My doctor, Mason Mileur, recommended me to Dr. Stokes, for my multiple spine issues. I sent my most recent MRIs from my lower back, and neck, that are damaged, and I wanted to talk to Dr. Stokes, and consult with him about any changes, or NEW procedures that might be available for my stenosis, spondilisthesis, and a vertebra that is misaligned 11mm ... Dr STOKES WOULD NOT SEE ME IN HIS OFFICE. THERE WAS NO INTAKE, THERE WAS NO 'BEDSIDE MANNER'. THE WOMAN WHO CALLED ME BACK SPENT 10 MINUTES TELLING ME WHY HE DID NOT SEE ANY POINT IN MEETING WITH ME. I'VE BEEN ON 80MG OF Hydrocodone since 2000. In January, my primary care said he wanted to turn me over to a 'spine specialist'. First I saw a Dr. Church at Capitol Pain Institute, who was a dream. We were titrating down to 60mg... Dr Church was compassionate, caring and he LISTENED and researched my condition. After that, the OWNER of CPI, a dr Shockett said he fired Dr Church, slashed what Dr. Church has as my current medications by half, and did nothing whatever to HELP me. Did not recommend surgery, did not suggest therapy. HE TOLD ME HE DID NOT EVEN KNOW IF I WAS REALLY IN PAIN. I AM in pain, but I'm more concerned with continuing to live, and be able to WALK. I don't want to be bed ridden, as Dr Schokett has left me when he apparently changed my history? I'M NOT SURE WHAT'S HAPPENED WITH SPINAL CONDITIONS, THE DOCTORS IN AUSTIN, TEXAS WON'T EVEN TAKE PATIENTS? I'M HAPPY TO SHARE MY MRI RESULTS TO ANY DOCTOR WHO WILL TAKE ME AS A PATIENT. read more

Took a family member (T.) to Dr. Stokes, ask part of our seeking multiple opinions before agreeing to the major surgery that other docs recommended. What impressed us about Dr. Stokes and his staff: (1) He didn't rush to suggest surgery, he wants to gather more information (including more testing) and get a very complete picture before recommending a treatment plan. Some other surgeons just recommended fusion surgery without looking as deep. (2) He pulled up a 3D spine model on his large iPad and showed us the anatomy of all the parts and what's causing the pain. I can't overemphasize how helpful this was to our understanding. It's a far cry from a static illustration, or even a handheld model. (3) He spent a lot of time with us and we never felt rushed. (4) His P.A., Katie, similarly spent a lot of time with us, wanting to know everything about T's problems and health history in order to get a full picture. The only problem was that we'd returned some of the new patient paperwork by emailing back a PDF (that they haven't yet put on the web), to the LVN, and the LVN emailed back that he got it and entered it, but when we arrived at our appointment, staff insisted repeatedly that it wasn't in the system...until they eventually found it. read more

If I could give Stokes a zero I would. He should not be practicing medicine. I flew 4 hours for a 2 day appointment at Ascension in Austin, to have a cyst in my spine drained on one day and then to see Stokes for the follow up on the next day. The cyst drainage did not work and when I went to see Stokes on the next day my pain level was at 8+. I came in early to accommodate Stokes need to go to a funeral in the late afternoon. I waited in the examination room for over 90 minutes, didn't leave because I was in severe pain, which his staff was aware of. After 90 minutes his very unfriendly nurse said that Stokes had to cancel my appointment! Needless to say I was shocked. Do not see the abhorrent person by any means. If he is this callous and indifferent towards his patients as he was to me, you do not want to have anything to do with this cretin. read more

Hello to all people that are in pain. This is probably the fourth post I have made regarding my surgery. I am still in a wheelchair, and have been for 2 years in March since my surgery. The pain is indescribable. Take it for what is worth, and good luck! read more

Dr. Stokes saved my life. At the age of 82 I crashed into a wall which resulted in serial thoracic fractures and my spinal cord was loose and not protected. Dr. Stoked performed 2 extensive surgeries implanting three rods to stabilize my back and save my spinal cord. If not for Dr. Stokes expertise I would have wound up as a quadriplegic. read more

