Kristopher T Kahle, MD, PhD
Not currently accepting new patients
4.73012 average rating from 83 patient reviews
Specialties
Affiliation
Mass General Brigham
Provider Locations
- Boston, MA
Kristopher T. Kahle, MD, PhD, is an internationally recognized pediatric neurosurgeon and physician-scientist specializing in congenital and developmental disorders of the brain and spinal cord. He serves as Chief of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Mass General Brigham, holds the Nicholas T. Zervas Endowed Chair in Neurosurgery, and is Associate Professor of Neurosurgery at Harvard Medical School. He also directs the Neonatal and Congenital Anomaly Neurosurgery Program at Mass General Brigham and the Cerebrospinal Fluid Disorders Program at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Dr. Kahle provides comprehensive neurosurgical care for the full spectrum of pediatric cranial and spinal conditions, including brain and spinal cord tumors, cerebrovascular malformations, epilepsy, traumatic injuries, and congenital abnormalities of the central nervous system. His surgical expertise encompasses both open microneurosurgical and advanced neuroendoscopic techniques, allowing for individualized approaches to complex cranial and spinal disorders.
While his practice encompasses the breadth of pediatric neurosurgery, Dr. Kahle is internationally recognized for his particular clinical and scientific expertise in congenital and developmental disorders of the central nervous system, including Chiari I malformation, spina bifida, tethered spinal cord, congenital and acquired hydrocephalus, and complex cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) disorders. He receives referrals from across the United States and internationally for the evaluation and surgical management of these conditions, including complex cases and second opinions.
A distinctive feature of Dr. Kahle's practice is his care of patients with congenital and developmental neurological disorders across the lifespan—from newborns and children to adolescents and adults. He has particular expertise in evaluating and treating adults with Chiari malformation, hydrocephalus, and other longstanding or newly diagnosed CSF disorders, including patients requiring complex revision surgery or multidisciplinary management. His adult practice also includes acquired hydrocephalus and normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). In collaboration with Mark Richardson, MD, PhD, Dr. Kahle provides advanced surgical treatment for medically refractory (drug-resistant) epilepsy, integrating open epilepsy surgery, stereo-electroencephalography (SEEG), and neuromodulation strategies, including responsive neurostimulation (RNS).
Dr. Kahle leads an internationally recognized, NIH-funded research program investigating the genetic, molecular, and developmental mechanisms of congenital neurological disease. His laboratory integrates human genetics and genomics, developmental neuroscience, and translational research to discover disease-associated genes and biological pathways underlying congenital hydrocephalus, Chiari I malformation, and other neurodevelopmental and neurovascular disorders. His research also investigates choroid plexus biology, cerebrospinal fluid physiology, and neurovascular development, with the goal of translating fundamental scientific discoveries into more precise diagnoses and novel treatments.
Dr. Kahle is an Associate Member of the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard and a faculty member of Harvard's PhD Program in Neuroscience. He has been elected to the Academy of Neurological Surgery (AcNS), the Society of Neurological Surgeons (the "Senior Society"), and the American Society of Pediatric Neurosurgeons (ASPN), reflecting his contributions to academic neurosurgery, scientific discovery, and pediatric neurosurgical care. He is also a member of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS).
Dr. Kahle earned his MD and PhD from Yale University and completed neurosurgical residency at Massachusetts General Hospital, postdoctoral research training at Harvard University, and pediatric neurosurgery fellowship at Boston Children's Hospital.
Education & Training
- Fellowship: Boston Children's Hospital (for MD/DO), Pediatric Neurosurgery, 2015
- Residency: Massachusetts General Hospital, Neurological Surgery, 2014
- Internship: Massachusetts General Hospital, General Surgery, 2008
- Medical Education: Yale University School of Medicine, 2007
Board Certifications
- Neurological Surgery, American Board of Neurological Surgery
Languages Spoken
- Latin
- English
Age Group Treated
- Pediatrics
- Adults
Patient Feedback
4.73012 average rating from 83 reviews
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Very friendly knowledge staff. Dr Kahle called on the day established to give results.
