Let me start by saying that I have been suffering from chronic migraines since I was a child and when I turned 20 those occasional strong migraines turned into daily chronic migraines. I went to over 15 neurologists over the course of 3 years and tried all kind of different medications but nothing helped so I eventually gave up and started cutting off all things that could be potential triggers but unfortunately there are things that are outside of my control including stress, heat, humidity, sleep, allergies etc which were all triggers for me. After moving to SF I decided to give it another try and went to Dr Neil Raskin. I have been a patient of his for over 1 year and I can tell you that he changed my life after the first visit. He's extremely knowledgable and asks the right kind of questions in order to understand which route to take in treating your migraine instead of just throwing a ton of different medications at you and see if something might work. Highly recommend! Thank you, Dr Raskin, Ps for those negative reviews you sound like spoiled brats calling Dr. Raskin with a lifetime experience in treating migraines horrible because he has a dry sense of humor? grow up! read more

Told me to go cold turkey off Xanax. Told me I did not have a dizziness problem by a Xanax problem. I ended up in emergency and was told by ER dr to go off Xanax slowly. Reskin Gave me prescription for inderal. I had a hallucination. This was 1986 and still dizzy. read more

Disregard all the negative reviews. Dr. Neil Raskin is "THE" Migraine doctor. You don't believe me? Google Search. Do your Homework & Research. One of many *actual* credentials: http://www.ucsfhealth.org/cgi-bin/expertDetail.cgi?doctorid=1019 Who cares about bedside demeanor. Sometimes San Franciscans are sissies. From an East Coast brat (myself), I'm telling you, plan & simple: Go see Dr. Raskin if you have migraine matters. That is all. read more

Update: Dr. Raskin retired as of January 1, 2020. In my opinion, it's the worst mistake UCSF Neurology could have possibly made. The concern about DEA crackdowns over patient care left countless patients without a headache specialists. There are just over 500 in the U.S. and not all states have one. They literally left patients without access to care. Dr. Raskin is an incredible doctor and a legend in his field. He deserved better. read more

Update: As of January 1, 2020, Dr. Raskin has retired. A letter was sent to all current patients. I am so incredibly grateful that he was able to help me find the treatment I needed to manage my migraines. To my fellow migraineurs, may you find relief. ____ If you are suffering: Come see him. Be early. Listen and learn and be patient. That fountain pen will make notes and potentially prescriptions, and he may ease your pain and change your life. Some facts to know about Dr. Raskin before you schedule: * He is a pioneer in headache medicine. He literally wrote the book about it: a clinical textbook entitled "Headache." * Dr. Raskin is old school, yes, but he is kind and warm and funny and has a great memory and sense of humor. He jokes about my green hair and asks after my partner when I go in alone. Don't let his rules or experience intimidate you. He's wonderful. * He is never rude or condescending with this knowledge, but he may interrupt you with a probiquestion while you're talking because he understands your baseline issue and hears you; he wants to use the time to dive deeper. Trust him to get to the heart of the problem instead of just focusing on wanting to hear yourself talk. He knows his stuff and wants to hear what you're experiencing. He doesn't need to hear what you know about migraines in general. * He knows how he likes to work at this point in his career and has structured his practice to support it. This will be very clearly communicated to you by him and/or his delightful and efficient assistant, Karen. When you work within these simple guidelines, getting what you need is extremely easy and straightforward. Examples: Do not be late. If you arrive early, he very well may bring you in early. Call Karen if you need anything. See Dr. Raskin annually to check in. Dr. Raskin takes calls on Thursdays during the noon hour, so get questions ready and prepare to call in at that time. * He will listen to you. Really, deeply, listen to you. With compassion and curiosity. ___ I have had migraines for over 25 years and seen countless general practitioners and several neurologists about them. I've had several migraine protocols, been through repeated trials of migraine abortive medications that don't work on me, logged my misery in page after page after page of headache journals and fully expected to start all of that again when I first met with Dr. Raskin. Instead, we sat and talked, and he _ACTUALLY_LISTENED_TO_ME_ and my experience of my own body. He asked probing questions, asked about family history, talked about what had worked for me and didn't and possibilities as to why. This led to a prophylactic medication tweak in my migraine protocol, a secondary option in case of side effects and thorough instructions, and a refill of the holy grail migraine abortive that actually works for me from a compounding pharmacy because it's out of general production. A year later, my migraine frequency has dropped significantly. The ones I do get are mostly manageable without medication, and I'm ready for those that require the abortive meds. Dr. Raskin dramatically improved my life. read more

