Stokes, John, Md - Austin Brain & Spine

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801 W. 38th Street, Suite 400 (at On the corner of 38th St. and West Avenue and across the street from the Heart Hospital of Austin.)
Austin, TX 78705

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(512) 306-1323
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Stokes, John, Md - Austin Brain & Spine - Austin, TX
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Best

Dr. Stokes! what can I say about this remarkable young man except for in my opinion he is the best in his field I want to commend him on his success as a b/s specialist he was so...

Worst

If you are desperate for a diagnosis, like I was, I suppose it's a good place. If you want attention and competence, go somewhere else. Everything from the start of my visit, to n...

Dr. Stokes 5/10/2010

Dr. Stokes! what can I say about this remarkable young man except for in my opinion he is the best in his field I want to commend him on his success as a b/s specialist he was son right on the money with my symptoms and it blew my mind and I just want to tell him that I appreciate him so much.............everything he told me that would happened so he's got my vote and God Bless him. Pros: the best Cons: no dra backs more
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Best. Neurosurgeon. Ever. 4/8/2010

To make a very long story short, Dr. Tumu treated me for a cavernous angioma located in the left cerebellum back in July 2009. I had a few weeks to prepare for the operation and while brain surgery is no minor procedure, I was at ease the entire time. The reason? Dr. Tumu. He made me feel very confident going into surgery; he answered all of my questions (believe me, I had several), explained the nuts and bolts of the procedure as well as the risks, and assured me I would have a positve outcome. Most doctors are reluctant to say this but Dr. Tumu is no ordinary doctor. Not only is he understanding, patient, and comforting, he is also a genius! No, really, he is. It's fairly obvious after speaking to him for even a minute that he knows what he's doing. And his staff is pretty sensational too.\r \r My operation lasted around five hours. I spent a day and a half in the ICU and was then moved to my room at Brackenridge. I had excellent care during my 4 days in hospital and my recovery was rather quick and easy. I returned to work three weeks later and resumed my globetrotting ways a couple of months after that. \r I owe my life to Dr. Tumu's mad skills and my entire family is extremely grateful to him for ""fixing"" me. (My parents still light candles in his honor. Really.) \r \r Oh, and his new office is really nice! I almost wish I still had a neurological problem so I could stop by. Alas, I don't, and it's all thanks to Dr. Tumu! more
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Excellent neurosurgeon 2/22/2010

Dr. Tumu recently operated on my brother, Terry Blevins, to remove a meningioma. The surgery was extremely difficult because of the location of the tumor, but Dr. Tumu removed the meningioma without complications. Our family is very grateful to Dr, Tumu for his excellent care and surgical skill which restored my brother to good health and a rapid recovery without any residual effects. Sondra Blevins Goldstein Pros: superb surgeon more
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World Class Surgeon - Dr. Tumu 2/22/2010

In late 2009 I began experiencing some temporary loss of left leg function. My family physician ordered a brain MRI. After the MRI became available, he called to let me know that the MRI revealed a tumor, 30mm in size, located in the part of the brain known as the cerebellum (responsible for movement/coordination). He arranged for me to see a neurologist. Based on some complications associated with the tumor (the tumor was wrapped around an artery and was wedged between the cerebellum and the part of the brain that processes vision) my neurologist made an appointment for me to see Hari Tumu, MD. , Austin Brain and Spine. When my wife and I met with Dr. Tumu we were impressed that he took the time to explain the tumor and possible complications associated with surgery. He recommended surgery because of the size and location of the tumor but said he would fully support us getting a second opinion. My PPO health insurance plan would allow me to go anywhere in the US for this operation. However, based on a review of Dr. Tumu’s experience with this type of operation, I felt that he was the best surgeon for this surgery.\r \r On January 18th, 2010 I entered Seaton Medical Center Austin for this surgery. Dr. Tumu was the lead surgeon for this operation. The surgery lasted a total of about 5 hours. I was in ICU for 1 day and then transferred to a regular room. On the second day after the operation I was able to get out of bed and walk. After four days I was released from the hospital and able to go home. Over the last five weeks I have nearly recovered from the surgery. I believe that the speed of my recovery is largely due to Dr. Tumu’s skill with this type of surgery. Based on my own experience, Dr. Tumu truly understands and utilizes minimal invasive techniques. We are indeed blessed to have a world class surgeon, such as Dr. Tumu, at Austin Spin and Brain, Austin, TX.\r \r Dr. Tumu operates at University Medical Center Brackenridge and Seton Medical Center Austin (West 38th Street). I elected to have my surgery at the Seton Medical Center Austin and was very pleased with the care I received in ICU and the regular room. The staff at Seton Medical Center Austin is well trained and makes a real effort to quickly address a patient’s needs. \r Terry Blevins \r Pros: Dr. Tumu did an excellent job removing my brain tumor more
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Wonderful World Class Surgeon 2/22/2010