I was referred to Dr. Stokes for chronic pain in my neck due to a trip and fall into a concrete building head and face first. Dr. Stokes is the reason I'm still walking and not paralyzed. He is the best Doctor/Surgeon a person could ask for. He understands the urgency of the situation and proceeds along those lines without fail. He answered every question, gave the pros and cons on the surgery, the re-coup time after the surgery and I immediately knew I had chosen the BEST Doctor. I have complete confidence in him and trust him with my life. Thank you Dr. Stokes, I can not say it enough. read more

Fell of 20 foot ladder broke my back in two places. The first guy that did a bad job on me four of the screws were just loose and I was in a lot of pain. Dr Stokes did a wonderful job. His staff are wonderful and up to date. I give a 5 stars for his great work. Max read more

I just want to give a shout out to Dr. Stokes. I received great care and he has the most efficient doctor's office I've ever seen. No waits longer than 5 minutes and super friendly staff. I had a severely herniated C6/C7 disc that was so painful I could barely get out of bed, and I had so much weakness I couldn't hold a mug in my left hand. It was getting worse by the day. Dr. Stokes saw me quickly, told me I would need a Mobi-C artificial disc, and was able to get me into surgery quickly because of my pain level. He was very intelligent and humble. Now, almost a year later, I am 100% back to my normal activities with no pain. Other doctors recommended more complex surgeries with greater complication rates, and weren't able to get me in to for surgery for several weeks. I am so glad I saw Dr. Stokes. Thank you Dr. Stokes and staff! read more

Dr. John Stokes is a sharp guy and down to earth. He was the only surgeon of 4 that I saw that spent more than 5 minutes explaining his process and what he would actually do, step by step and WHY. He sat down with me and showed my MRI results and why there was cause for concern. He explained the long term effects if I opted to not do the surgery and he also explained the potential complications and things to watch out for. Two weeks later I went in and got my majorly herniated and degenerated C5/C6 disk replaced with a Mobi C artificial. I'm now 5 weeks post op and have been fully cleared to all sports and activities except golf and things where I would plant hard like running or kicking. I expect to be clear for those in 2-3 more months. I've been back to the gym this last week and feel mostly great. Also, the office staff is one of the best I've ever experienced. They don't give you the feeling that you're bothering them or are a burden like 98% of other medical office staffs do. They also follow through and call you back when they say they will! My only complaint is that you typically only deal with the PAs after the surgery takes place, unless there's a complication. It would be nice to see the man who's handiwork is in your body at least once after it was done. However, it also shows how on demand he is so I am privileged to have seen him and even get in for a surgery date within 2 weeks like I did. Ashley Powers, my PA has been a pleasure to work with on all follow-ups since the surgery. I would recommend Dr. Stokes to anyone seeking a solution for their neck problems as he is intelligent and knows what he's doing. read more

I'm happy to recommend Dr. Stokes, his expert care has restored my quality of life and removed my severe debilitating pain! Dr. Stokes performed my total disc replacement surgery, removing a herniated disc at level C6/C7 and replaced it with an artificial disc (Synthes ProDisc-C). The surgery, itself, lasted just over an hour and I was released from the hospital same day! I'm now 5 days post surgery and have resumed most normal activities and am looking forward to resuming normal exercise activities after one month. Likewise, I recommend Seton Spine and Scoliosis Center, I received outstanding treatment and expert counsel from doctors Pena and Moroz. Also, Dr. Stokes was referred to me by a physician friend who was also a patient. I encourage anyone suffering from similar pain to consult with Dr. Stokes and his colleagues. read more

Just an update - STILL haven't heard back from Dr. Stokes. UNREAL! I've never, EVER dealt with a doctor so unwilling to communicate with his own patients. Perhaps those of you with serious brain injuries would be happy to have him as a doctor, but anyone who has a "severe" brain trauma that does NOT require major medical attention, STAY AWAY! You'll NEVER hear from him! This will be my last post. I'm tired of dealing with Dr. Stokes. If we had had a choice, I could say it was my fault for choosing him. But we were stuck with him because he is a trauma doctor at Brackenridge. And for that reason, he's almost never available to talk to his patients. read more

