Neal Prakash, M.D., Ph.D.

(877) 460-4673
Neal Prakash, M.D., Ph.D.
Chief, Division of Neurology; Clinical Professor, Department of Medicine; Professor, Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Clinical Expertise
  • Neuroimaging
  • General Neurology
Research Area
  • Canavan Disease
  • Chemotherapy Induced Neuropathy
  • Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy with Fibromyalgia
Academic Appointments
  • Chief, Division of Neurology
  • Clinical Professor, Department of Medicine
  • Director of Neuro-optical Imaging
Clinical Teams
Medicine
Brain Tumors
Research Teams
Neurodegenerative Diseases

Neal Prakash, M.D., Ph.D., is a neurologist and neuroscientist renowned for his extensive research in brain plasticity, neuroimaging and neurovascular function. Over the course of his career, he has made significant contributions to the understanding of functional brain mapping through optical imaging techniques, neuroplasticity and neurological disorders such as migraines, chemotherapy-induced neuropathy and ataxia. Dr. Prakash has authored numerous influential journal articles, book chapters, abstracts and has delivered invited talks around the world, highlighting advances in brain imaging and clinical neurology. He has also been actively involved in clinical research on brain tumors, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer-related neurological complications, bridging basic neuroscience with translational medicine. Overall, Dr. Prakash is widely recognized for his expertise in neurology, compassionate patient care and leadership in advancing research on the neurological effects of cancer treatments.

Location

Education & Experience

Board Certifications

  • Neurology

Degrees

  • 2001, M.D., Medical Scientist Training Program, University of California Irvine College of Medicine
  • 1999, Ph.D., Biological Sciences, University of California Irvine
  • 1992, B.A., Molecular and Cellular Biology (Neurobiology emphasis), University of California Berkeley

Fellowship

  • 2002–2005, Neuro-imaging research/training during residence and hence was promoted from resident to assistant professor at UCLA

Residency

  • 2002–2005, Resident, Department of Neurology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA

Internship

  • 2001–2002, Intern, Department of Internal Medicine, Barnes Jewish Hospital, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, MO

Professional Experience

  • 2020–present, Clinical Professor, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, City of Hope, Duarte, California
  • 2011–present, Director of Neuro-optical Imaging, City of Hope, Duarte, California
  • 2012–present, Chief, Division of Neurology, City of Hope, Duarte, CA
  • 2011–2020, Associate Clinical Professor, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, City of Hope, Duarte, California
  • 2011–2012, Neurologist/Scientist, City of Hope, Duarte, CA
  • 2009–2011, Neurologist, Neurological Services of Hawaii
  • 2008–2011, Assistant Clinical Professor, University of Hawaii, John A. Burns School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Honolulu, HI
  • 2007–2009, ProTem Neurologist, Kaiser Permanente, Honolulu, HI
  • 2006–2011, Neurologist, Veterans Affairs Pacific Island Health Care System
  • 2006–2007, Visiting Assistant Professor, Magnetic Resonance Research at University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI
  • 2005–2007, Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Neurology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
  • 2005–2007, Founding Director of Optical Imaging, Laboratory of Neuro Imaging, David Geffen School of Imaging, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA

Awards & Memberships

Awards

  • 2018, Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology
  • 2016–2017, The Leading Physicians of the World, Top Neurologist in Duarte, CA
  • 2016, “Top Doctor,” Los Angeles Magazine, Neurology
  • 2015–2021, “Super Doctor,” Southern California Super Doctors, Neurology
  • 2013–2014, 2016–2017, “Top Doctor,” Pasadena Magazine, Neurology
  • 2013, 2016–2017, The Leading Physicians of the World, Top Neurologist in Duarte, CA.
  • 2013, Super Doctors, Southern California Rising Stars 2013, Neurology
  • 2009–2015, Marquis Who's Who in America: Neurologist and Neuroscientist
  • 2006, Leading Health Professionals in the World, Neurology and Neurosciences
  • 2005, “Finalist,” American Association of the Physicians of Indian Origin, Medical Student, Resident and Fellow Research Competition
  • 2004, UCLA Neurology Resident Jean-Louis Riel Research Award
  • 1999 and 2000, University of California Irvine Vincent P. Carroll, Jr. Memorial Research Award
  • 1988, Physics student of the year, Katella High School, Anaheim CA

Memberships

  • American Academy of Neurology
  • Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics
  • Society for NeuroOncology
  • California Neurological Society

