Kara Murias

Dr. Kara Murias

MD, PhD, FRCPC
Pronouns: she/her/Dr

Positions

Assistant Professor

Cumming School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics

Assistant Professor

Cumming School of Medicine, Department of Clinical Neurosciences

Assistant Professor

Cumming School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry

Pediatric Neurologist

Cumming School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics | Developmental Pediatrics

Child Health & Wellness Researcher

Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Owerko Centre

Full Member

Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education

Background

Educational Background

B.Sc. , University of Calgary, 1999

Doctor of Medicine , University of Calgary, 2009

Doctor of Philosophy , University of Calgary, 2016

M.Sc. , University of Calgary, 2009

CV

Research

Areas of Research

Brain
Cognitive Development
Neurodevelopmental disorders
Neuroimaging
Activities

My research interest is to better understand the underlying processes (both dysfunction and plasticity) that contribute to the cognitive and behavioural outcomes of children with developmental and neurological conditions. Children with neurologic disease, such as perinatal injury or epilepsy, are at higher risk for behavioural and cognitive concerns as they develop. In many cases these presentations are similar to children with neurodevelopmental disorders (for example Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder- ADHD) that have no known injury or disease. While the risk factors in each individual patient are unique, there is significant overlap in the presentation of neurodevelopmental conditions. On the other hand, the long-term outcomes for children at risk vary widely and can be hard to predict. Rigorous and systematic evaluation of behavioural and cognitive concerns that arise in children with neurological conditions, as well as their response to treatment, will improve care and prognosis for these children, but will also lead to new insights into the underlying biological processes of atypical child development.

The ultimate goal of this research program is to contribute new information on the neural mechanisms of atypical development, while advancing knowledge of the risk factors, treatment effects and clinical outcomes of children with neurodevelopmental concerns.

Participation in university strategic initiatives

More Information

Research summary

My research interest is to better understand the underlying processes (both dysfunction and plasticity) that contribute to the cognitive and behavioural outcomes of children with developmental and neurological conditions. Children with neurologic disease, such as perinatal injury or epilepsy, are at higher risk for behavioural and cognitive concerns as they develop. In many cases these presentations are similar to children with neurodevelopmental disorders (for example Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder- ADHD) that have no known injury or disease. While the risk factors in each individual patient are unique, there is significant overlap in the presentation of neurodevelopmental conditions. On the other hand, the long-term outcomes for children at risk vary widely and can be hard to predict. Rigorous and systematic evaluation of behavioural and cognitive concerns that arise in children with neurological conditions, as well as their response to treatment, will improve care and prognosis for these children, but will also lead to new insights into the underlying biological processes of atypical child development.

The ultimate goal of this research program is to contribute new information on the neural mechanisms of atypical development, while advancing knowledge of the risk factors, treatment effects and clinical outcomes of children with neurodevelopmental concerns.