Dr. Stokes saved my dad's life AND my father-in-law's life.  My father-in-law is in his late 70s, and had progressive weakening in his hands.  He was misdiagnosed by the VA as having carpal tunnel.  When he started losing leg strenght bladder control, they put him on a catheter with a bag, and left him in a wheelchair.  My father-in-law had given up on life. They said "welcome to aging".  Dr. Stokes looked at his MRI, and had him scheduled for spine surgery within days.  Now he is walking his dog again!   My dad had sudden "drop foot", where his foot didn't "work" anymore.  He fell frequently.  My dad is 85.  He received spinal surgery from Dr. Stokes, and now has full function back of his leg.   I can't say enough good things about Dr. Stokes and his team.  Dr. Stokes is the Doctor's Doctor.  He is the one that medical professionals turn to when they need help.  Austin is blessed to have this group here. read more

Exceptional surgeon! I was so blessed to find him. His approach to a failed surgery was minimalistic vs put a rod up and down my entire cervical spine. My only suggestion is that his PA's dispense with muscle testing if your pain level is so intolerable that you are crying crocodile tears. read more

I've seen Dr. Stokes in 2018, and his diagnosis was that the radiculopathy along my left leg, is due to vertebrae slippage in the L4-5 pressing on the nerve. He recommended physical therapy. After two years of physical therapy, stem cell treatment, and endoscopic discectomy that did not work, I came back to Dr. Stokes to explore the possibility of doing spinal fusion, but he refused to see me without any explanation. I find this attitude contrary to the essence of this profession, which is by definition meant to provide all possible healthcare to all people in need. How about the Hippocratic Oath? read more

This man is a Godsend! I was paralyzed 22 years with two spinal surgeries under my belt when I fell and rebroke my back last year. I was in severe pain requiring constant medication to control which I hated. Dr. Stokes worked on me from neck to tailbone removing old hardware, repairing the damage and adding the new support I needed. Within a couple of weeks I was off pain meds completely and back to my busy life within a few months. My wife, a nurse, and I cannot recommend him (and his wonderful support team) highly enough. If you are seeking the best possible care for a spinal problem, look no further, you've found it! read more

In 2016, Dr. Stokes was recommended to me by a very good shoulder surgeon. My back and neck was injured in an automobile accident. I had already had my MRIs. Had been seeing an orthopedist for at least 6 months trying to alleviate my pain. I attempted to make an appointment with Dr. Stokes. I was told that he had to review my case before he would see me. I heard back from his assistant that I did not rate high enough to be seen by him. I asked if he had seen my records and she replied he had. He had actually gotten my chart from an Internist that I had not seen in over two years. I did ask the assistant why he would not see me and she told me she had no idea. I have since seen two surgeons (with egos) and have been told that while my neck has so many issues I should not have it fused since they can not tell where the pain is actually coming from. I was told by the surgeons that I would need a fusion at L4-5 and a Laminectomy/Decompression L4-5. I have to say that I think Dr. Stokes ego needs a little help. I see that Jennifer M. had the same problem and she was lucky enough to been seen by the great Dr. Stokes. read more

There comes a time in our lives when we realize our own mortality. My first experience with mortality was with the death of my father, and the task of shopping for a casket, see my review of Collier's Caskets. Unfortunately for me, a week after his burial, I got bitch slapped with my own. It came in the form of a brain tumor. Life suddenly got really short, really fast. After Sue and I cried our friggin eyes out, we awaited the appointment with my newly found nuerosurgeon, John Stokes. Sue and I waited patiently in his office for him to arrive. When he did, I could of sworn he was 12. He seemed so young! He immediately put me and Sue at ease by saying, "If I was to have a brain tumor, this is the one I would want to have." I felt the whole world was lifted off my shoulders by his manner and his ability to explain to us in great detail what the proceedure was that needed to be done. I was feeling much better. So much so, that when we were going through the MRI's and he was explaining what that spot was, and what was that thing, I pointed to a a black area, and asked, "hey what's this?" Before he could answer, I quickly responded... oh that's probably from that Pink Floyd Concert I went to in 78... we all burst out laughing.. Surgery went extremely smooth, he personally kept Susan abreast of what was going on, from the time he started the surgery to when he finished. He returned all my phone calls personally, and my emails. In the end, the tumor turned out to be benign, and I just had my one year check up. During that appointment we spent more time catching up like ol friends, and at that point, he said your good to go, see you again next year. I have been very fortunate to find a medical professional, who generally cares for my welfare, returns phone calls and emails, provides me with information in a manner which I can understand an added plus was that he happened to be on my insurance. So, if you happen to need a Neurosurgeon or need a second opinion, check in on John, you will be very glad you did.. read more

