David Satzer, M.D. | UChicago Neurosurgery

About Dr. Satzer

Dr. Satzer is building the science of precision neuromodulation — figuring out how to use real-time brain signals to make stimulation devices smarter. His discovery that a specific pattern in brain electrical activity (the "aperiodic exponent") rises in the 12 hours before a seizure and drops after stimulation established the first practical biomarker for both predicting seizures and confirming that treatment is working, published in Brain Stimulation (2025). He trained in neurosurgery at UChicago under Dr. Warnke and completed his functional neurosurgery fellowship at the University of Colorado. He won the American Epilepsy Society Junior Investigator Award and has been recognized as a cover artist for the Journal of Neurosurgery.

Education & Training

B.A. Biological Chemistry & Neuroscience, Grinnell College
M.D., University of Minnesota
Residency, Neurosurgery, University of Chicago
Fellowship, Stereotactic & Functional, Univ. of Colorado

Awards

American Epilepsy Society Junior Investigator Award
AES Fellow (2023)
CNS Fellow (2024)
CNS Stereotactic & Functional Resident Clinical Award

Selected Publications

Satzer D, et al. Aperiodic activity as a biomarker of seizures and neuromodulation. Brain Stimulation. 2025. PMID: 40180220

Areas of Expertise

Epilepsy Surgery Deep Brain Stimulation Responsive Neurostimulation Parkinson's Disease Trigeminal Neuralgia Neuromodulation Biomarkers

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