Discover patient testimonials and experiences at Virginia Neurosurgeons, providing insights into the exceptional care and expertise offered by the practice.
Reviews
Dr. Nikhil Nayak performed emergency cranial surgery late on the evening of Aug 5th. I was running when an unexpected blustery rainstorm and dark sky landed me on my back on the side of a major roadway. In addition to my unconscious state, my brain and head had experienced significant trauma. Dr. Nayak performed extensive surgery until the wee hours of the following day, saving my quality of life and successfully retaining my cognitive, linguistic, and physical skills. While I remained unconscious for several additional days, Dr. Nayak and his team interacted with my children with grace and patience so they could take in the details of my health situation. I am deeply grateful to Dr. Nayak and his team for their exceptional professional expertise and interpersonal care standards.
Dr. Murray removed a meningioma tumor successfully from my skull in 2021 and I have seen him for follow-up appointments twice a year since then. He is an outstanding surgeon and thoughtful human being. His ability to interpret my MRI test results and convey those results to me in an understandable, clear, skilled, and kind fashion, along with his excellent listening skills, have helped me to feel very comfortable during what has been a scary ordeal for me. I trusted him from the moment I had my first consultation with him prior to my surgery and that trust has continued with every follow-up appointment I have had with him since my surgery.
I cannot say enough good things about Virginia Neurosurgeons and Dr. Nikhil Nayak. After dealing with debilitating pain for the better part of a decade, that quickly descended into severe neuropathy in the past year, surgery appeared to be the only option. I was able to get an appointment with Dr. Nayak quickly, and he scheduled me for cervical disc replacement surgery within the next three weeks. My surgery went smoothly and my recovery has been relatively easy. Also, the front desk staff is excellent, scheduling appointments is straightforward and I have yet to experience long wait times. I'm so grateful that I found Dr. Nayak and this practice!
I had two separate surgeries where Dr Murray had to remove brain tumors, and were a year apart. He was very professional, thorough, understanding, and treated everyone around him with genuine human care. I am truly blessed to be here today to continue to enjoy my family and continue living life. I credit this to everyone involved in my care, and mostly Dr Murray for being involved from day one and coordinating everything. Top notch Doctor and wonderful person.
Dr. Piazza is one of best doctors I have ever been to in my whole entire life!! I have had a herniated disc on L4 and L5 with a severe Sciatica, pain, and nerve damage that was going on for almost 3 years. I was terrified of surgery. I was seeing completely different Neurosurgeon at a different facility. The pain has gotten so Severe and I ended up at Arlington ER, Where they recommended me to see Dr. Piazza and it was the best decision I’ve ever made!!! he was professional so understanding so patient, Explain to me everything and was able to convince me to get the surgery done which I really needed and it saved my life out of and up being paralyzed the next day if I have seen him when I did. Truly, an amazing doctor, and a great surgeon. You would not regret going to him he is truly a lifesaver And forever be grateful for him.
Twenty years ago I had a life-threatening but non-cancerous brain tumor which had to be removed on an emergency basis. The tumor was in the center of my head, and the surgeon, Dr. Kader (now retired), told me exactly what he was going to do to cure me. His manner was so confident, and he was so knowledgeable, that I said, "Okay," and the next morning, that's exactly what he did. I was able to be in the delivery room for the birth of my daughter five days later. Fast forward twenty years. I've had this terrible leg pain for months and nobody could figure it out. Finally an MRI was ordered, and it turned out I had a rare type of non-cancerous tumor growing in my spinal column and into the nerve bundle. I'm now sitting here at my desk at home writing this. I had spinal surgery just six days ago, and already I can tell that the pain I went to see Dr. Nayak about (and Dr. Cherrick at the pain specialists), is gone. It's like having a new lease on life. If you have a neurological problem, contact these people. They obviously know what they're doing, and everyone you're going to run into at the practice is super nice.
I had the unfortunate experience of having brain surgery but could not have had a more skilled and conscientious surgeon. Dr. Piazza clearly articulated the process and was always available to answer any questions I had. He did such a great job, 10 months later you cannot even tell I had surgery! The entire staff of Virginia Neurosurgeons is excellent and I cannot say enough good things about the nurses and CNAs at VHC who cared for me throughout the ordeal.
