Robert Van Boven, MD

Meet Robert Van Boven, MD

Advancing Neurology Care Through Brain Injury Expertise, Neuroplasticity Research and Personalized Patient Care in San Marcos, Texas

Dr. Robert W. Van Boven is a board-certified neurologist with a uniquely diverse background that combines clinical neurology, advanced neuroscience research, military traumatic brain injury (TBI) care and clinical neurophysiology. After earning both a Doctor of Dental Surgery and a Doctor of Medicine degree, he completed training at Johns Hopkins, Harvard-affiliated Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Northwestern University, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and Louisiana State University. Throughout his career, Dr. Van Boven has served veterans, active-duty military personnel, and civilian patients while leading innovative research in brain injury recovery, neuroplasticity, and sensory neuroscience. Now serving patients in San Marcos and the Central Texas region, he brings decades of experience translating cutting-edge neuroscience into meaningful, patient-centered care.

Career at a Glance

• Board-certified neurologist with more than 20 years of clinical neurology experience
• Former Director of the Brain Imaging and Recovery Laboratory at the Central Texas Veterans Health Care System
• Completed advanced neuroscience research training at the National Institutes of Health (NIH)
• Led Department of Defense traumatic brain injury initiatives and clinical programs for military service members
• Internationally recognized researcher in neuroplasticity, brain injury recovery, sensory disorders, and functional neuroimaging

Clinical Role and Leadership

Dr. Van Boven has built his career at the intersection of neurological care, research, and innovation. As a neurologist and former leader of both military and veteran brain injury programs, he has helped advance the understanding of how the brain heals following injury and how neurological conditions affect cognition, movement, sensation and quality of life. His experience in both academic medicine and clinical practice allows him to apply evidence-based treatments while helping patients navigate complex neurological diagnoses with confidence and clarity.

He provides specialized care for conditions such as:

• Concussion and traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Persistent post-concussion symptoms
• Dementia and memory disorders
• Parkinson’s disease and movement disorders
• Peripheral nerve injuries and neuropathy
• Headaches and migraine disorders
• Cognitive and neurological conditions affecting attention, memory and daily functioning

What You Can Expect from Care with Robert Van Boven, MD, DDS

Dr. Van Boven believes that understanding a patient’s story is just as important as understanding their diagnosis. His approach combines careful listening, thorough neurological evaluation, advanced diagnostic tools and collaboration with patients and families to develop individualized treatment plans. Whether treating a concussion, investigating memory concerns, or managing a chronic neurological condition, he focuses on helping patients understand their condition and actively participate in their care journey.

You can expect:

• Comprehensive neurological evaluations tailored to your symptoms
• Clear explanations of diagnoses, testing results, and treatment options
• Evidence-based recommendations grounded in the latest neurological research
• Collaborative decision-making that respects your goals and concerns
• Compassionate long-term support for chronic neurological conditions

Advanced Diagnostic Care

Dr. Van Boven’s career has been defined by innovation in neuroscience and neurological diagnostics. His training in clinical neurophysiology, brain imaging research, and functional neuroimaging allows him to evaluate complex neurological conditions with a highly specialized perspective. He has contributed to the development of advanced tools used to study brain function, sensory processing, and recovery following injury.

His expertise includes:

• Clinical neurophysiology and neurological diagnostics
• Functional brain imaging and neuroimaging interpretation
• Cognitive assessment following brain injury
• Evaluation of sensory and peripheral nerve disorders
• Neurological assessment of memory, movement, and cognitive concerns
• Evidence-based approaches to concussion and brain injury recovery

Research, Clinical Insight, and Thought Leadership

Dr. Van Boven is widely recognized for his contributions to neuroscience research, particularly in the fields of neuroplasticity, sensory processing, tactile perception, and traumatic brain injury. During his NIH appointment in the Laboratory of Brain and Cognition, he conducted pioneering research exploring how the brain processes touch and adapts following injury.

His scholarly work includes peer-reviewed publications in leading journals such as Neurology, Brain, Nature Neuroscience, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), and the Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development. He has also served as an invited lecturer at academic institutions across the country and collaborated on Department of Defense research focused on improving outcomes for individuals recovering from traumatic brain injury.

Through decades of research, Dr. Van Boven has helped expand scientific understanding of:

• Neuroplasticity and brain recovery
• Sensory function and tactile perception
• Functional neuroimaging
• Military and civilian traumatic brain injury
• Cognitive recovery after neurological injury
• Advanced neurological assessment tools

Commitment to Public Health and Health Equity

Throughout his career, Dr. Van Boven has been a strong advocate for patient safety, transparency in healthcare, and improved access to neurological care. His work has extended beyond the clinic to include national advocacy efforts, service on healthcare advisory bodies, military brain injury initiatives, and public education surrounding neurological health.

His commitment to veterans, active-duty military personnel and individuals recovering from brain injury reflects a longstanding dedication to serving populations that often face complex healthcare challenges. By combining clinical expertise, scientific inquiry, and patient advocacy, Dr. Van Boven continues to support better neurological outcomes for individuals and communities across Central Texas.