I am writing this on behalf of my friend. She just visited this so called " DOCTOR" today. He asked her about her families' medical history and she replies that her family members get regular headaches, not severe migraines like she experiences. He then made the comment that the average person gets ONE HEADACHE A YEAR! That's insane. Everyone must be abnormal by his standards! He then wrote her three different perscriptions of 20-45 pills a bottle, with 5 refills. Just incase the prior one didnt work. He seemed very rude and insensitive. Not helpful at all. DO NOT GO SEE THIS GUY! read more

I have to seriously doubt the professionalism, and even more so the compassion, for a doctor who refuses to see a patient with 10 years of severe migraines (me) because I was forced to cancel my first appointment. I found out the day before my first appointment with Dr. Raskin that my insurance had been canceled. I realized that night that I had my first appointment with Dr. Raskin the next day, and I would have to pay out of pocket. I called at 8:30 the next the morning to explain the situation and regretfully cancel my appointment. Now my insurance has been reinstated and I've called several times and he won't let me come see him. I've explained the situation every time I call - I work from home and have a flexible schedule so it's not like I cancel appointments all the time, but he wont do it. I'm baffled. But I'm thinking maybe I'm lucky that I'm not going to put a lot of my time and trust into a doctor with a lack of humanity, that maybe thinks a little more about himself other than his patients. read more

Dr. Raskin is an old school doctor. He came of age when people thought doctors could do no wrong, and he has internalized that. But it really doesn't matter. He has the chops when it comes to migraines, and with one prescription he was able to take me from headaches every other day to maybe once a month. His approach was straightforward and conservative and it worked for me. Furthermore, he has old-fashioned expectations and courtesies that I appreciate. He expects you to be on time because he is always on time or early. He has telephone office hours on a set day, which I wish all doctors would do rather than trying to return calls in between patients. My prescriptions are refilled promptly. He doesn't make me come in unnecessarily and he doesn't do unnecessary tests. He treats you like an adult and expects you to act like one. I have no problem with that. I'm sure he could have made a lot more money working outside of the university setting, but he's serving a wider community at UCSF and has been able to do his research and writing to the benefit of people who will never see him. If you have a serious migraine issue, you shouldn't even consider letting the negative reviews keep you from seeing Dr. Raskin if you are referred to him. By the way, he told me at my last appointment that he has no plans to retire. I hope that hasn't changed. read more

Dr Raskin is an awesome doctor. He is the first doctor to really go through the cause of my migraines and to create a plan of action for solving the problem. The multiple prescriptions is FANTASTIC. They are clearly labeled plan A, B etc and enable you to advocate for yourself and get to a solution as quickly as possible. As for a his bed side manner, he is direct. He isn't rude, he just doesn't beat about the bush and waste everyone's time with pointless platitudes. If you want to get your migraines sorted out, go see him. His depth of knowledge and experience is unsurpassed in this area. I've been to see a lot of neurologist for my migraines and he is the one who has and the difference. read more