2026-09-05
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did not meet with Dr Kahle just phone call Very pleasant I was comfortable with his information
2026-08-30
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Dr Kahle was patient and caring
2026-08-29
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Dr. Kahle took the time to explain everything and to answer our questions. [redacted]
2026-08-15
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I was pleasantly surprised by the doctors, collaborative style and depth of knowledge. Looking forward to having him follow me.
2026-08-01
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Very good communicator and positive atitude.
2026-07-24
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Dr. Kahle is a kind, caring doctor who listened to my concerns, answered questions and was willing to reach out to other medical experts as I have a rare, chronic illness.
2026-07-21
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Appreciate that the doctor listened and seemed to care about what I had to say.
2026-07-22
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Very pleasant
2026-07-11
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We were pleased with the information the doctor gave us.
2026-07-03
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I love how he was genuinely interested in knowing my daughter, and had a great intellectual curiosity about him. Brain cancer is changing almost daily and ideas on how to combat it are all over the place. He seems like a good thought partner in helping in a very complex case
2026-07-02
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I wouldn't recognize this man if I saw him because I only have spoken to him over the phone, but he was very pleasant. He seemed to listen to what I was concerned about. And I'm looking forward to meeting him because I have an appointment in September. Thank you very much.
2026-07-04
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I had a good experience talking with this provider. However, I am unsure about when my next appointments are.
2026-06-22
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Excellent communication skills. Was able to explain in simple terms his views on my overall medical health.
2026-06-14
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The provider did eventually called and it was a great conversation. He made me feel comfortable about the procedure and knew how important it was for me to get it done.
2026-06-13
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Very personal and knowledgeable. Helpful in letting us understand the next steps for treatment. I felt very comfortable talking with him.
2026-06-13
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He was very kind, personable, and thoughtful, and I would definitely recommend him to other people. Thank you.
2026-06-08
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Dr. Kahle is kind, a good listener, and professional. Seeking a 2nd opinion, He provided his best assessment and treatment plan for me based on his review and evaluation of the medical reports he had been provided.
2026-06-06
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[redacted] he was excellent, considerate, kind, willing to listen, patient. We have yet to have an in-person time with him, so I'll reserve some judgment, but overall, very happy with him [redacted]
2026-05-25
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Informative
2026-05-23
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Great, thank you
2026-05-08
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Very empathic and knowledgeable.
2026-05-04
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Very helpful doctor. Realistic advice. Appreciated the opportunity for telemedicine call.
2026-05-02
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Dr. Kahle is an excellent professional, assertive, and very empathetic regarding my health issue. He is definitely a great doctor.
2026-04-19
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It was a very successful visit. My questions were answered and things were explained in a way ?
2026-04-20
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More comfortable talking with the Dr. than the nurse practitioner.
2026-03-14
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Dr. Kristopher Kahle is the most caring neurosurgeon I've ever met. He is the best. So personable, respectful and kind.
2026-02-28
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Provider took the time to listen, make recommendations and was courteous.
2026-02-28
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Wonderful
2026-02-08
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Great provider, very thorough, called in a timely manner, made things easy to understand, and was very friendly the entire time.
2026-01-19
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Dr. Kahle gave us a thorough explanation of my daughter's condition and the options we had going forward. He was inquisitive about her medical history. He made us feel that he's interested in her case and that we aren't just a number. I completely trust his opinion and decisions. We look forward to working more with him.
2026-01-11
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Dr. Kahle was easy to talk to and very informative. He was great talking to my daughter in ways she could understand and made her feel comfortable. He listened to what I had to say about her symptoms and validated my concerns.
2026-01-03
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Knowledgeable, friendly, helpful
2025-12-04
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I am a retired military physician and have practiced medicine for 40 years. Dr Kahle is "a physician's physician". I trust and respect this younger professional. Grateful for MGH !!
2025-12-02
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My daughter loved that she was spoken to and was able to discuss her healthcare.
2025-12-01
Accepted Insurance
- Tufts Medicare Preferred
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