Dr. Stokes is the best! I was in extreme pain with an L4/L5 herniated disc. I had never experienced so much misery and the fear that I might have that pain for the rest of my life was terrifying. Dr. Stokes was able to get me into surgery immediately - the next morning after my initial visit with him. I woke up from surgery pain free in my leg and then 100% pain free the morning after my surgery. I have my life back thanks to Dr. Stokes! His PAs were very caring and knowledgeable too. I highly recommend Dr. Stokes and his team! read more

Life could not be better, thanks to Dr. John Stokes. Much like Rob G I had a herniated disk at level C5/C6. After years of pain and many attempted procedures to reduce the pain in my arm I almost gave up. Then I met Dr. Stokes and I knew he was the man for my problem, he is amazing both his knowledge and his ability to get epic results from surgery. I walked out my surgery with an artificial disc as a new man. After a short recovery (only because Dr. Stokes told me to take it easy) I was raced my mountain bike in 100k 6 hour race with great results. I am ble to snow ski 40+ days a year and am physically as fit as I have ever been. As one would expect the best doctors are the most busy, and he is the best In the state. So if you are looking for a doctor to pamper you talk to you all the time go to Chiropractor, If you need The Best Neurosurgeon money can buy, Dr John Stokes is your doctor! read more

Dr. Stokes proved to be nothing but a misinformed, misleading, charlatan; who's not current on more effective procedures.... Nor wishes to be. BEWARE!!! "Proactive" is also a word that's not in his dictionary apparently either. He's just looking for Guinea Pigs to practice on, and eek out more experience at our expense.. The last & final time I saw him (post surgery follow up) my physical condition was progressively much worse, than before I made the mistake of meeting him, and he haphazardly performed surgery. And he had the nerve to claim my condition was looking good. Yet when I was not as bad off, when we first met, he insisted I needed surgery immediately... Not only did I have more fractures than before his surgery, but my spine deteriorated from diagonal shape, to a hideous & pronounced "S-shape" post surgery too... He even implanted more cumbersome and damaging hardware than I had agreed to, before being unconscious and in his clutches....THE BAMBOOZLING CROOK. read more

Thank God for Dr. Stokes! For over 30 years, I suffered from severe and debilitating neck and back pain. I am a retired high school English teacher, having been in the classroom for 38 years, and so I attributed much of my pain from grading papers night after night. I am also the mother of 3 adult children, so during my early life as a mom and a teacher, I had no time to be too concerned with my aches and pains. However, ignoring that problem was a huge mistake. Down to the issue....in February I had an MRI that revealed severe cervical stenosis with degenerative disc disease, indicating that my spinal cord was pinched to the degree that I was already experiencing signs of myelopathy. Serious trouble. So, by the grace of God, my daughter had a friend who had seen Dr. Stokes and recommended him highly. From the moment I shook his hand and listened to his calming demeanor and compassionate persona, I knew that he was the doctor to take care of me. His PA, Ashley, was with him and she is equally as caring and competent, as is his nurse, Ashlyn. Dr. Stokes explained what was going on in my cervical spine according to the MRI, and he scheduled me for surgery, telling me that I needed to have surgery sooner than later. Might I also say that I had 3 different opinions, one from a neurosurgeon, one from a orthopedic surgeon, and one from a chiropractor, and they all agreed and had the same diagnosis. I had my surgery on April 4; both anterior and posterior cervical fusion from C3-6. Dr. Stokes and his team were incredible; they kept my family informed as to how the surgery was progressing, and he opened up my cervical spine to allow the spinal cord to once again function properly. I suffered from what I thought was carpal tunnel syndrome for 12 years, and to this day, I no longer have carpal tunnel. I am now 3 and a half months post-op, and I am enjoying my life and enjoying being nearly pain free for the first time in 3 decades! If you are looking for the BEST neurosurgeon, look no further. Dr. Stokes is stellar....I am forever grateful! read more