Though he's now retired, I guess this review is an ode to the memory of my years long association with him and my first real headache specialist MD. I started seeing 'Neil,' as I called him, back in the day when I was in my early '20's and continued as his patient for decades--we were "growing older together," he once joked. I had seen other neurologists before I sat foot in his office, and had atrocious experiences with doctors being condescending, accusing me of wanting pain meds, etc. I remember being desperate and no idea what to expect, especially from a "headache specialist." In short, he was bomb. Before I went in, I had read his textbook "Headache," and though I understood only a fraction of it (it's written for medical students), I was encouraged that maybe he'd help me in a way others had not. My first visit was the assessment and also took the longest; at the time, he was training a resident, who sat in on our consult. Raskin was nothing I'd ever before experienced. Almost by osmosis, immediately he seemed to just "get it" and "get" me. He got that I'd been around and around the block, I'd multiple treatments and meds. He didn't waste a single second of that visit, asking rapid fire questions to which I thankfully had answers. He was kind with a dry as hell sorta humor, the sort where you blink once and you'd miss it.He was unfailingly kind, though throughout my many many years with him, yes he definitely had his bad days, where on a couple of occasions I cried. But honestly, that was a tiny price to pay for all the world of good he did for me. On that first visit, I was struck by his complete and utter lack of ego, e.g. I suggested the treatment that I wanted to try (based on something I'd read)--he immediately agreed--and I've no doubt that if he didn't think it was a sound idea clinically, he would've squashed it. As I walked out of his office, I was surprised that he placed a confusing arm around my shoulder, and said, "It'll get better," in response to what he saw as my despair and hopelessness. At a time when I was at my lowest, he gave me the gift of hope. Without hope, how can we live? I'll never forget his kindness. Over and over, this was my experience with him: zero ego in this doc, in a world where physicians are riddled with ego. He had none and was eminently open to whatever I suggested. He was not afraid of prescribing whatever he thought might help, including pain stuff with other docs would've balked. For Raskin, the only thing that mattered: efficacy. If it worked, it was all good with him. During his long and storied tenure, he garnered and unfortunate reputation as being an a--e; he also had this reputation as a professor. I can see why people might think this, but if they looked beneath his sometimes crusty surface, they'd have seen someone immensely dedicated to his craft and life's work, someone passionate about teaching "bright young minds," as he referred to them. I once asked him what his family thought of him, and he said "they all think I'm a soft touch." Raskin had many facets and nobody in his day could frankly touch him as expert clinician. I remember when Dr. Goadsby came on board at UCSF, someone an expert in his own right on headache/migraine. Raskin was grateful that he came on, again zero ego that someone else was walking in on his turf ... Raskin said, "Now I'll have someone else to contribute ..." Despite all my waxing poetic about him, after many decades of working with him, I'm chagrined to admit that ultimately I did leave a few years before he retired--all due to my own intense vulnerability about my chronic condition mixed with his penchant to be a bit emotional insensitive--it proved to be a lethal combination--I overreacted, and was out of there. Do I regret it? No. Am I forever eminently happy and so very grateful that I got to work with a pioneer and absolute legend in the field? YAAAAS! Thank-you for everything, Neil--UCSF, all your patients, and I--we were all lucky to have you. read more

Nice Fake reviews all coming from the same date and area. So i went through a car windshield as a passenger in a car accident, broke a bone in my neck and in my back as well as received a head injury and was referred to UCSF neurology / Neil Raskin. I made my appointment and was told that if I was even one minute late that the doctor would cancel my appointment and the doctor would never see me again...point taken, I came about 30 minutes early and still ended up waiting at least 20 minutes passed my appointment time...whatever, no big deal. I am escorted into the room where the doctor is already present sitting down, he takes one look at me and says "Ugh...and what do you want?" I started to tell him I had been in a car accident, which cut me off and said," I mean what is your problem?" So I say, "I think I have a concussion" and he then rolls his eyes and basically starts screaming at me telling me Im not a doctor and how do I think Im qualified enough to go about diagnosing myself...so I say to him "My primary care doctor, the UCSF Spine Center, my parents and my lawyer are all concerned about me and some of the problems Im having like facial twitches, muscle spasms, pain, and fainting" He then glares at me and says "So you have a concussion, what do you want me to do about it? Are you trying to get drugs" I say no and that its just my family is really concerned about my memory loss and his reply is "Your family is stupid, they arent doctors its not their job to diagnose you" at this point I dont know what Ive done to set the guy off and ask him what I did to upset him and have him start yelling at me. He then just proceeds to stare me down and then chuckle and mutter to himself so I walked out of his office. I called the reception desk about 30 minutes later and his staff apologized for his behavior and refunded the money for my appointment so apparently they too thought it was out of line or else why would they be giving me my money back at an establishment like UCSF? Its now six months later and Im still having problems and am very sad I was denied basic health care by this ass. read more

