Sonika Agarwal, MBBS, MD

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Sonika Agarwal, MBBS, MD, is a neurologist in the Division of Neurology at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, specializing in fetal and neonatal neurology.

Areas of Expertise: Fetal neurology, Neonatal neurology, Neurocritical care, Acute N/IICU management and neurodevelopmental follow up across the lifespan in neonates with perinatal brain injury, Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), stroke, structural brain abnormalities and other high-risk perinatal events
Locations: Main Hospital; Buerger Center for Advanced Pediatric Care

Book appointment 1-800-879-2467

Background

Sonika Agarwal, MBBS, MD, is s an attending physician in the Division of Neurology at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and Assistant Professor of Clinical Neurology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. With a background of over 10 years in maternal-fetal medicine, combined with several years in pediatric neurology as well as fetal and neonatal neurology, Dr. Agarwal has a unique dual expertise in maternal-fetal medicine and fetal and neonatal neurology.

Her areas of expertise include fetal and neonatal consultations with a focus on prenatal counseling, acute N/IICU management, neurocritical care and neurodevelopmental follow up across the lifespan in neonates with perinatal brain injury, HIE, stroke, seizures, structural brain abnormalities and other high-risk perinatal events.

Dr. Agarwal's background includes several years of clinical, academic and research experience at India’s preeminent tertiary care center, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, where she was a fellow, senior research scientist and Assistant Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology – Maternal Fetal Medicine.

Dr. Agarwal has authored several peer-reviewed publications in the field and has been recognized for her work. Her research interests include understanding the counseling process in prenatal (fetal neurology) and postnatal period for critically ill infants. She is also focusing on  long term neurodevelopmental outcomes of infants with complicated perinatal events and congenital brain malformations. She also has special interest in education and loves to mentor medical students, residents and fellows, and has won several awards.

Dr. Agarwal serves on the Board Of Directors at the Child Neurology Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to helping children and their families living with a neurologic condition receive the best quality of care — and achieve their highest quality of life — by providing information, education, and one-on-one support when it’s needed most.

Education and Training

Medical School

MD - Institute of Medical Sciences, BHU, Varanasi, India

MBBS - Institute of Medical Sciences, BHU, Varanasi, India

Internship

Obstetrics and Gynecology - Institute of Medical Sciences, BHU, Varanasi, India

Residency

Pediatrics - Baylor College of Medicine & Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX

Fellowship

Child Neurology - Baylor College of Medicine/Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX
NIH Fellowship, Department of Health Services Research and Policy Making - University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY

Board Certification

Child Neurology

Titles and Academic Titles

Attending Physician

Assistant Professor of Clinical Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania

Departments and Services

Publications

Papers

2021

Agarwal, S., Scher, M.S. Fetal-neonatal neurology program development: Continuum of care during the first 1000 days. J Perinatol (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41372-021-01282-5

Agarwal S, Scher MS, Tilton A. Cerebral Palsy and Rehabilitative Care: The Role of Home-Based Care and Family-Centered Approach. Indian Pediatr. 2021 Sep 15;58(9):813-814. PMID: 34508333.

Agarwal S. The Guiding Star: The Journey of an International Physician From Maternal Fetal Medicine to Fetal Neonatal Neurology. Child Neurol Open. 2021 Jul 29;8:2329048X211030740. doi: 10.1177/2329048X211030740. PMID: 34377734; PMCID: PMC8327000.

Tencer J, VirupakshaiahA, Campbell IM, Zackai EH, Zarnow D, Agarwal S. A Case of Prenatally Diagnosed Periventricular NodularHeterotopiainaSurvivingMalePatient with FLNA Mutation. J of Pediatric Neurology 2021.

2020

Hardy D, Peterson C, Santi-vicini, M, Beslow L, Agarwal S. Acute fulminant cerebral edema: A case series at a large pediatric tertiary center. J of Pediatric Neurology, December 2020.