I can't say enough about Dr. Stokes and his team. I was in a rough situation with my insurance and my neck and his team walked with me through every step. I've never had to have surgery before so I had no clue what I was doing or really what was wrong. After my first appointment with Dr. Stokes I felt well informed about what was wrong and felt that he had a great plan to get me fixed. The surgery itself went great! It went exactly how he said it would and the healing process has been amazing. I'm back to doing the things I love and I a huge part of that is due to Dr. Stokes and his team. If I had a family member who needed back or neck surgery this is the place I would beg them to go. I had other M.D.'s tell me that if they had to have back or neck surgery Dr. Stokes is the person they would go to. If you want the best, Dr. Stokes is the man. read more

I have known Dr. Stokes is an excellent surgeon, professionally& personally. BUT apparently being referred by my MD, new MRI done. His office can't return calls to get appt, let alone just to talk with his NP! I know it isn't a complex case, but PAIN IS PAIN. And not getting any better! Disappointed with Dr Stokes' ancillary staff. read more

I had a lumbar spinal stenosis at the L3-L4 level, which resulted in pain in my lower back, buttocks and down my right leg, nerve damages in my left leg and foot, and claudication (difficulty walking). After a conservative course of treatments involving numerous visits with an orthopedic surgeon, specialty physical therapists, and a cortisone injection, it was clear that the treatments were not going to correct the basic problem - only help me live it. Although the physical therapy had significantly improved my core strength and ability to cope with the stenosis symptoms, my condition was likely to degenerate further, resulting in more permanent nerve damages and additional limitations on my activities. I decided that surgical decompression was required. CONSULTATION and SECOND OPINION: My orthopedic surgeon felt that a laminectomy was called for but, due to my congenital scoliosis, he wanted me to get a second opinion from a surgeon familiar with spinal deformities. We chose Dr. John Stokes for this second opinion, due to this position at Seton Spine and Scoliosis. After his review, Dr. Stokes recommended that a better course would be to perform a spinal fusion (TLIF) at the L3-L4 level, in order to prevent further destabilizing my scoliosis. At my request, he agreed to perform the surgery. SURGICAL DECOMPRESSION: Dr. Stokes spent considerable time explaining to my wife and me what is involved in a Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF). He answered our many initial questions, and met a second time with us to respond to additional questions, before we reached a decision to go ahead. In March 2013 Dr. Stokes performed my TLIF. The surgery went without any complications whatever. I was released from the hospital after three nights. FOLLOW-UPS: Follow-up visits with Dr. Stokes occurred at 1, 2, 3 and 6 months. At each visit, x-rays were taken and reviewed (and shared with me) to evaluate my status and progress. No complications occurred during this time. Dr. Stokes and his staff took all the time necessary to explain my progress and to answer all our questions, including information about any restrictions on my activities at that time. CONCLUSION: Based on my experience with other professionals, Dr. Stokes is unusually approachable and personable. He is typically in good humor and it was always a pleasure to meet with him. He was always willing to take the time to talk with me about my concerns and to answer my questions. I felt no sense of resistance from him when I asked about his experience level and complication rates with surgery such as mine, which was very reassuring. All of these things gave me great confidence in him. He is highly regarded by his staff, who displayed deep loyalty to him in their interactions with me. Based on my experience with Dr. Stokes and my extremely successful surgery results, I strongly recommend him to others with similar surgical needs. read more

I wished I could give Dr. Stokes 100 stars. Him and his staff are amazing. I had an L3, L4 fusion. I cant thank him and his staff enough for the level of care that him and his staff provided. If you have a back problem do yourself a favor and go talk to him and his staff. read more

