Finding the right specialist for peripheral neuropathy can feel overwhelming, especially in a state as large as California. Whether you are dealing with diabetic neuropathy, small fiber neuropathy, or an inflammatory nerve condition like CIDP, working with a neurologist who has deep expertise in neuromuscular medicine can make a real difference in your diagnosis and treatment. This guide highlights ten of the most qualified neuropathy specialists practicing across California, selected to help patients connect with verified, experienced care.
How We Selected These Specialists
Every doctor on this list was chosen based on verifiable professional credentials, not paid placement or promotional partnerships. Our selection criteria included board certification in neurology and neuromuscular medicine, affiliation with a recognized academic medical center or specialty clinic, documented recognition from peer reviewed bodies such as Castle Connolly or the American Academy of Neurology, published research in peripheral neuropathy or related neuromuscular conditions, and strong patient satisfaction ratings where available. The numbering below is for readability and does not represent a ranking of quality.
Top 10 Neuropathy Doctors in California (2026)
| Doctor | Hospital/Clinic | City | Specialty Focus | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jeffrey W. Ralph | UCSF Health | San Francisco | Immune mediated neuropathies, CIDP | 415-353-2273 |
| Dr. John W. Engstrom | UCSF Health | San Francisco | Peripheral neuropathy, nerve entrapment | 415-353-2273 |
| Dr. Yuen T. So | Stanford Health Care | Palo Alto | Neuropathy, electrodiagnostic medicine | 650-723-6469 |
| Dr. Safwan Jaradeh | Stanford Health Care | Palo Alto | Autonomic neuropathy, small fiber neuropathy | 650-723-6469 |
| Dr. Richard A. Lewis | Cedars-Sinai | Los Angeles | Inflammatory and inherited neuropathies | 310-423-2372 |
| Dr. Perry B. Shieh | UCLA Health | Los Angeles | Neuromuscular disorders, neuropathy | UCLA Health website |
| Dr. Said R. Beydoun | Keck Medicine of USC | Los Angeles | CIDP, ALS, TTR amyloid neuropathy | 323-442-5710 |
| Dr. Tahseen Mozaffar | UCI Health | Orange | Neuromuscular disorders, neuropathy | 714-456-2332 |
| Dr. Neelam Goyal | Stanford Health Care | Palo Alto | Immune mediated neuropathies, CIDP | 650-723-6469 |
| Dr. Chamindra Laverty | UC San Diego Health | San Diego | Hereditary neuropathies, genetic myopathies | 858-657-8540 |
1. Jeffrey W. Ralph, MD | San Francisco, CA
Hospital/Clinic: UCSF Health, Neuropathy Center
Specialty Focus: Peripheral neuropathy with particular expertise in immune mediated neuropathies, including CIDP and neuropathies associated with HIV
Why He Is on This List: Dr. Ralph is the Director of the Neuropathy Center at UCSF Medical Center, a role he has held since 2004. He is board certified in both neurology and neuromuscular medicine by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He holds the title of Health Sciences Clinical Professor at UCSF and has published research spanning neuropathy treatments, prion disease, and cervical myelopathy. His patient rating stands at 4.8 out of 5 stars across 395 reviews.
Address: 1651 4th Street, San Francisco, CA 94158
Phone: 415-353-2273
Official Profile: Dr. Jeffrey Ralph at UCSF Health
Additional Profiles: UCSF Faculty Profile | Healthgrades | WebMD
Dr. Ralph is one of the most focused neuropathy clinicians in Northern California, and his two decade tenure leading the UCSF Neuropathy Center reflects sustained expertise in diagnosing and managing complex nerve disorders.
2. John W. Engstrom, MD | San Francisco, CA
Hospital/Clinic: UCSF Health, Department of Neurology
Specialty Focus: Peripheral neuropathy, peripheral nerve entrapment, and neurological complications of spine disease
Why He Is on This List: Dr. Engstrom is the Betty Anker Fife Distinguished Chair in Neurology at UCSF and serves as Director of Neurology Outpatient Services. He is board certified in both neurology and internal medicine. His professional honors include the B. Baker Lifetime Achievement in Neurologic Education award from the American Academy of Neurology (2021), the Distinguished Neurology Teacher of the Year from the American Neurological Association, and a Visiting Professorship of Neurologic Education at Mayo Clinic. He is also an associate editor for Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine. His patient rating is 4.9 out of 5 stars across 110 reviews.
Address: 1651 4th Street, San Francisco, CA 94158
Phone: 415-353-2273
Official Profile: Dr. John Engstrom at UCSF Health
Additional Profiles: UCSF Faculty Profile | LinkedIn | Healthgrades | ResearchGate
Dr. Engstrom brings decades of experience at one of the top neurology departments in the country and is particularly valued for his diagnostic precision with peripheral nerve entrapment and complex neuropathy cases.