Excuse me, do not disregard the negative reviews. This man is rude, intimidating and dismissive. I was shocked how cold and condescending he was! If you want to leave your appointment with a boatload of prescriptions, he is the doctor for you. Don't expect any kind of dialogue or even a glimpse of a discussion on migraine headache causes and, God forbid, any type of holistic prevention. Basically....this guy is a jerk. And I don't say that lightly. And I'm not a wimp and I dont need my hand held, but listening to me and not raising his voice to me would have been polite. read more

He is a terrible doctor. He was extremely rude and irritated with me. He told me that my headaches were hereditary and didn't even want to consider other causes. He said that my migraines will never stop. WOW! THIS IS JUST SO HELPFUL!!!! How can he be so sure that this is hereditary even? He didn't do any tests or exams. The whole appointment lasted like 5 minutes and then I left in tears because he didn't help at all! Please don't waist your time like I did! read more

Id give negative stars if I could,I had serious headaches and was told to see Raskin(not gonna call him DR cause he's not one in my book)This Guy is just another pill pusher ! Listens only to a very small degree then makes is mind up to basically try every meds they got til there's nothing left to try.I was injured at work and my med bills fully being covered he would not give me an Mri ,so ,we actually got into a screaming match,cuz he's so unprofessional,he wouldn't see me anymore and I suffered with Major headaches for another year and a half.When I got my Mri finally they found what was wrong and the problem was treated and I am much better now,and the pills he gave me were horrible,anytime a dr gives you something that was originally meant for depression RUN,RUN FAST ! this guys is the sh!tz -PERIOD !!! read more

Do not listen to what others say about Dr. Raskin. I am on my 6th day of a monster headache that my general doctor gave me Norco for, and another Neurologist (whom I will not call out), after a 2 hour appointment, told me I had a family history of migraines, and would feel better with Excedrin (nevermind the fact I can't have caffeine). Upon meeting Dr. Raskin, he immediately looked me in the eyes and noticed my eye was drooping. He was kind, wanted honest answers, and asked pointed questions. 30 minutes later, he diagnosed me with cluster headaches - which is what I suspected all along, and I think he did too after seeing my eye. We came up with an immediate plan to kill the attack I am having. We discussed possible side effects, and the chance that the medicine won't work, or I could have a rebound attack after the medication is completed. There is a plan if anything goes wrong. I have his assistant's direct phone number, I have an appointment (did I mention he sets aside a portion of his morning to see returning cases to ensure they are okay?) in one week to check on my status, and felt truly cared for. If you are looking for hippy San Francisco homeopathic treatments that may or may not work, or a pill pusher, Dr. Raskin is not your man. If you are looking for a real doctor, who cares about his patients and wants to bring you back to a functioning point in life - go see Dr. Raskin. As his assistant said to me when I told her I was nervous about the appointment due to Yelp: consider Dr. Raskin your extremely intelligent grandfather teddy bear, that you can share your problems with who will take time to listen, and to fix your problem! read more

Dr. Raskin saved me. He truly gave me my life back. I had daily migraines for years and was seeing three neurologists before him. Nobody could help me. Now I'm down to one migraine a month. I can't express how grateful I am. Please disregard the bad reviews. He is an excellent doctor! read more