My experience with Dr. Stokes was awful he lacked compassion and knowledge. He contradicted himself several times when discussing my CT results. He seemed more concerned about where I got them done at then what they actually said. I am having to get a second opinion since he couldn't due his job right the first time. I would not recommend him to anyone. Unless you want to waste your time. His staff seemed inexperienced and lack of caring. I did appreciate Lisa for the effort she put forth in getting me my appt. but to bad it was a horrible experience. On 3/24/16 I was told I needed surgery in 3 areas of my neck, DR Stokes claimed I didn't need surgery nothing was wrong hmmm glad I got that second opinion it's not normal to have pins and needles in my arm 24/7. read more

....having worked in healthcare for twenty-five years my lower spine had taken "a beating,"....as some of out patients are no "small potatoes,"... having lived on pain meds for several years (sleepy, lethargic, indifferent to my surroundings) I was ready to try something different,...Dr. Stokes felt confident the spine could be stabilized, the pressure (on the nerve root) relieved, and I could go back to "living a normal life,".....a month after surgery I was completely off all pain meds, back at work, happy, and interacting with others once again!!! ....cervical disc replacement. I have had the opportunity to have this procedure done as well. In having traveled about the state, staffing hospitals in "crunch" situations my neck has taken "a beating." Not everyone who operates a motor vehicle is mindful of others, and my neck can validate this fact. The procedure was completed, I was back in my room in a number of hours,....home in a few days,....and back at work within a few weeks. I dunno,...just a thought,...."not bad for someone who does not like to sit around!~!!!" read more

Dr. Stokes accidently dropped a piece of hardware inside me during the surgery and I had to have a second operation with a different doctor to retrieve it. I wasn't mad because I understand that anyone can make a mistake. But after that I was persona non grata around his office. I didn't see him during post surgical evaluations and he had his staff conduct them. I came away with hurt feelings and I'd never go back. read more

In 1977, my reckless driving on a moped led to a 40 MPH crash where I landed head first and skidded for over 500 feet. I should not have survived but I did. I am grateful for that. What no one knew was that I had severely damaged the disk at C5/C6. A good friend referred me to Dr. Stokes in 2005. I had successful cervical spinal cord surgery on 08/08/2005. Before the surgery, migraines were a daily ordeal. I could no longer hold a pencil to write. I feel on a regular basis. One minute I was fine, the next it was as if my left leg just disappeared and I was on the floor. Thanks to years of antidepressants, NSAIDS and an inability to move, my weight became alarmingly high. The worst part was the feeling that my legs just were not part of my body. I clocked myself on a walk from my house to the corner just before surgery. It took me twenty minutes to walk 2/10's of a mile. It's now eight years since my surgery. I've been off of NSAIDS for seven years. I've been off of antidepressants for four years. I've lost over 100 pounds and can now walk a mile in twenty minutes or less - just like I did when I was in college. Thank you for helping me take my life back, Dr. Stokes. read more

I'm sooo glad I saw this review of Dr. Stokes! It would not have occurred to review a Dr. but I'm so happy to. My then 68 year old mother (living out of town) had degenerative scoliosis, that had degenerated to the point of her being bedridden and in severe pain 24/7. Upon the recommendation of a Dr. in town, I took her to see the "best" neurosurgeon available. He took one look at her films and said, I can't help you, but if anyone can, it would be Dr. Stokes. We went to see him, without a clue whether he would be able to help her. He looked so young, but confidently diagrammed his plan for anterior/posterior scoliosis surgery, following stenosis surgery on her neck. Long story short, after 12 hours of surgery I was wondering if we had made the right decision. Boy did we. Her recovery was long and hard, but she is a totally new person, titanium rods and all. I would never go to another neurosurgeon anywhere, any time. Dr. Stokes rocks! read more

So thankful to have been referred to Dr. Stokes. (My pain doc said that if he needed surgery, this is who he would go to.) I had been in pain, bedridden for 5 days when I went to see Dr. Stokes at 9am on a Thursday. After a thorough review of my MRI and taking 2 additional Xrays in the office, Dr. Stokes reviewed my options (at this point I was DYING to have surgery as nothing else was working on the nerve pain), and suggested that a discectomy would almost certainly alleviate the pain. He glanced at his surgery schedule for the next day and offered to add me to it. THE NEXT DAY. I met this man at 9am on a Thursday and arrived at Seton for surgery at 10am on Friday. I have never been so excited to enter a hospital in my life. I woke up nearly pain-free and after taking a week off work, started back part time and slowly worked my way back to full range of motion. Dr. Stokes and everyone in his office was fantastic. You can imagine it was no easy feat to get insurance approval in 24 hours, but they did it! Thank you, Dr. Stokes and staff! read more