3. Yuen T. So, MD, PhD | Palo Alto, CA
Hospital/Clinic: Stanford Health Care, Neuromuscular Program
Specialty Focus: Neuropathy, myasthenia gravis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and electrodiagnostic medicine
Why He Is on This List: Dr. So is Professor Emeritus of Neurology and Neurological Sciences at Stanford, with over 30 years of clinical experience in neuromuscular medicine. He is board certified in neurology and neuromuscular medicine by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He received the 2018 Distinguished Physician Award from the American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM), the field’s highest individual honor. He also served as President of the AANEM (2019 to 2020), received the 2005 AAMC Humanism in Medicine Award, and is an elected member of the American Neurological Association. His patient rating is 5.0 out of 5 stars based on verified patient reviews.
Address: 213 Quarry Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304
Phone: 650-723-6469
Official Profile: Dr. Yuen So at Stanford Health Care
Additional Profiles: Stanford Faculty Profile | LinkedIn | Stanford Bio-X
Dr. So’s AANEM Distinguished Physician Award and presidency of that organization reflect a career at the highest levels of neuromuscular medicine, and his 30 plus years of clinical experience offer patients in the Bay Area access to deeply specialized neuropathy care.
4. Safwan Jaradeh, MD | Palo Alto, CA
Hospital/Clinic: Stanford Health Care, Autonomic Disorders Program
Specialty Focus: Autonomic neuropathies, small fiber neuropathies, POTS, and neuromuscular disorders
Why He Is on This List: Dr. Jaradeh is a Professor of Neurology and Neurological Sciences at Stanford and serves as the Director of the Autonomic Disorders Program. He holds an exceptional five board certifications, including neurology, clinical neurophysiology, electrodiagnostic medicine, and autonomic disorders. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology, the American Neurological Association, and the American College of Physicians. Before joining Stanford in 2011, he served as Professor and Chair of the Department of Neurology at the Medical College of Wisconsin for over a decade. His patient rating is 4.9 out of 5 stars across 204 reviews.
Address: 213 Quarry Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304
Phone: 650-723-6469
Official Profile: Dr. Safwan Jaradeh at Stanford Health Care
Additional Profiles: Stanford Faculty Profile | LinkedIn | Doximity
For patients with autonomic neuropathy, small fiber neuropathy, or POTS, Dr. Jaradeh is one of the few specialists in California with both the clinical focus and formal board certification in autonomic disorders to address these conditions comprehensively.
5. Richard A. Lewis, MD | Los Angeles, CA
Hospital/Clinic: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Department of Neurology
Specialty Focus: Inflammatory and inherited neuropathies, including CIDP, Guillain-Barre syndrome, and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease
Why He Is on This List: Dr. Lewis is a Professor of Neurology at Cedars-Sinai and co-director of the Neuromuscular Clinic. He is the Past President of the Peripheral Nerve Society and chair of the Inflammatory Neuropathy Special Interest Group. Lewis-Sumner syndrome, a rare variant of CIDP characterized by progressive weakness and sensory loss, bears his name based on his original discovery and characterization of the condition. He co-authored the 2021 EAN/PNS CIDP Guidelines and the 2023 GBS Guidelines. He previously directed the Inflammatory Neuropathy Center of Excellence at Wayne State University.
Address: 127 South San Vicente Boulevard, Suite A6100, Los Angeles, CA 90048
Phone: 310-423-2372
Official Profile: Dr. Richard Lewis at Cedars-Sinai
Additional Profiles: LinkedIn | Doximity | US News
Dr. Lewis’s discovery of Lewis-Sumner syndrome and his leadership of the Peripheral Nerve Society reflect a career defined by inflammatory neuropathy research. Patients with CIDP, multifocal motor neuropathy, or hereditary neuropathies will benefit from his specialized focus on these conditions.
6. Perry B. Shieh, MD, PhD, FAAN | Los Angeles, CA
Hospital/Clinic: UCLA Health, Department of Neurology
Specialty Focus: Neuromuscular disorders including muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy, myositis, and neuropathy
Why He Is on This List: Dr. Shieh is a Health Sciences Clinical Professor of Neurology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and a Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology. He earned both his MD and PhD in Neuroscience from Johns Hopkins University and completed residency training at Stanford University Hospital followed by a clinical neurophysiology fellowship at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. He has been named a Super Doctors Southern California honoree from 2024 through 2026 and selected as a Top Doctor by Los Angeles Magazine. He has served as an investigator in numerous clinical trials for neuromuscular conditions.