In late 2009 I began experiencing some temporary loss of left leg function. My family physician ordered a brain MRI. After the MRI became available, he called to let me know that the MRI revealed a tumor, 30mm in size, located in the part of the brain known as the cerebellum (responsible for movement/coordination). He arranged for me to see a neurologist. Based on some complications associated with the tumor (the tumor was wrapped around an artery and was wedged between the cerebellum and the part of the brain that processes vision) my neurologist made an appointment for me to see Hari Tumu, MD. , Austin Brain and Spine. When my wife and I met with Dr. Tumu we were impressed that he took the time to explain the tumor and possible complications associated with surgery. He recommended surgery because of the size and location of the tumor but said he would fully support us getting a second opinion. My PPO health insurance plan would allow me to go anywhere in the US for this operation. However, based on a review of Dr. Tumu’s experience with this type of operation, I felt that he was the best surgeon for this surgery.\r \r On January 18th, 2010 I entered Seaton Medical Center Austin for this surgery. Dr. Tumu was the lead surgeon for this operation. The surgery lasted a total of about 5 hours. I was in ICU for 1 day and then transferred to a regular room. On the second day after the operation I was able to get out of bed and walk. After four days I was released from the hospital and able to go home. Over the last five weeks I have nearly recovered from the surgery. I believe that the speed of my recovery is largely due to Dr. Tumu’s skill with this type of surgery. Based on my own experience, Dr. Tumu truly understands and utilizes minimal invasive techniques. We are indeed blessed to have a world class surgeon, such as Dr. Tumu, at Austin Spin and Brain, Austin, TX.\r \r Dr. Tumu operates at University Medical Center Brackenridge and Seton Medical Center Austin (West 38th Street). I elected to have my surgery at the Seton Medical Center Austin and was very pleased with the care I received in ICU and the regular room. The staff at Seton Medical Center Austin is well trained and makes a real effort to quickly address a patient’s needs. \r Terry Blevins Pros: Did an excellent job removing my brain tumor more
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outstanding spinal surgeon 1/10/2010

My problems started with back pain and severe leg pain. I saw another surgeon who recommended urgent surgery. The surgery was performed and I had some improvement then the symptoms returned. The surgeon told me that the new problem was beyond his clinical expertise and that nothing else could be done. I found Dr. Stokes on the internet and scheduled an appointment. He talked to me extensively, examined me throughly and reviewed my MRI's and Xrays. He recommended revision surgery which was performed flawlessly. He followed me for the next 6 months. His new office is highly responsive and has handled my post operative in a highly responsive manner. For the first time in the past 5 years I am pain free. I would highly recommend Seton Spine and Scoliosis to anyone with a spinal problem. Pros: compassionate and highly skilled more
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less than adequate 9/3/2009

this office is about making money (duh!). there is not een an effort made to show concern abt the patient. i did not like the doc, esp after being cancelled 2X due to an emergency. that's fine once, maybe twice. now, i'm in pain for the first time since surgery, several months ago. he orders all these very expensive imagine tests - i had them done, the guy hasn't called back. he tells me in his office i prob have a couple of herniating disc's close to where he did the fusion. today, i clld ARA directly and will get my own results. i clld the patient advocate at seton and left a msg. when i gtet the results, i'm going to walk into seton ER and ask for help bcs dr stokes refused to return my phone calls. i lose a much greater percentage of my income when i miss work then he ever will. i struggle to pay my rent when i'm too distracted by pain to work. that center is too busy making $ off surgeries to take care of the people who just HAD surgery. i wish all patients were their own advocates - i hired him to take care of my neck. he's not. Pros: no pros Cons: surgery makes money, aftercare is not important more
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If you're desperate, I suppose... 5/16/2008