Karlin A, Vossough A, Agarwal S, Jacobwitz M, Virupakshaiah, Beslow L. Spinal cord infarct due to fibrocartilagenous embolism. Clinical Images, Neuropediatrics, October 2020.

2019

Agarwal S. When and how to evaluate a child with possible cerebral palsy. In: Miller F, Bachrach S, Lennon N, O’Niel M (eds). Cerebral Palsy, Springer 2019.

2018

Agarwal S, Keller JR, Nunneley CE, Muscal E, Braun MC, Srivaths P, Lotze TE. Therapeutic Plasma Exchange Use in Pediatric Neurologic Disorders at a Tertiary Care Center: A 10-Year Review. J Child Neurol. 2018; 33 (2):140-145.

Stowe RC, Kan P, Breen DB, Agarwal S. Mechanical thrombectomy for pediatric acute stroke and ventricular assist device. Brain Dev. 2018; 40 (1):81-84.

2017

Stowe RC, Agarwal S. Novel PEX26 Mutation Causing Zellweger Syndrome Presenting as Feeding Intolerance and Hypotonia. Pediatr Neurol. 2017; 75: 96-97.

2016

Agarwal S, Potocki L, Collier TR, Woodbury SL, Adesina AM, Jones J, Lotze TE. Utility of whole exome sequencing in evaluation of juvenile motor neuron disease. Muscle Nerve. 2016; 53(4)

2015

Agarwal S. Emrick L. De Novo Mutations in Patients with Ataxic CP. Pediatr Neurol Briefs. 2015; 29(8):62.

2014

Agarwal S, Lotze TE, Woodbury S. A 7-year-old child with chronic droopy eyes, weakness in head-neck control, and an abnormal gait. Seminars in Pediatric Neurology 2014; 21(2):111-13.

2013

Sailors MH, Bodurka DC, Gning I, Ramondetta LM, Williams LA, Mendoza TR, Agarwal S, Sun CC, Cleeland CS.Validating the M. D. Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI) for use in patients with ovarian cancer. Gynecol Oncol. 2013; 130(2):323-8.

Williams L, Agarwal S, Bodurka DC, Saleeba A, Sun CC, Cleeland CS: Capturing the patient's experience: using qualitative methods to develop a measure of patient-reported symptom burden: an example from ovarian Cancer; Journal of Pain and Symptom Management. 2013; 46(6):837-45.

2011

Agarwal S, Schmeler KM, Ramirez PT, Sun CC, Nick A, Reis R, Brown J, Frumovitz M: Outcomes of patients undergoing radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer of high-risk histologic subtypes; International Journal of Gynecological Cancer 2011; 21(1): 123-7.

2010

Agarwal S, Bodurka DC. Symptom research in gynecologic oncology: a review of available measurement tools; Gynecologic Oncology 2010; 119 (2): 384-9.

2006

Roy KK, Agarwal R, Agarwal S, Kumar S, Malhotra N, Gopendru N. Recurrent vulval congenital lymphangioma circumscriptum--a case report and literature review. Int J Gynecol Cancer. 2006; 16(2):930-4.

Roy KK, Agarwal S, Charu C, Sunesh K, Neena M. Labial adhesions in pubertal girls. Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2006; 273(4):243-5.

2005

Roy KK, Agarwal S, Bannerjee K, Kumar S, Chanana C. Gravid uterus in a incisional hernia leading to burst abdomen. The Internet J Gynecol Obstet. 2005; 5(1).

Mittal S, Agarwal S, Kumar S, Batra A. Comparison or oral versus vaginal misoprostol & continued use of misoprostol after mifepristone for early medical abortion. Indian J Med Res 2005; 122(2):132-6.

2004

Agarwal S, Agarwal A. Blood pressure patterns in undernourished pregnant women in rural Varanasi. J Obstet Gynecol Ind. 2004; 54:251-54.

