Professional Experience
Dr. Kauffmann has extensive clinical experience supported by leadership roles in pediatric neurology:
- Senior Physician in pediatric neurology at Klinikum Links der Weser since 2012.
- Head of Neuropediatrics at Eltern-Kind-Zentrum Prof. Hess, Klinikum Bremen-Mitte.
- Member of the Neuromuscular Center Northwest (DGM-certified).
- Contributor to establishing a gene therapy program for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).
Academic Contributions
Her academic work underlines her commitment to research and medical education:
- Speaker at pediatric neurology and neuro-interventional symposia.
- Author of multiple scientific publications featured on ResearchGate.
- Research interests include genomics, genetic neurological disorders, and neuromuscular diseases.
- Co-author of studies promoting non-pharmacological therapy for pediatric headaches.
Areas of Expertise
Dr. Kauffmann specializes in diagnosing and treating neurological conditions in children:
- Epilepsy diagnosis, monitoring, and long-term management.
- Neuromuscular disorders, including spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).
- Chronic headaches in children and adolescents.
- Genetic neurological conditions, including pediatric stroke.
Publications and Research
Dr. Kauffmann has contributed to clinical research in pediatric neurology. Some of her notable works include:
“Nicht-medikamentöse Optionen primär anbieten: Kopfschmerzen bei Kindern und Jugendlichen” — a study promoting non-drug treatment for pediatric headaches.
“ATP1A3-associated Disease as a Differential Diagnosis to Stroke in Children” — research on rare genetic causes of pediatric stroke.
“A recurrent de novo mutation in KCNC1 causes progressive myoclonus epilepsy” — a study on genetic mechanisms behind epilepsy.
Her research also includes clinical case reports on pediatric encephalopathy and neuromuscular disorders.
Patient Care Philosophy
Her patient-centered approach is based on empathy, communication, and evidence-based care:
- Focus on family-centered support for chronic neurological conditions.
- Use of non-pharmacological therapy when appropriate.
- Support for early access to advanced treatments, including gene therapy for SMA.
- Clear communication with parents to improve understanding of complex diagnoses.
Professional Affiliations
Her professional memberships and certifications strengthen her clinical credibility:
- Member of the Neuromuskuläres Zentrum Nordwest (DGM-certified).
- Affiliated with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Muskelkranke (DGM).
- Part of the Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Center Northwest.
- Holds certification in Epileptology and EEG diagnostics.
FAQs
Common questions patients may have:
- Is Dr. Birgit Kauffmann board-certified? Yes, she is a certified pediatric specialist with additional certification in epileptology.
- What conditions does she treat? She treats epilepsy, neuromuscular disorders, genetic neurological diseases, and chronic headaches.
- Does she work with international patients? There is no confirmed program for international patients, but her clinic accepts complex referrals.
- How long is the hospital stay? Epilepsy diagnostics such as video-EEG typically require 24–72 hours; other treatments vary.
- What languages does she speak? She speaks German; additional languages are not publicly confirmed.
- Is she active in research? Yes, she has authored several studies and participates in ongoing research in pediatric neurology.
- Does she lead specialized programs? Yes, she leads Neuropediatrics at Klinikum Bremen-Mitte and contributes to SMA gene therapy programs.
