Maria Montenegro, MD, PhD

Maria Montenegro, MD, PhD, is a pediatric neurologist and epileptologist who focuses on caring for children with epilepsy, including those with complex or drug-resistant forms of the condition. She also uses electroencephalography (EEG) to monitor and analyze brain activity, and she incorporates dietary approaches, such as the ketogenic diet, into her treatment plans.

“My favorite part of my job is reading EEGs and seeing patients,” Dr. Montenegro says. She is passionate about improving the lives of her patients through better seizure control and ongoing support. “Even when seizures are hard to control, we keep looking for ways to help patients feel better and live fuller lives,” she explains.

In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Montenegro has published numerous scientific articles and book chapters on pediatric epilepsy. Her work has advanced understanding of seizure disorders in children and helped refine care for families facing these conditions.

She completed medical school, residency, and her doctoral degree at the University of Campinas in Brazil, followed by postdoctoral research training at Columbia University in New York. She also gained specialized experience at the Herscot Center for Tuberous Sclerosis Complex at Massachusetts General Hospital.