Vinita M. Knight, MD

A fascination with the developing human brain is what Vinita Knight, MD, a pediatric neurologist, says drew her to her field.

“Neurology and epilepsy are ultimately about the brain and the developing brain. It’s the soul of who a child is and who they will become,” says Dr. Knight, who treats children with epilepsy, migraines, strokes, developmental delay and movement disorders. “And I love working with kids and their parents. I enjoy taking care of a range of kids who suffer from devastating and complex neurologic problems to those with minor concerns, such as headaches.”

Dr. Knight specializes in refractory seizures (those that are hard to treat or aren’t responding to first-line medications) and neonatal seizures. She has a particular interest in the ketogenic diet, a high-fat, low-carbohydrate and moderate-protein meal plan that can help control seizures when other methods fail.

When it comes to putting families at ease, Dr. Knight says she often tells them that she’s not “just a doctor, but I’m also a mom.” That mindset, she says, allows her to think about what she would do if the child sitting in front of her was one of her kids.

Dr. Knight is also an assistant professor of pediatrics and of neurology at Yale School of Medicine.