We accidentally discovered that I had a large 2 cm tumor in my spinal canal while getting a consultation for back and sciatica pain. I was referred to Dr. Nayak who reviewed my file, requested additional MRIs and CAT scans and he finally recommended I have surgery to remove it to minimize (or eliminate) additional longer term nerve damage and pain. Dr. Nayak was extremely calm and confident, described the options, likely outcomes and recommendations in simple terms easy to understand and digest. He reassured me that his approach would be more conservative and also mentioned that he always works in a team, with another surgeon + a nerve specialist to monitor nerve impact in real time while he's performing the surgery. Dr. Nayak accurately diagnosed the tumor, removed 99-100% during surgery and confirmed post-op as predicted, that it was a benign shwannoma. My recovery went extremely well and I was pain free and up and about the day after the surgery. I am so grateful for his expertise and care, as well as his and his staff's prefessionalism. I would highly recommend Dr. Nayak!
My husband and I met with Dr. Murray twice before the surgery. We were extremely worried about my condition and about the risks of surgery. Dr. Murray carefully reviewed all the notes and imaging from the other doctors I had seen. He examined me thoroughly and asked me to describe my symptoms. He listened intently to everything I had to say.
Dr Murray explained exactly what would happen in the surgery – in terms that we laypeople could easily understand. His calm demeanor and great communication skills really educated us and helped ease our worried minds.
The surgery was challenging, and not without risk, but it went perfectly. And I am now living without the terrible pain that had plagued me for so long. I highly recommend Dr. Murray because of his many amazing attributes.
Dr. Nayak and the staff at VA Neurosurgeons are simply the best. From the moment I first needed to see Dr. Nayak all the way through a most recent Leminectomy/Microdiscectomy the attention, care and follow-up has been first rate. I highly recommend Dr. Nayak and the entire team at VA Neurosurgeons.
Dr. Murray has operated on me twice. I find him excellent with his surgery skills, able to listen to his patients, with an excellent bed side manner. A year ago, Dr Murray performed major surgery on my spine. I was in the hospital for almost 3 weeks. Dr Murray came to check on me every day. As a Neurologist in the Washington DC\ Northern Virginia metro area, Dr Richard Murray is a TOP DOC !!!!
Dr. Murray is an excellent neurosurgeon, diagnostician, and very conservative in recommending any type of surgery, unless it is really needed. He helped perform my much needed triple cervical fusion on 9/14/23; and the results were outstanding! He is awesome! I would completely trust him for any future evaluations and/or surgeries. I will forever be grateful for having been in such great hands!!!
Additionally, Ms. Sheryl (his Medical Assistant assigned to me) was excellent, awesome, responsive, and competent; and she answered all of my questions and helped with all of the surgery scheduling and insurance coordination and approval. I am also so grateful to her for all that she has done for me. My husband and I would give them 10 out of 10 stars.
Dr. Nayak is THE best Neurosurgeon. He is very thorough and listens to his patients. Dr. Nayak takes his time whenever I am at an appointment. He is the kindest, most caring physician, ever. I had thoracic surgery and am completely healed, pain free, and no more problems with the lower extremities. His staff is excellent, very helpful, and kind. A shout out to his PA- Victoria, Surgery co-ordinator, and Charlene--Administrative. Thank you to all.
Dr. Piazza and his staff were very caring and fully engaged in resolving my recent medical condition. I would without hesitation recommend him. An excellent experience with very positive results.
Dr. Piazza is one of best doctors I have ever been to in my whole entire life!! I have had a herniated disc on L4 and L5 with a severe Sciatica, pain, and nerve damage that was going on for almost 3 years. I was terrified of surgery. I was seeing completely different Neurosurgeon at a different facility. The pain has gotten so Severe and I ended up at Arlington ER, Where they recommended me to see Dr. Piazza and it was the best decision I’ve ever made!!! he was professional so understanding so patient, Explain to me everything and was able to convince me to get the surgery done which I really needed and it saved my life out of and up being paralyzed the next day if I have seen him when I did. Truly, an amazing doctor, and a great surgeon. You would not regret going to him he is truly a lifesaver And forever be grateful for him.
After an emergency room visit I was referred to Dr. Nayak and was seen the next day. After years of being told my neck and back pain was anxiety related, Dr. Nayak was the first physician who seemed like he really cared/took it seriously. He first recommended a conservative approach, but after a few weeks performed a microdiscectomy. Throughout the process Dr. Nayak explained the anatomical/physiological problems that were causing pain, discussed my options, and managed my expectations. I woke up from surgery and every bit of nerve pain was gone. And I feel like Dr Nayak gave me my life back.