Publications

Journal Articles

  • Chen BT, Ye N, Wong CW, Patel SK, Jin T, Sun CL, Rockne R, Kim H, Root J, Saykin AJ, Ahles T, Holodny A, Prakash N, Mortimer J, Sedrak M, Waisman J, Yuan Y, Li D, Somlo G, Vazquez J, Katheria V, Dale. Effects of chemotherapy on aging white matter microstructure: a longitudinal diffusion tensor imaging study, Journal of Geriatric Oncology 2019 Nov 1. pii: S1879-4068(19)30166-3. doi: 10.1016/j.jgo.2019.09.016.
  • Chen BT, Jin T, Patel SK, Ye N, Sun CL, Ma H, Rockne R, Root J, Saykin AJ, Ahles T, Holodny A, Prakash N, Mortimer J, Waisman J, Yuan Y, Li D, Somlo G, Vazquez J, Levi A, Tan H, Yang R, Katheria V, Dale, W. Intrinsic brain activity changes associated with adjuvant chemotherapy in older women with breast cancer: a pilot longitudinal study, Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, 2019, 2019 Jul;176(1):181-189. doi: 10.1007/s10549-019-05230-y. Epub 2019 Apr 13.
  • Cristea MC, Frankel P, Synold T, Rivkin S, Lim D, Chung V, Chao J, Wakabayashi M, Paz B, Han E, Lin P, Leong L, Hakim A, Carroll M, Prakash N, Dellinger T, Park M, Morgan RJ. A phase I trial of intraperitoneal nab-paclitaxel in the treatment of advanced malignancies primarily confined to the peritoneal cavity, Cancer Chemother Pharmacol. 2019 Mar;83(3):589-598. doi: 10.1007/s00280-019-03767-9. Epub 2019 Jan 8.
  • Chen BT, Jin T, Patel SK, Ye N, Sun CL, Ma H, Rockne R, Hascke M, Root J, Saykin AJ, Ahles T, Holodny A. Prakash N, Mortimer J, Waisman J, Yuan Y, Li D, Somlo G, Vazquez J, Levi A, Tan H, Yang R, Katheria V, Hurria A. Gray matter density reduction associated with adjuvant chemotherapy in older women with breast cancer, Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, 2018, Nov;172(2):363-370. doi: 10.1007/s10549-018-4911-y. Epub 2018 Aug 7.
  • Chen BT, Ghassaban K, Jin T, Patel SK, Ye N, Sun CL, Kim CL, Rockne R, Hascke M, Root J, Saykin AJ, Ahles T, Holodny A. Prakash N, Mortimer J, Waisman J, Yuan Y, Somlo G, Li D, Yang R, Tan H, Katheria V, Morrison R, Hurria A. Subcortical brain iron deposition and cognitive performance in older women with or without breast cancer receiving adjuvant chemotherapy: A pilot MRI study, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, 2018.
  • Chen BT, Sethi S, Jin T, Patel SK, Ye N, Sun CL, Rockne R, Hascke M, Root J, Saykin AJ, Ahles T, Holodny A. Prakash N, Mortimer J, Waisman J, Yuan Y, Somlo G, Li D, Yang R, Tan H, Katheria V, Morrison R, Hurria A. Assessing Brain Volume Changes in Older Women with Breast Cancer Receiving Adjuvant Chemotherapy: A Brain MRI Pilot Study Breast Cancer Research, 2018, 20:38.
  • Benjamin R, Zhai J, Morgan R, Prakash N. Trismus and diffuse polymyalgia: An unusual presentation of recurrent metastatic ovarian cancer, BMJ Case Reports, 2014, DOI:10.1136/bcr-2013-203361
  • Theriot J, Toga AW, Prakash N, Ju YS, Brennan KC. Cortical sensory plasticity in a model of migraine with aura, Journal of Neuroscience, 32(44):15252-61, 2012.
  • Kateb B, Chiu K, Black KL, Yamamoto V, Khalsa B, Ljubimova JY, Ding H, Patil R, Portilla-Arias JA, Modo M, Moore DF, Farahani K, Okun MS, Prakash N, Neman J, Ahdoot D, Grundfest W, Nikzad S, Heiss JD. Nanoplatforms for constructing new approaches to cancer treatment, imaging, and drug delivery: What should be the policy? NeuroImage, 54:S1, S106-24, 2011 (ePub 2010).
  • Prakash N, Hageman N, Hua X, Toga AW, Perlman SL, Salamon N. Patterns of fractional anisotropy changes in white matter of cerebellar peduncles distinguish spinocerebellar ataxia-1 from multiple system atrophy and other ataxia syndromes, NeuroImage, 47:T72-81, 2009.
  • Sheth S, Prakash N, Guiou M, Toga AW. Validation and Visualization of Two-Dimensional Optical Spectroscopic Imaging of Cerebral Hemodynamics, NeuroImage, 47:T 2009.
  • Prakash N, Uhlemann F, Sheth SA, Bookheimer S, Martin N, Toga AW. Current Trends in Intraoperative Optical Imaging for Functional Brain Mapping and Delineation of Lesions of Language Cortex, NeuroImage.47:T116-126, 2009.
  • Prakash N, Biag J, Sheth SA, Mitsuyama S, Ramachandran C, Theriot J, Toga AW. Temporal profiles and 2-dimensional oxy-, deoxy-, and total-hemoglobin somatosensory maps in rat versus mouse cortex, NeuroImage, 37:S1, S27-S36, 2007.
  • Theriot JJ, Toga AW, Prakash N, Ju SY. Microfabricated electrode array compatible with optical imaging of intrinsic signals during somatosensory stimulation and cortical spreading depression, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Bioengineering Division (Publication) BED 7p, 2006.
  • Prakash N. Frostig RD. What has intrinsic signal optical imaging taught us about NGF-induced rapid plasticity in adult cortex and its relationship to the cholinergic system? Molecular Imaging and Biology, 7(1): 14-21, 2005.
  • Prakash N, Cohen-Cory S, Penshuck S, Frostig RD. The basal forebrain cholinergic system is involved in rapid nerve growth factor (NGF)-induced plasticity in the barrel cortex of adult rats, Journal of Neurophysiology, 91:424-437, 2004; first published September 24, 2003.
  • Penschuck S, Chen-Bee CH, Prakash N, Frostig RD. In vivo modulation of a cortical functional sensory representation shortly after topical cholinergic agent application, Journal of Comparative Neurology,452: 38-50, 2002.
  • Prakash N, Vanderhaeghen P, Cohen-Cory S, Frisén J, Flanagan JG, Frostig RD. Functional malformation of the cortical somatosensory map in adult ephrin-A5 knockout mice, Journal of Neuroscience, 20:5841-5847, 2000.
  • Chen-Bee C, Polley DB, Brett-Green BB, Prakash N, Kwon MC, Frostig RD. Visualizing and quantifying cortical activity assessed with intrinsic signal imaging, Journal of Neuroscience Methods, 97(2): 157-173, 2000.
  • Vanderhaeghen P, Lu Q, Prakash N, Frisén J, Walsh CA, Frostig RD, Flanagan JG. A mapping label required for normal scale of body representation in the cortex, Nature Neuroscience, 3(4): 358-365, 2000.