If you are desperate for a diagnosis, like I was, I suppose it's a good place. If you want attention and competence, go somewhere else. Everything from the start of my visit, to now (waiting on a phone call back from the doctor's assistant) was messed up. While I was waiting to be seen by the doctor (almost half an hour to be called back, about an hour to see the actual doctor), two people came in with wrong appointments that somehow the staff had messed up. Nobody returns phone calls, unless it's the billing people wanting to know how you are going to pay. \r \r The doctor spent very, very little time with me, although he did diagnose me. I had to fill out 11 pages of new patient forms, which the doctor obviously didn't take any time to read, because I had to blurt out as much as I could during the ""consultation."" It seems very much like a machine, and one that wasn't working properly on the day I was there. \r \r Maybe it's just the general state of medical care today, but I wasn't impressed at all. more
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Great experience 11/27/2007

Thinking about back surgery can be a scary process. Dr. Tumu, after careful evaluation, gave me many options to explore before having surgery. After going through pain management we finally decided on L5-S1 fusion surgery. Knowing that he had done a great job on my father's back surgery I felt confident in follow his advice. I couldn't be happier with the results. He was very honest and forth right in his consultations and the results are great. I would hightly recommend him for any type of spine surgery. I am back to my old self, pain free and playing golf every week. Thanks Dr. Tumu more
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A skillful, professional surgeon, and a good communicator 11/22/2007

December 19, 2006 I was diagnosed with a brain abscess located in the motor strip for my right side at the point that controls right foot function, in the left center of my brain. The edema that resulted from the abscess caused me to lose motor function on my right side, including my arm and hand. Dr. Tumu explained my options to me, and the risks involved in performing a craniotomy to remove the abscess. He performed the operation at Seton Medical Center on January 2nd, and I was transferred to St. David's Rehabilitation Center five days later. Things were much worse at first after surgery due to the trauma of brain surgery (something Dr. Tumu warned me of), but within two months I was driving and back to work full-time. I saw Dr. Tumu twice post-surgery. In every encounter with Dr. Tumu from December 19th on, he was confident, professional, friendly and caring. I highly recommend Dr. Tumu. Pros: Skillfull, friendly, inspires confidence. more
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Gifted Neurosurgeon !!! 10/8/2007

October 2006, I began experiencing intermittent tingling in my right hand. Additionally, I had varying pain in my right shoulder and at base of neck. Things got progressively worse over the next 30 days. My entire right arm tingled constantly from fingertips to shoulder. The top area of my right forearm went numb. Furthermore, neck and shoulder pain were continuous and debilitating. I?d only get short-term pain relief by raising my right arm above my head. MRI revealed damage to the C5-C6 area of my cervical spine (neck). My neighbor?s coworker, Sid, had very similar symptoms a year earlier and highly recommended neurosurgeon, Dr. Hari Tumu. I met with Dr.Tumu twice before surgery. He was very approachable, empathetic, calm, kind, a good listener, and patiently answered every question from my wife and me. Furthermore, I was very relieved to learn that Dr.Tumu uses a high-tech nerve monitoring device during surgery. On the 9th of January 2007, Dr. Tumu performed my surgical procedure called ?Anterior Cervical Discectomy with Fusion?. Additionally, Dr. Tumu removed bone spurs from both, the right and left, sides of my affected cervical spine neck area. The numbness, tingling, and pain were gone immediately upon waking after surgery. I returned to work, performing light-duty tasks, 19 days after surgery. It has been 9 months since my surgery. My neck is doing great. To date, I sometimes experience a muscle ache affecting my left shoulder-girdle elevation (the upper trapezius and levator scapulae muscles). When it occurs, my physical therapist manages it with therapy and exercise. Massage and ice help manage the muscle ache as well. Work stress seems to trigger the muscle ache. I am extremely happy with Dr. Tumu and highly recommend him and his courteous staff.\r FOLLOWUP 26JUN2008:\r Since March 2008, I've had no neck/shoulder muscle aches. Severe injuries take time to heal. Thank you God for leading me to Dr. Tumu. Pros: approachable, empathetic, calm, kind, a good listener more
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A true life saver, a compansionate neurosurgeon! 8/22/2007

A traffic accident placed me in the ER with two fractures in my neck. I was at risk of paralysis. Dr. Tumu was quick to explain the nature of my injuries and made the appropriate recommendations for corrective surgery. I was admitted to Brackenridge hospital. \r I was deeply concerned about the care that I would receive and my ability to recover to regain my active lifestyle. This would be the first time that I had to undergo any surgical procedures. Dr. Tumu with his professionalism and personal attention made this impossible situation bearable.\r Dr. Tumu and the support staff performed the required surgical procedures and provided me with the hope of a complete and full recovery from my spinal injuries. \r I can't imagine how I could have made it without the service of Dr. Hari Tumu. Pros: Gifted professionals... more
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Outstanding Spinal Surgeon 8/19/2007