My wife tried to set up an appointment with Dr. Stokes in advance of her Tarlov cyst surgery next month. Dr. Stokes instructed one of his nurses to call my wife and tell her that there was no surgery for Tarlov cysts and they could not be treated. Clearly Dr. Stokes is not keeping up with the latest scholarly research nor does he realize that the world's leading expert on Tarlov cysts is three hours up I-35 in Dallas. Information on Tarlov cysts could have been easily obtained in a simple Google search. Avoid this man at all costs. read more

Dr. Stokes is great! I had back surgery with another doctor that put me in worse shape than I was before surgery. I could barely walk, and had terrible nerve pain in my back and down my left hip and leg to my shin. He also discovered a fracture in one of my vertebrae that was most likely caused by the previous doctor. I saw 5 doctors and chose Dr. Stokes as he was the most thorough, down to earth, and upfront with what needed to be done (L4-L5 fusion). It wasn't easy, but Dr. Stokes and his staff were there every step of the way. I am now 6 months post opp and doing great. Thank you Dr. Stokes for giving me my life back. read more

So very disappointed and disillusioned in Dr. Stokes' follow-through and patient care. Totally misread my MRI (I'm wondering if he just scanned the report instead?) Another dr. was able to view the same films and pinpoint the cause of my pain precisely---and treat it the same day.... unlike Dr. Stokes, who treated me callously and indifferently, despite my excruciating pain level. Would not recommend him even to an enemy! read more

Dr. Stokes himself is pretty good, at least as a surgeon. He explains things very well, but I feel like he was a little rushed to find a cause and didn't look at all of the diagnostic tests that I had done. He won't see you after surgery for a month and getting any type of appointment is difficult because he is only in the office 2 days a week. And he won't call or see you after surgery. His PA Ashley does and she is very nice and compassionate. But heaven forbid you have to talk with Ashlyn, his nurse. She is a total b****. Very rude and acts like you aren't worth her time. Had to talk with her a couple of times and each time had the same experience with her. Other people on his staff were much more friendly. read more

I was referred to Dr. Stokes for sevear back pain. He wouldn't even setup an apt. until he reviewed the images, which was ok. As a patient and without an apt. I asked the Dr. to prescribe something for the pain. His NOT SO FRIENDLY staff told me in a VERY snide way ... "The Doctor doesn't prescribe pre-surgical medication" and then laughed at me!! After a couple weeks and me having to chase them down for an answer. His staff told me that he felt my pain was in my head (basically) and told me to go elsewhere!! This ""Doctor"" should have his license taken away!!! He and his staff are sadistic "you know what"'s !!! read more

My mother had talked to Dr. Stokes on the phone and he had assured her that he could fix her spine problems that cause her to be in horrible pain 24 hours a day. So she made the appointment and drove 4 1/2 hours to his office. She arrived an hour before her appointment and was told that he could probably see her before her actual appointment, since she had gotten there so early. After waiting for 2 hours, she was finally called to a room, but was told that the doctor wouldn't be seeing her at all. She was told that he was behind and that they could go home or see a PA, who knew nothing about my mom's problems. Since she and my dad had driven over 4 hours, they said that they would see the PA. The PA came in, went over my mom's history then said that she couldn't help my mom or do anything else, only the doctor could. So my parents left and my mother is crying and giving up hope because Dr. Stokes was supposed to be able to help her. When asked if they wanted to reschedule, my dad asked if the doctor could just call them and tell them what he thinks and his plans to fix my mom, before they drive for almost 10 hours there and back again. So far, they haven't heard from Dr. Stokes, or his office. I don't understand why he couldn't reschedule a local patient and see my mom, who had driven so far. On the phone he told my mom that he had a plan all worked out to help her, but why didn't he tell his PA so that she could tell my parents? read more