Neurologists who are Physicians - San Clemente, CA

"Dr. Martinez totally misdiagnosed me, causing much more pain, suffering, and loss of healing time. I agree with the condescending attitude already stated from other reviewers and the low rating of his office staff. He treated me like a child instead of an adult (I saw him for myself, not for my child). He didn't even examine me before his diagnosis--instead had his PA examine me and then he came in stating, "I'm so sorry no other doctor has told you this, but it's completely obvious to me that you have peripheral neuropathy." I'm in my 50's, very healthy, regular exercise, no family history of neuropathy, and had already had a NEGATIVE nerve conduction test--no nerve damage. Dr. Martinez claimed the test was incorrect?? (Later on I would have 3 more nerve conduction tests done by 3 more neurologists--all came back NEGATIVE to any type of nerve damage). My husband has neuropathy, and the intensity and sporadic locations of my symptoms weren't even close to my husband's (whose had it for several years, gradual onset like normal). In reality, 4 neurologists later, I was experiencing physical numbness, tingling and especially intense nerve burning from ANXIETY--that's it. Dr. Martinez's misdiagnosis of peripheral neuropathy and placing me on Gabapentin, which was then increased by his PA to the maximum dose over the next few months, sent me down a rabbit hole of more anxiety and therefore increased symptoms, obviously. His ego, which seems to be overcompensating for lack of other things, is very apparent. I asked him from the beginning if my symptoms could be caused by anxiety and he said most likely not--?? He ran all of the standard tests that are normally run to find a cause for neuropathy, all came up negative, as did all tests from a rheumatologist, infectious disease doc, and an M.S. specialist. During a subsequent appointment, Dr. Martinez chastised me like a child, for exercising my right to see other neurologists, rheumatologists, and infectious disease doctors for 2nd opinions--really?? I also reminded his PA over and over during subsequent visits, that each time I'd gone in for an MRI to try and figure out what was causing all of this, I would take a Xanax, and then I would feel symptom free for the next 12-24 hours. This should have been an obvious CLUE that my symptoms could be coming from ANXIETY and/or depression. The Gabapentin would help for a few hours and then not do much at all, forcing me to supplement with Xanax when the burning became unbearable. I was finally able to get into a more competent and caring neurologist who immediately could see I had been suffering from intense anxiety disorder, which had just gotten worse due to misdiagnosis and length of time that had gone by since my symptoms first began (a year ago at that time). He was also furious that I was on a maximum dose of Gabapentin. It would take another year to begin and then wean off medications for all of this. Now, I am taking an SSRI and doing lots of therapy, hoping my symptoms will soon be gone. Much more manageable now that I understand the root cause. My heart goes out to anyone who is misdiagnosed with anything! Seek lots of 2nd opinions!"

"My experiences with Dr. Patel have been the best as far as neurology is concerned. He asked several questions my previous neurologist never asked me, I suffer from chronic migraine and Dr. Patel seems motivated to help me live my best life. Besides being friendly where I can feel comfortable asking questions, I feel very, very minimal pain receiving Botox injections. My last neurologist's injections were extremely painful. That alone makes a big difference to me. No numbing required and mind you, these injections go in places on your scalp, unlike cosmetic. His team is also very caring and answer questions via MyChart pretty fast."