Do your homework. If you have severe migraines, Dr. Raskin is pretty much the last resort in the Bay Area after nothing else helps. However, he's in a hurry -- because he's the last resort he's fully booked, and you need to make efficient use of his time and yours. You'd better have all the information he needs, and quickly. I showed up with a printout of all the medications I'd taken, with the dates and side effects, another printout of all the medications I was currently taking, and my migraine diary. It made things a lot easier -- you should do the same if at all possible. I only had 15 minutes with Dr. Raskin, and they were really intense. He asked a lot of questions, expected fast and accurate answers, and corrected me when I had a misconception about a drug. He took time to explain why I was wrong or why the treatment wasn't appropriate for me. He also recommended five drugs to try (not all at once) that none of the 6 migraine specialists I'd seen in the Bay Area had known about. He was able to rule out some treatments I'd heard of that weren't appropriate; to tell me which drugs could be taken safely together, and to tell me where to get Imitrex cheapest (Costco). Dr. Raskin should not be the first doctor you see for migraines. However, when nothing else works, try to see him, if you can get through the UCSF bureaucracy (he's very very VERY busy). He is brusque and in a big hurry, but he knows what he's doing. read more

I've suffered from Hemiplegic Migraine since I was nine years old, never had a name for my problem but was hospitalized twice in my twenties and once in my early thirties with doctors thinking I was either having strokes or seizures. Thousands of dollars worth of tests and no one was ever able to diagnose me until I was in my late 50's when I finally crossed paths with Dr. Raskin at UCSF and within 10 minutes, he calmly put his hand over mine and said, "my dear, you have Complex Hemiplegic Migraine." He further explained that since my mother's sister also complained of "stroke like" migraines that it was in my DNA. He also said that there was very little that could be done to help me and that as I got older they would be shorter and less intense. He was right, now 67 y/o, they slowly became less frequent, less intense . . . I absolutely adore Dr. Raskin, he was kind, patient, informative and he finally gave me piece of mind even if it was later in life. I was looking for Dr. Raskin's phone number as now my niece suffers from Hemiplegic Migraine. I was compelled to write this review almost 10 years after I first met Dr. Raskin just to set the record straight; Dr. Raskin is an amazing doctor and the best neurologist that I have ever met and over the years, I have been seen by close to 30 from Southern California to San Francisco. read more

For those people who aren't happy with Dr.Raskin's straight forward answers, well, too bad! He'll tell you what it is without sugar coating it. For other people who went to see him for non-migraine related neurological illness, he is the migraine specialist, not a head trauma or Parkinson specialist. There are plenty other doctors in Neurology department to treat those illness. Do your homework! It's funny how polarizing the reviews are, either the patients don't like him or they love him! I know there are plenty of patients that have been seeing him for 15+ years and counting! I still pray that he'll never retire because he's one of my favorite doctor at UCSF! read more

Dr Raskin is my hero. He is a brilliant clinician, dedicated research scientist, and a grandfather who has committed his life to finding the causes of migraine and to finding treatment options for those of us who are migraine sufferers. He is known as THE migraine expert and actually DID write the book. If you understand this, appreciate the privilege of his time, and respect that time by showing up to appointments on time and prepared, then you will be rewarded with the the best medical care for this disease that is available. I waited a long time for my first appointment and, admittedly, I was a bit rattled by his direct and rapid questioning. He clearly has a tried and true process flow that he uses to determine the type, probable causes, intensity, and best course of treatment for each individual, rather than throwing the same generic cookbook regimen that works for most people and hoping you are one of them. If you were a "normal" headache sufferer, you wouldn't need to come see Dr Raskin. He expects you to be as invested in your treatment as he is - keep track of the number of headaches you get, how long they last, triggers, etc and be prepared to give him those answers in your follow up appointments so that he can make any necessary adjustments to your treatment or order any additional tests. I could tell by his questions that he is genuinely concerned about my quality of life and wants to lessen the negative impact migraines have had. He is warm, funny, and cares. Trust him - He knows what he is doing and wants to find a solution for you in a quick and efficient manner. Oh, he also is available to his patients every Thursday via phone-in "Office Hour". read more

