Vikram Rao

MD PhD

Neurologist and epilepsy specialist
King of dad jokes, wannabe chef and classic rock lover

Dr. Vikram Rao is a neurologist who specializes in treating patients with epilepsy. He takes a holistic approach to helping patients deal with the challenges of their seizures and works at multiple levels to improve their quality of life. He has a particular interest in utilizing medications, surgery and implanted neurostimulation devices to care for patients with complex epilepsy.

Rao's research involves using direct brain electrical recordings and implanted devices – such as the NeuroPace RNS System for responsive neurostimulation – to better understand how abnormal patterns of brain electrical activity give rise to seizures. He also uses these tools to explore the cognitive dysfunction and mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression, that are common in epilepsy patients.

Rao earned his medical degree from UCSF, completed his residency at Massachusetts General and Brigham and Women's hospitals, and returned to UCSF for a fellowship in neurology. He served as chief resident in neurology in 2011 and received the Senior Resident Teacher of the Year award in 2012.

Rao is a member of the American Epilepsy Society, American Academy of Neurology and San Francisco Medical Society.

  • Education

    UCSF School of Medicine, 2008

  • Residencies

    Brigham and Women's Hospital, 2012

  • Fellowships

    UCSF Medical Center, 2013

  • Academic Title

    Associate Professor

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"All the things that make us uniquely human are part of what the brain does."

Meet Dr. Rao

Conditions I specialize in

Where I see patients (1)

    My reviews

    4.9

    Overall Experience
    99 Ratings
    About our process
    Sep 04, 2024
    I have always been highly pleased with Dr. Rao. He listens well, answers my questions thoroughly, and provides clear explanations. He is also personable and friendly. Excellent experience (as usual).
    Sep 04, 2024
    Dr. Rao is absolutely a wonderful physician. I know he listens carefully to my concerns and genuinely cares for his patients.
    Jun 19, 2024
    My doctor made me laugh
    May 22, 2024
    We are very grateful for Dr. Rao's knowledge and guidance. He listens to our questions and includes us in decisions while providing us with helpful information.
    May 14, 2024
    Dr. Rao was extremely kind and generous with his time, interest, expertise, and reassurance regarding my health care.
    May 08, 2024
    I have and will continue to recommend UCSF medical and especially neurology departments. While hoping you don't ever have to be a patient yourself. I Highly Recommend the neurology department at UCSF!
    Mar 09, 2024
    This Doctor has been amazing and such a blessing
    Mar 08, 2024
    Excellent communication
    Mar 07, 2024
    Dr. Rao is so easy to talk to, always gets back to me promptly. Great Dr to work with.
    Mar 07, 2024
    Dr. Rao is very professional and empathetic to the needs of his patients. He is kind, knowledgeable and always takes my opinion in consideration. I feel safe and I trust him 100% with my care.
    Aug 24, 2023
    Dr Rao was very professional, friendly and thorough. He made me feel very comfortable.
    Aug 18, 2023
    Extremely happy with provider.
    Jun 28, 2023
    Dr Rao is among the best doctors I have ever had.
    May 31, 2023
    Great
    May 13, 2023
    A doctor who not only treats their patients as equals, but shows that he Truly Cares. Is One Of The Best!!
    May 12, 2023
    I love the way they show me that they really care for me and they are very clear on how they can help you. That is very rare.
    May 04, 2023
    Dr. Rao is amazing. We've only had one visit with him and already feel like we have more insight into whats going on. We've had countless visits with the local neuro here and have gotten no where. We didnt feel heard or like our local dr took the concerns seriously. Dr. Rao is the exact opposite of that. We feel much more at ease being in his care. Hes compassionate and caring and we highly recommend. We finally feel like there is a laid out plan of action and we might get some actual answers.
    Mar 07, 2023
    Excellent physician, He is not responsible for the ridiculous referral process. UCSF bureaucracy is at fault.
    Feb 17, 2023
    Dr Rao is an incredible epileptologist and after eight years meeting with him I consider him to be a friend and a role model.
    Feb 17, 2023
    Really lucky to have him as my doctor!
    Feb 03, 2023
    The care provider was accommodating, communicative, knowledgeable, and empathetic. He was thorough by asking detail questions, actively listening, and provide holistic solutions. I was grateful to his support and care.
    Jan 18, 2023
    I'm REALLY lucky to have Dr. Rao as my Neurologist!!
    Dec 03, 2022
    Dr Rao's the best!!
    Epilepsy is more than just seizures, and I believe listening to patients is as important as medications and other treatments, if not more so.

    My work

    "Rebooting" the brain of a patient with epilepsy

    Kimberly began having debilitating seizures and anxiety while overseas. Care from Dr. Rao and colleagues finally brought her condition under control.

    Selected research

    See all research

    Contact me

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