Javier Cárdenas, M.D., named chair of the WVU School of Medicine Department of Neurology, advancing brain injury and neurological care at the Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute

MORGANTOWN, W.Va.  – Javier F. Cárdenas, M.D., a nationally renowned expert in sports neurology, concussion and traumatic brain injury, has been named chair of the West Virginia University School of Medicine Department of Neurology, effective Feb. 2. 

“Dr. Cárdenas is a nationally respected cognitive neuroscientist whose expertise is shaping the future of traumatic brain injury, brain health and injury recovery at a time of remarkable advancement in the field of neurology,” said Clay Marsh, M.D., chancellor and executive dean for WVU Health Sciences. “From developing standardized concussion tools that protect student‑athletes, to advising the NFL on concussion strategy, and working with national domestic violence coalitions to ensure survivors receive the highest level of care, his work reflects a deep commitment to improving lives. He is uniquely prepared to help lead WVU and West Virginia to national prominence in neurology and to better serve people across our state and beyond.”

Cárdenas has been pivotal in the development of the WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute’s NeuroPerformance Innovation Center, which includes the Concussion and Brain Injury Clinic.  

“I am honored to serve such a group of brilliant and talented neurologists,” Cárdenas said. “Together, we will lead globally in neurological training, innovation and clinical excellence; grounded in our commitment to providing world-class neurological services to all West Virginians.”

Prior to joining WVU and WVU Medicine, he served as the founder and director of the Concussion and Brain Injury Center at the Barrow Neurological Institute, a renowned national comprehensive concussion prevention, treatment, and education program. During his tenure there, Cárdenas developed the nation’s first mandated concussion education and testing tool for student-athletes, which, since its inception in 2011, has provided concussion education to more than one million high school athletes.

“Dr. Cárdenas is a national leader in neurology and in the care and prevention of traumatic brain injury,” said Ali Rezai, M.D. executive chair for RNI. “We are excited to have Javier leading our neurology department to advance patient care, education, and the research mission of the Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute.”   

Board-certified in neurology and brain injury medicine by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Cárdenas is vice chair of the National Football League’s (NFL) Head, Neck and Spine Committee as well as a senior advisor for the NFL Concussion Program. He is also a member of the American Academy of Neurology and the NCAA Concussion Safety Advisory Group.

Cárdenas earned his medical degree from the University of Arizona College of Medicine. He completed a residency in pediatrics at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center and trained in child neurology at Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix.

For more information on the WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, visit WVUMedicine.org/RNI. 

About the WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute  

The WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute (RNI) is a comprehensive multidisciplinary patient care, education, research, and innovation institute providing neurological and mental healthcare for 330,000 patients annually. More than 300 physicians and scientists of the RNI improve lives by pioneering advances in neuroscience, brain health, and therapeutics. The RNI team uses the latest technologies with academic, government, and industry partners to make tangible progress to combat public health challenges ranging from addiction to Alzheimer’s disease. For more information, visit WVUMedicine.org/RNI.