Additionally, his staff were all incredibly supportive. They got me in to see him asap, facilitated my hospital admission through the ED, and were very responsive when I had questions or concerns. Dr Nayaks surgical coordinator walked me through the process of getting a prior auth/scheduling surgery. I swear I called her ten times at least and she was always incredibly kind.
I had one moment where I was nervous post Op, and Dr Nayaks PA reached out and was very reassuring until I saw him for my follow up.
Overall I am beyond thrilled with the care I received, and will continue to be a patient of Dr. Nayaks in the future. Incredibly grateful to him and his entire team!
I came to the hospital in extreme pain to see Dr. Piazza in the Emegency Room. From that moment my problems waned. He and his asssociates are top-notch and caring. He was able to get an MRI diagnosis where others had failed and the spinal fusion performed by Dr. Piazza has given me back my life. My hospital stay was over a month due to extensive rehabilation and Dr. Piazza and his team maintained contact throughout. I just had my six week visit and can report that I am pain free and doing well thanks to his neurosurgery team and the excellent rehabilitation services at the Virginia Hospital Center. I could not have had better care.
Dr. Murray is an exceptional gifted and conscientious surgeon. He deduced that the profound pain I was experiencing was not revealed by the MRI that I carried with me to his office. He ordered another MRI immediately, and found an inch long L5/S1 disk fragment sitting on my sciatic nerve that needed immediate removal.
Other doctors I had consulted were not nearly as thorough, and had scheduled me for surgeries that would not have addressed the fragmented disk. Yikes!
I'm grateful for his, and his team's extraordinary care. I hope not to need his services again, but if I do, I'll know exactly where to go.
Dr Murray treated me with great care and confidence. He put me at ease with his explanations during the runup to the surgery, always answering my questions thoughtfully and thoroughly. I was one of the unlucky ones and had a coMplication after surgery, but Dr Murray and his team got to the bottom of it and fixed me up. I am forever grateful.
Dr. Piazza and his staff are second to none. I felt like the really went the extra distance to make sure I’d get the care I needed. Dr.Piazza really listened and the eventual surgery I had helped me so much. I appreciated the follow ups after my surgery as well. Thank you!
Dr. Piazza and his team are wonderful and caring. His clinical expertise is exemplary. He has a comforting bedside manner and his explanations are simple and clear. The office staff go out of their way to be helpful and make clients relax and feel taken care of. My aunt received excellent care and she is grateful to have had him as a provider.
I had an emergency craniotomy under complicated circumstances, and had an excellent outcome under the care of Dr Piazza. In addition to being a skillful surgeon, he was a good communicator and took plenty of time with me during visits. I am, coincidentally, a physician myself, (a Neurologist), and tend to be fairly critical, but I have nothing but good things to say about the care and treatment I received from Dr. Piazza. I highly recommend him.
On 8/3/23 I underwent a discectomy performed by Dr Nayak. His medical skill is unmatched, his knowledge of spinal injuries is extremely extensive and his communication skills allow you to completely understand the extent of your injury as well as the particulars of your surgery. I am now pain free.
After two neurologists recommended that I see him (neither suggested a second option), Dr. Murray performed surgery on my lumbar spine to treat severe stenosis. The operation was a success: three months later I have no pain and am getting stronger every day. Moreover, at every step in the process—pre-op reviews of various tests, explanations of the surgery to be performed, daily in-hospital visits, indications of self-care once home, recommendation of an outstanding physical therapist, and communication with my other physicians—Dr. Murray proved the peerless professional. It was also a pleasure to deal with his staff—physician’s assistants, scheduler, and receptionist. In summary, a wonderful experience.
I couldn’t have been luckier than to find Dr. Murray. I was impressed with him from the start. His bedside manners and knowledge of my condition was amazing. He explained everything thoroughly and my surgery for my tumor went just as he said it would. Dr. Murray and the entire staff, (nurses, etc.) at Virginia Hospital Center were more than I could have hoped for. I felt comfortable right from the start and my wife and I knew he was a great Dr, we could just tell, and he proved us right. Thank you Dr. Murray.
I met Dr. Murray the day after I was diagnosed with a large and challenging acoustic neuroma that was pushing on my brainstem. He is incredibly knowledgeable and confident with an absolutely wonderful bedside manner. Both he and Dr. Monfared, ENT surgeon who assisted, made me feel as though I was in the absolute best hands from the very beginning. They truly care about their patients and their recovery. He did not sugar coat the seriousness of my case and fully prepared us for all possibilities as well as provided me with resources to help support my preparation for surgery and recovery. The results of the surgery and recovery were far beyond our expectations. The staff in his office were also great to work with.