Agarwal S, Mittal S. A randomized prospective trial of intrauterine insemination versus timed intercourse in superovulated cycles with clomiphene. Indian J Med Res 2004; 120(6):519-22.

2002

Agarwal S, Agarwal A, Bansal AK, Agarwal DK, Agarwal KN. Birth weight patterns in rural undernourished pregnant women. Indian Pediatrics 2002; 39(3):244-53.

2001

Agarwal S, Agarwal A, Agarwal KN, Agarwal DK, Bansal A. Physical activity and pregnancy outcome in rural undernourished women. Indian Pediatrics 2001; 38(9):1017-22.

Agarwal S, Agarwal A, Agarwal KN, Agarwal DK, Bansal A. Physical activity and pregnancy outcome in rural undernourished women. Indian Pediatrics 2001; 38(9):1017-22.

2000

Agarwal KN, Agarwal DK, Agarwal A, Rai S, Prasad R, Agarwal S, Singh TB. Impact of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) on maternal nutrition and birth weight in rural Varanasi. Indian Pediatrics 2000; 37(12):1321-7.

1998

Agarwal DK, Agarwal A, Singh M, Satya K, Agarwal S, Agarwal KN. Pregnancy wastage in rural Varanasi: relationship with maternal nutrition and sociodemographic characteristics. Indian Pediatrics 1998; 35(11):1071-9.

Srivastava M, Agarwal DK, Agarwal A, Agarwal S, Agarwal KN. Nutritional status of rural non-pregnant non-lactating women in reproductive age. Indian Pediatrics 1998; 35(10):975-83.

 Agarwal DK, Agarwal KN, Satya K, Agarwal S. Weight gain during pregnancy- a key factor in perinatal and infant mortality. Indian Pediatrics 1998; 35(8):733-43.

Books

Chapters

2017

Agarwal S, Lotze TE. Neurodegenerative Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis. In: Pediatric demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system and their mimics, Waubant E, Lotze TE. Springer 2017.

2015

Agarwal S. Brain development and neurodevelopmental processes: role of imaging techniques. In: The Growth: Infancy to Adolescence, Agarwal KN. CBS Publishers, 93-95, 2015.

2014

Agarwal KN, Agarwal S. Instant Nutrition in Medical Practice. In: Instant Nutrition in Medical Practice. CBS Publishers, 2014.

Agarwal KN, Gupta V, Agarwal S. Effect of Maternal Iron Status on Placenta, Fetus & Newborn. In: Textbook of Pediatrics. Lokeshwar et al. 2014.

2005

Agarwal S. Management of Nulliparous Prolapse, Evidence Based Clinical Practice Guidelines in Obstetrics & Gynecology, Delhi, India, 2005

Posters and Presentations

2021

Natalie Burrill, Beverly Coleman, Sonika Agarwal, Julie Moldenhauer, Nahla Khalek.: Prenatal Diagnosis of Two Co-Occurring Genetic Conditions: FOGX1 Contiguous Deletion and Becker Muscular Dystrophy. American College Medical Genetics Annual Conference March 2021.

2017

Balasa A, Shukla N, Rathore G, Agarwal S, Lotze TE. Rituximab for autoimmune disorders of nerve and muscle hyperexcitability. CNS 2017.

Agarwal S, Keller J, Clark GD, Emrick LT. Fetal central nervous system malformations: a ten year review of prenatal consultations at a tertiary care center. AAN 2017.

Keller J, Clark GD, Emrick LT, Agarwal S. Malformations of cortical development: a ten year review of prenatal consultations at a tertiary care center. AAN 2017.

Keller J, Nunneley C, Srivaths P, Braun MC, Muscal E, Lotze TE, Agarwal S. A ten year profile of plasmapheresis use in pediatric neurologic disorders at a tertiary care center. AAN 2017.

2016

Agarwal S, Keller J, Clark GD, Emrick LT. Fetal central nervous system malformations: a ten year review of prenatal consultations at a tertiary care center. CNS 2016 (Award).