Address: 300 Medical Plaza, Suite B200, Los Angeles, CA 90095
Phone: Contact through UCLA Health website
Official Profile: Dr. Perry Shieh at UCLA Health
Additional Profiles: LinkedIn | Doximity | Healthgrades
Dr. Shieh’s training pedigree across Johns Hopkins, Stanford, and Brigham and Women’s, combined with his active clinical trial involvement, makes him a strong choice for patients seeking both established and cutting edge neuromuscular care.
7. Said R. Beydoun, MD, FAAN | Los Angeles, CA
Hospital/Clinic: Keck Medicine of USC, Department of Neurology
Specialty Focus: Peripheral neuropathy, CIDP, ALS, myasthenia gravis, multifocal motor neuropathy, and TTR amyloid neuropathy
Why He Is on This List: Dr. Beydoun holds the Richard Angus Grant, Sr., Chair in Neurology at USC and serves as Division Chief of Neuromuscular Medicine and Program Director of the Clinical Neurophysiology Fellowship. He is board certified in four subspecialties: neurology, neuromuscular medicine, clinical neurophysiology, and pain medicine. He is Medical Director of the Certified ALS Treatment Center of Excellence at Keck USC, a Fellow of both the American Academy of Neurology and the American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine, and serves as Co-Editor-in-Chief of TouchReviews in Neurology. He has authored more than 80 peer reviewed publications in journals including JAMA, The Lancet Neurology, and Neurology.
Address: 1520 San Pablo Street, HC2, Suite 3000, Los Angeles, CA 90033
Phone: 323-442-5710
Official Profile: Dr. Said Beydoun at Keck Medicine of USC
Additional Profiles: Keck School Faculty | LinkedIn | US News
Dr. Beydoun’s quadruple board certification and leadership of a certified ALS Treatment Center of Excellence position him as one of the most broadly qualified neuromuscular specialists in Southern California.
8. Tahseen Mozaffar, MD, FAAN | Orange, CA
Hospital/Clinic: UCI Health ALS and Neuromuscular Center
Specialty Focus: Neuromuscular disorders including inflammatory myopathies, Pompe disease, muscular dystrophies, ALS, and neuropathy
Why He Is on This List: Dr. Mozaffar is a Professor in the Department of Neurology at the UC Irvine School of Medicine and Director of the UCI Health ALS and Neuromuscular Center. He is board certified in neurology and neuromuscular medicine. He has been designated a Castle Connolly America’s Top Doctor for ALS, myasthenia gravis, and neuromuscular disorders (2013), named to Best Doctors in America for neurology (2015 through 2018), and recognized as a Physician of Excellence by the Orange County Medical Association for twelve consecutive years (2012 through 2023). He has co-authored over 175 peer reviewed publications and 12 book chapters, and serves as lead investigator for more than 12 clinical trials.
Address: 200 South Manchester Avenue, Suite 110, Orange, CA 92868
Phone: 714-456-2332
Official Profile: Dr. Tahseen Mozaffar at UCI Health
Additional Profiles: UCI Faculty Profile | X (Twitter) | ResearchGate | Healthgrades
Dr. Mozaffar’s consistent recognition across Castle Connolly, Best Doctors, and the Orange County Medical Association, paired with over 175 publications, reflects both clinical skill and deep commitment to advancing neuromuscular care through research.
9. Neelam Goyal, MD, FAAN | Palo Alto, CA
Hospital/Clinic: Stanford Health Care, Neuromuscular Program
Specialty Focus: Immune mediated neuromuscular disorders, CIDP, myasthenia gravis, ALS, and inclusion body myositis
Why She Is on This List: Dr. Goyal is a Clinical Professor of Adult Neurology at Stanford University School of Medicine and a Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology. She is board certified in neurology and electrodiagnostic medicine. She serves as Chair of the Scientific Committee for the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America. Her research focuses on immunosuppressive treatment monitoring, including grant supported work on steroid toxicity in myasthenia gravis patients. She specializes in advanced electrodiagnostic techniques including single fiber EMG for neuromuscular junction disorders. Her patient rating is 5.0 out of 5 stars across 208 reviews.
Address: 213 Quarry Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304
Phone: 650-723-6469
Official Profile: Dr. Neelam Goyal at Stanford Health Care
Additional Profiles: Stanford Faculty CV | Doximity | Healthgrades
Patients with inflammatory neuropathies or neuromuscular junction disorders benefit from Dr. Goyal’s combination of advanced electrodiagnostic skills and leadership in a major neuromuscular disease foundation.
10. Chamindra Laverty, MD | San Diego, CA
Hospital/Clinic: UC San Diego Health and Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego
Specialty Focus: Genetic myopathies, muscular dystrophies, hereditary neuropathies, and undiagnosed neuromuscular disorders
Why She Is on This List: Dr. Laverty is an Associate Professor of Neurosciences at UC San Diego and is board certified in both neurology and neuromuscular medicine. She serves as Director of the multidisciplinary Neuromuscular MDA Clinic at Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego, a role she has held since 2015. She completed her neurology residency and neuromuscular medicine fellowship at UCLA. Her clinical approach integrates electrodiagnostic testing, muscle pathology, and genetic analysis to diagnose complex neuromuscular cases. She has received recognition for teaching excellence in mentoring neurology residents and medical students. UC San Diego Health’s Peripheral Nerve Center offers a multidisciplinary approach to neuropathy care, bringing together specialists in neurology, neurosurgery, plastic surgery, and orthopedic surgery.