My experience with Dr. Murray is that he is a very knowledgeable and focused neurosurgeon who takes the time to listen and explain in plain English what course of action is required. I was referred to Dr. Murray based on a diagnosis of a schwannoma in the spinal canal. Dr. Murray carefully reviewed with me all relevant diagnostic information and his detailed surgical plan that would remove the schwannoma and correct any related damage to the lower spine. His skill as a surgeon is clearly evident in the success of my recovery. Also a key factor is Dr. Murray’s detailed supervision through each stage of my hospital and post-hospital recovery period. If neurosurgery is indicated then Dr. Murray should be your first contact.
I had two separate surgeries where Dr Murray had to remove brain tumors a year apart. He was very professional, thorough, understanding, and treated everyone around him with genuine human care. I am truly blessed to be here today to continue to enjoy my family and continue living life. I credit this to everyone involved in my care, and mostly Dr Murray for being involved from day one and coordinating everything. Top notch Doctor and wonderful person.
It was discovered in June 2023, quite by accident that I had a meningioma tumor. When I couldn’t see a doctor within my provider organization for over a month, I actually “googled” and found Dr Murray. This is in part why I’m writing this review. He and his staff are all amazing. He spent close to an hour with me and my daughter on our initial visit explaining everything! On other visits my other daughter was on speakerphone and was able to ask questions as well. I had surgery and am recovering well! The manner in which he “opened” things up, let me say the incision is barely visible!! Dr. Murray is an excellent, kind and compassionate doctor!
Dr. Murray is the best. So fortunate to have had him as my surgeon. He is smart, dedicated, knowledgeable and experienced. He put me at ease as a patient and I knew that my surgery would be a successful one with him and it was.
I can't thank Dr. Murray enough for timely diagnosing my tumor, patiently monitoring it for some time, delicately but convincingly giving me good reasons to have a surgery, when the tumor's unstoppable growth was ultimately confirmed, and for flawlessly doing the surgery in the most brilliant way resulting in my full recovery and returning to work in less than a month. I neither felt any pain after the surgery, nor experienced headaches or other potentially expected difficulties. When I went back home in four days after the surgery, I was talking, walking, joking, and happily smiling. Words cannot express how much my family and I are grateful to Dr. Murray and his entire team at Virginia Neurosurgeons for their professionalism, empathy, excellent medical care, and for being miracle workers for their patients on a daily basis.
Dr. Murray removed a tumor attached to my pituitary gland. This was a complex situation made even more so because of my other conditions. From our first meeting, my wife and I were impressed with his manner, his reassuring confidence and professionalism. My treatment was a success . Based on my experiences over the last nine months, I now understand why other doctors and other healthcare professionals have such high regard for Dr. Murray. I can say with great confidence that Dr. Murray and his entire team are first class professionals.
Not only is Dr. Murray an accomplished surgeon, he is also attentive and thoughtful in his post-op care. I feel very grateful to him for his professionalism, and I enthusiastically recommend him and his staff for the excellent care that I received.
I would absolutely recommend Dr. Murray to my friends and family. I worked as a perioperative nurse at VHC for 35 years. And although I never had the pleasure of working with Dr. Murray personally, I must say that from my experience in working with many different neurosurgeons through the years that he strikes me as one of the most competent and professional specialists that I have come into contact with.
Dr. Richard Murray is a phenomenal neurosurgeon. He performed a craniotomy on me to remove a brain tumor and was professional, informative--and most of all--highly successful! I am very fortunate to have someone with his exceptional skill, knowledge, capability and kind disposition.
Dr Murray and his staff could not have more professional. They updated me every step of the way which is so important when going through major brain surgery. Dr Murray thoroughly explained the surgery and what to expect. I feel very lucky that Dr Murray practices in Arlington and that I was able to get him, and his staff, on my team.
Dr. Murray was caring, careful, and thoroughly professional. He formed a fantastic team with Dr. Ashkan Monfared (neurotologist) to remove a large brain tumor (acoustic neuroma). This was a stressful time for me and my family, but we all felt better knowing that I had two of the top neurosurgeons in the country doing the surgery. Dr. Murray and his team at the Virginia Hospital Center were patient with all of our questions and explained all of my options carefully. The surgery was very successful and I've recovered well. Dr. Murray continues to provide care through regular post-op appointments to ensure everything is healing well. I highly recommend him and VHC. He is in great demand, so scheduling can take time, but he was able to fit me in quickly for the needed surgery. I'm so glad we found him.