Agarwal S, Clark GD, Emrick LT. Rhombencephalosynapses and neurodevelopmental outcomes: a review of 4 cases. CNS 2016.

Agarwal S, Williams JM, Demmler G, Emrick LT. Isolated neurological phenotype in congenital CMV: an under recognized and characterized cohort. CNS 2016.

2105

Hainlen M, Agarwal S, Chao HT, Houck K, Lee J, Wolf V. Severe neurotoxicity following nelarabine administration in a pediatric patient. CNS 2015.

Agarwal S, Lotze TE, Potocki L, Woodbury S, Adesina AM, Collier TR. Utility of whole exome sequencing in evaluation of juvenile onset motor neuron disease. AAN 2015.

Collier TR, Agarwal S, Lotze TE, Potocki L, Woodbury S, Adesina AM. The role of electrodiagnostic and genetic testing in a case of juvenile amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. AANEM 2015.

Invited Lectures

2018

Agarwal S. Perinatal/Fetal Surgery Conference Guest Speaker, October 2018 (Fetal Ventriculomegaly).

Agarwal S. Faculty mentor for MFM fellow at Fetal Surgery conference, May 2018 (Neurologic complications in TTTS).

Awards and Honors

2021, American Academy of Neurology Transforming Leadership Program
2020, Resident Faculty Teaching Award, Neurology, University of Pennsylvania
2020, A.B Baker Teaching Award, American Academy of Neurology
2017-2018, Annual Faculty Best Educator Award, Thomas Jefferson University, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship Program
2016, Outstanding Junior Member Award, Child Neurology Society Meeting, USA
2001, 2002, 2004 Best Paper Award, Association of Obstetricians & Gynecologists of India
1995, Best Research Paper, Dr. U Sharma Gold Medal
1992, Honors/First Position, Professional III, MBBS
1992, Pfizer Gold Medal & University Prize, First Rank/Honors MBBS
1992, Best Intern, CK Wadhwa Memorial Award
1987-1991, Honors in Anatomy, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Forensic Medicine, Community Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynecology
1988-1991, First Position, Institute of Medical Sciences, BHU, India
1991, First Position, Institute of Medical Sciences, BHU, India
1991, Highest marks in Surgery, Association of Surgeons of India Medal & Cash Prize
1991, IMS Alumni Association Gold Medal & Cash prize and B Wadhwa Memorial Gold Medal
1991, Banaras Hindu University Doctor's Association Award, BHU Gold Medal
1990, Best student of the year award, MBBS

Editorial and Academic Positions

Editorial positions

2022-present, Director of the Residents and Fellows Board of the Journal of Child Neurology/Child Neurology Open
2021, Reviewer for Abstracts, American Academy of Neurology Annual Conference 2021
2021-present, Associate Editor, Fetal and Neonatal Neurology Section, Sage Neuroscience & Neurology/Child Neurology Open
2020, Reviewer for abstracts submitted for Pediatric Academic Society Conference May 2020, Philadelphia, USA
2020-present, Reviewer, Arch Diseases Pediatrics
2019-present, Peer-Reviewer, Child Neurology Open
2016-present, Reviewer, Journal of Child Neurology
2005-present, Reviewer, Indian Pediatrics

Leadership and Memberships

Memberships in Professional Organizations

International

2001-present, Executive Board Member, Association of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, India
2000-present, Association of Obstetrics & Gynecology, India, Member, Life Member
2000-present, Fellow of the International Medical Science Academy
1996-present, National Academy of Medical Sciences, India

National

2022-present, Director of the Residents and Fellows Board of the Journal of Child Neurology/Child Neurology Open
2021-present, Board of Director at the Child Neurology Foundation
2013-present, Child Neurology Society
2017-present, International Committee, Child Neurology Society
2013-present, American Academy of Neurology