David Coughlin, MD, MTR, is a board-certified neurologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, tremor, essential tremor, progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), multiple system atrophy, corticobasal syndrome, dementia with lewy bodies, ataxia, dystonia, myoclonus, drug-induced movement disorders, and gait abnormalities.

He is experienced in the use of botulinum toxin for hemifacial spasm, blepharospasm, cervical dystonia, limb dystonias and sialorrhea (drooling or excessive salivation). Dr. Coughlin is also skilled in patient selection and post-operative management of deep brain stimulation.

As an assistant professor in the Department of Neurosciences, Dr. Coughlin trains medical students, residents and fellows at UC San Diego School of Medicine.

He completed a fellowship in movement disorders at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, where he also did his neurology residency. He earned his medical degree from the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. Dr. Coughlin also holds a master’s degree in translational research from University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine and completed a Healthcare Leadership and Quality Improvement Certificate Training program at Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Coughlin is a recipient of the 2019 American Academy of Neurology Healthcare Quality and Safety Award and the 2019 American Academy of Neurology/American Brain Foundation clinical research training scholarship in Parkinson’s Disease. His work has been published in several peer-reviewed journals.

He is a member of the American Academy of Neurology, the American Neurological Association, and the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Dr. Coughlin’s personal interests include running and rowing.