Address: 4510 Executive Drive, San Diego, CA 92121 (UC San Diego Health adult neurology)
Phone: 858-657-8540
Official Profile: Dr. Chamindra Laverty at UC San Diego Health
Additional Profiles: Rady Children’s Hospital | LinkedIn | Healthgrades
For patients in the San Diego area, particularly those with hereditary neuropathies or families seeking both adult and pediatric neuromuscular care, Dr. Laverty’s dual appointment at UC San Diego Health and Rady Children’s Hospital allows her to serve patients across age groups within one of California’s top ranked university health systems.
How to Choose the Right Neuropathy Specialist for Your Condition
Choosing a neuropathy specialist starts with understanding your specific type of nerve disorder. Neuropathy is not one condition but a category that includes dozens of distinct diagnoses, each requiring a different approach. A doctor who specializes in inflammatory neuropathies like CIDP may not be the ideal fit for someone with diabetic neuropathy or small fiber neuropathy, and vice versa.
When evaluating potential specialists, consider asking these questions during your first appointment or phone consultation. What subspecialty within neuromuscular medicine does the doctor focus on? Does the clinic offer electrodiagnostic testing such as EMG and nerve conduction studies on site? Is the doctor involved in clinical research or trials for your specific condition? How long is the typical wait for a new patient appointment?
Board certification in neuromuscular medicine is a strong indicator that a neurologist has completed additional fellowship training beyond general neurology. This extra year or more of focused study can make a meaningful difference in diagnostic accuracy for complex neuropathy cases.
If you are newly diagnosed or unsure what type of neuropathy you have, starting with a comprehensive evaluation at an academic medical center can help clarify your diagnosis before deciding on long term care. Many of the specialists listed above accept referrals from primary care physicians and can coordinate with your existing care team.
For a deeper understanding of neuropathy before your first specialist visit, the SensationInfo guide What Is Neuropathy: A Complete Guide covers the basics of nerve damage, its causes, and whether it can be reversed. If your primary symptoms involve numbness and tingling in your hands and feet, that resource can help you prepare specific questions for your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Neuropathy is most commonly treated by a neurologist, a doctor who specializes in disorders of the nervous system. Within neurology, specialists who focus specifically on neuromuscular medicine have additional fellowship training in conditions affecting the peripheral nerves, muscles, and neuromuscular junction. These neuromuscular medicine specialists are generally the most qualified to diagnose and manage complex neuropathy cases.
If you have not yet received a clear diagnosis, a neurologist with neuromuscular medicine expertise should be your first step. They can perform electrodiagnostic testing to determine the type and severity of your neuropathy. Once you have a diagnosis, a pain management specialist may join your care team to help control symptoms, but the underlying condition is best managed by a neurologist who understands the progression and treatment of nerve disorders.
Your primary care doctor can manage mild or stable cases of neuropathy, especially when the cause is well understood, such as diabetic neuropathy with good glucose control. You should see a specialist when your symptoms are worsening, when the cause of your neuropathy is unknown, when standard treatments are not providing relief, or when you experience rapid onset of weakness along with numbness or tingling.
Most health insurance plans in California, including HMOs, PPOs, and Medicare, cover neurologist visits when referred by a primary care doctor or when medically necessary. Some plans require prior authorization for specialized testing like EMG or nerve conduction studies. Contact your insurance provider before your appointment to confirm coverage and whether you need a referral.
Key Takeaways
- California is home to several nationally recognized neuropathy specialists at major academic medical centers including UCSF, Stanford, UCLA, Cedars-Sinai, Keck USC, and UCI Health.
- Board certification in neuromuscular medicine indicates a neurologist has completed additional fellowship training specifically focused on peripheral nerve disorders, which can improve diagnostic accuracy for complex neuropathy cases.
- The type of neuropathy you have matters when choosing a specialist, as doctors often focus on specific subtypes such as inflammatory neuropathies, autonomic neuropathies, hereditary nerve disorders, or small fiber neuropathy.
- Academic medical centers typically offer the most comprehensive neuropathy workups, including access to clinical trials, advanced electrodiagnostic testing, and multidisciplinary care teams, though wait times may be longer than at private practices.
- Telehealth appointments are now widely available from California neuropathy specialists for initial consultations and follow ups, though in person visits remain necessary for electrodiagnostic testing.
