Spotlight, sharing her work at PNL on understanding why pediatric traumatic brain injury outcomes vary so greatly to improve future care and management.
Dr. Reisner honored with the 2023 Innovations in Clinical Program Development Award and recognized a
By PNL TEAM November 21, 2023
Dr. Reisner received the 2023 Innovations in Clinical Program Development Award for creating the Concussion Care Program and was honored as an honorary member at the 100th Serbian Neurosurgery Society Meeting, where he presented on post-traumatic aneurysms.
Dr. Reisner and Makda Mulugeta at the 2023 Congress of Neurological Surgeons Annual Meeting presenti
By PNL TEAM September 16, 2023
Dr. Reisner and Makda Mulugeta attended the 2023 Congress of Neurological Surgeons Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C., where their research on pediatric intracranial gunshot wounds in children under 5 was awarded Top 3 Posters in Healthcare Disparities.
PNL Lab team presenting award-winning research on pediatric concussion outcomes, firearm injury prog
By PNL TEAM July 30, 2023
At the 2023 National Neurotrauma Conference in Austin, TX, PNL Lab researchers presented studies on pediatric concussion outcomes, intracranial gunshot wound mortality, and socioeconomic disparities in pediatric TBI, earning top trainee recognition.