Rita N. Ayyangar

Rita N. Ayyangar, MD

Clinical Professor, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Biography

Dr. Ayyangar developed and directs several Pediatric Rehabilitation programs at the University of Michigan including the Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine Fellowship Program, and the intrathecal baclofen program. She was also instrumental in developing the injection under sedation program for botulinum toxin and phenol injections and initiating the use of US guidance for injections in the pediatric population. She has a particular affinity for the management of children with complex needs and is currently actively involved in the Pediatric Palliative Care Service, and is board certified in Hospice and Palliative Medicine (as well as pediatrics, PM&R, and pediatric rehabilitation medicine.) She has served on the AAPM&R Board of Governors as well as several academy committees. She was Vice Chair and Chair of the Council for Pediatric Rehabilitation/Developmental Disabilities and received the 2015 AAPM&R Outstanding Council Service Award. Dr. Ayyanagar has made national and international presentations on topics related to spasticity management and cerebral palsy and has received several honors including recognition as one of the Best Doctors in America as a pediatric specialist in 2013, 2014 and 2015 by US News and World Report. 

Specialties

  • Hospice and Palliative Medicine (Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation)
  • Pediatrics
  • Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine
  • Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Areas of Practice

  • Spasticity management
  • Enhancing health and participation in youth with cerebral palsy and other disabilities
  • Quality of life in children with complex medical care needs

Expertise

Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Medical College, 1985

Columbus-Cabrini Medical Center, Pediatrics, 1989
Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Physical Med & Rehab, 1992

Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine
Physical Medicine & Rehab
Hospice & Palliative Med

Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics
Fellow, American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine

Research

Cognitive effects of antispasticity agents, motor control and cognition, cognitive assessment in children with severe motor impairments