I had an unusual accident...fell off the roof of my house in the Bahamas and spent a week recovering from broken ribs and bruised lungs in a Nassau hospital. On my return to Austin, I had a checkup by a lung specialist who noticed that i was holding my head strangely...he immediately ordered a CT scan which showed a cervical fracture at he base of my neck. \r Within an hour, Dr.Tumu contacted me and arranged for immediate admission to Brackenridge Hospital . Dr. Tumu met with me, went over the scan and discussed the required surgery. He was very communicative and explained everything in a very professional and confident manner. I also had a respected Doctor friend of mine inquire about the Surgeons at Austin Brain and Spine, and found that they are regarded as the best.\r I must admit I did not fully appreciate the skill required for this type of surgery until afterwards -seeing the extensive amount of hardware that was installed in my neck (around my spinal cord)...I almost passed out when I saw the scan! \r The surgery and regular follow up with Dr. Tumu has been outstanding. In addition,during the surgery he noticed a bone density deficiency and sent me for additional treatments as well as physical therapy. I appreciate his attention to detail.\r After a year, I am fully recovered. Without he quick and successful surgery , I could have been paralyzed.\r Two lessons learned. One, do not have an accident in the Bahamas and Two, have Dr. Tumu do your spinal surgery.\r \r Pros: Outstanding surgical expertise , great support team more
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Specializing in Neurological Surgery

Owner Message

  • Austin Brain and Spine, P.A. is the largest group of private practice neurosurgeons in Central Texas. Formed in 1998 through the merger of multiple group and individual practices, we provide expert care in all areas of neurosurgery including Spine, Vascular, Tumor, Neurotrauma, Pain, and Pediatric Neurosurgery. Together, we have combined over 40 years of service to the Austin Community. We have accomplished many "firsts" in Austin medicine. We have Austin's first full-time Pediatric neurosurgeon and the first Fellowship trained NeuroSpine surgeon. We have performed the region's first odontoid screw procedure, the first minimally-invasive pedicle screw spinal fusion, the first extreme hypothermic management of severe head injury, and have the region's most experienced acoustic tumor surgeon.

    The physicians of Austin Brain and Spine are active in regional and national neuro-surgical societies, and continue to publish in peer-reviewed medical journals. The physicians maintain active privileges in both the Seton Healthcare Network and the St. David's Healthcare Partnership. Dr. Craig Kemper is the Medical Director of the Brain and Spine Center at Brackenridge Hospital. Dr. Daniel Peterson is the Chief of Staff at Brackenridge Hospital, and Dr. Ron Wilson is the medical director of the Cyberknife at Brackenridge Hospital.

    The Mission of Austin Brain and Spine is to provide the highest quality of care to our patients in the safest care environment. Our aim is to offer excellent technical Neurosurgery, while still focusing on the patient as a person. We will respect the dignity and rights of our patients and their families while continuing to practice ethically and responsibly. Austin Brain and Spine will maintain service to our community through our work at Brackenridge Hospital's Level II Trauma Center and our coverage of multiple regional emergency rooms.

    Neurosurgeons are more than just brain surgeons. These medical specialists are trained to help patients with head and spine trauma; cerebrovascular disorders, such as aneurysms of the brain and clogged arteries in the neck that can lead to stroke; chronic low back pain; birth defects; brain and spinal tumors; and abnormalities of the peripheral (face, arms, legs, hands and feet) nerves.

    Disorders of the brain, spine and nerves commonly treated by neurosurgeons include:

  • Tumors
  • Head Injury
  • Trigeminal Neuralgia
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Spina Bifida
  • Cervical Spine Disorders
  • Chronic Pain
  • Craniosynostosis
  • Spinal Cord Injury
  • Stroke (Brain Attack)
  • Herniated Disk
  • Hydrocephalus
  • Intracranial Aneurysm
  • Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
  • Meningomyelocele

Additional information
  • Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am-4pm ; Sat Closed ; Sun Closed
  • Payments: Master Card, Visa
  • Neighborhoods: West University, Central Austin
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