Book Chapters

  • Allahabadi S, Jia C, Prakash N. Chapter 16 “Visible Light Optical imaging and Spectroscopy During Neurosurgery,” Neurophotonics and Brain Mapping (Chen/Kateb — ISBN 9781482236859 — CAT# K23139), April 2017.
  • Chen, J.W.Y., Marshall, H., Prakash, N. "Intrinsic Optical Signal Imaging of Seizures and Cortical Spreading Depression." Reference Module in Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Psychology, Elsevier, November 2016. ISBN 9780128093245.
  • Kohar A, Salamon N, Prakash N. “Devic’s Syndrome,” 100 Case Reviews in Neurosurgery (Jandial/Chen/Aizenberg), October 2016.
  • Kohar A, Prakash N. “Transverse Myelitis,” 100 Case Reviews in Neurosurgery (Jandial/Chen/Aizenberg), October 2016.
  • Allahabadi S, Jia C, Prakash N. “Visible Light Optical imaging and Spectroscopy During Neurosurgery,” The Textbook of Advanced Neurophotonics and Brain Mapping (Chen/Kateb — K23139), in press 2016.
  • Prakash N. “Status Epilepticus,” Case Reviews in Neurosurgery (Jandial/Chen/Aizenberg), in press 2015.
  • Kohar A, Prakash N. “Multiple Sclerosis,” Case Reviews in Neurosurgery (Jandial/Chen/Aizenberg), in press 2015.

Ratings & Reviews

Ratings and reviews below are gathered from the Press Ganey Clinician and Group Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CG CAHPS) survey. CG CAHPS is a standardized survey that is used to measure a patient's experience in the physician office setting. Ratings are an average of all responses to questions about a provider's care, with five stars being the highest.
5.0
Recommend this provider office
5.0
Provider explain in way you understand
5.0
Provider listen carefully to you
5.0
Know important info medical history
5.0
Show respect for what you say
4.9
Spend enough time with you
4.9
Rate provider 0-10
03/29/26
Very good - Verified patient
03/29/26
Very good experience - Verified patient
03/06/26
I would definitely recommend this doctor. He knows what he's doing. - Verified patient
03/06/26
Everyone has always been so nice, helpful and courteous. I will never forget the care I have received for almost ten years. - Verified patient
02/19/26
Appreciate COH! [...] - Verified patient