Dr. Raskin was very helpful with diagnosis and he created two plans for the time being to help treat my condition with medication. I feel very comfortable after talking with him about these plans, and he is very knowledgeable about my condition. He listened to all my questions and answered them without hesitation. I have seen countless doctors in the last 7 years trying to find answers about my condition and Dr. Raskin has given me something no one else could give me. He gave me answers, a plan, and hope for the future that I could live a normal life again. I would highly recommend Dr. Raskin to anyone. Both my mother and I left his office excited about everything he had the opportunity to talk to us about. I appreciate how thorough he was and personable he was. After almost of hour of his one on one time, I truly believe he is the best at what he does. He is very direct and has very strong opinions. I can see how others would consider this rude, but I didn't drive 2 and a half hours to be seen by him to have him hold my hand, and fluff his opinion. I came for answers. He was extremely knowledgeable. I will forever be grateful for what he has given me after many years of doctors visits and never having answers. I truly believe Dr. Raskin is worth every minute. read more

If you are looking for someone to comfort you after a head injury then this is probably not the right doctor. However, if you're looking for a professional that really knows and understands how to diagnosis and treat traumatic brain injury then he's your guy. My husband suffered a severe head injury a year ago. After several unsuccessful trips to Stanford Neurology Department, we transferred to Dr. Raskin at UCSF for treatment. Although he is gruff, his experience and knowledge make up for his directness. Thanks, Dr. Raskin, for helping my husband get better! read more

My experience with Dr. Raskin is outside the realm of migraines. I was diagnosed in 2005 with an inoperable brain tumor. I was told to find a good neurologist that would know how to manage the pain from the tumor. I went to two neurologists in the town where we lived. They both told me they didn't know what to do with me or how to treat me. I decided to go to a neurologist at UCSF where my brain tumor doctors were. The first day I saw Dr. Raskin, he was all business. He asked me many questions to try to understand my situation. Finally he asked me about my quality of life after the radiation. He was the ONLY doctor in the parade of doctors that had asked me that question. He asked if I cooked, cleaned, shopped, etc. I answered no to all of them. Then he asked since I was in San Francisco for the day, would I want to go shopping after the appointment. I said no. His next words changed my life. He said that wasn't acceptable to him. He wanted my quality of life better. I sat in his office and cried. Is he compassionate? You bet! When I left the appointment, I was overcome with gratitude and reached up and hugged him and thanked him. My husband said you should have seen his face! It was priceless. Ever since then, I tell people that he saved my life. He wasn't going to settle or give up on me, and I am still hugging him, everytime I see him. read more

Was sent to Dr. Raskin for a blazing headache that wouldn't go away and for which I could find no relief. Supposedly he was the "go to guy". He asked me how many migraines I had a month, and I told him it is hard to say because it NEVER GOES AWAY! He looked at me like he didn't believe me, wrote me a script for gabapentin, and referred me to another specialist who recommended a very toxic treatment (which I went through because I was so desperate for relief). The treatment didn't work. Dr. Raskin, "It never goes away" should have been a clue to try Indomethacin and rule out Hemicrania Continua. "Go to guy"? No way. read more

WORST DOCTOR I HAVE EVER SEEN IN MY LIFE!!!! Do NOT, I repeat DO NOT go see Dr. Raskin. It took my two months to even get in to see Dr. Raskin, and when I called to adjust the date I was grilled about why I needed to do this. Upon arrival at my appointment I was brought back by Dr. Raskin. As soon as I took a seat in the room he proceeded to interrupt me CONTINUALLY, then get upset when I didn't know medical terms or explain things to his liking or how he wanted it. He was the rudest person I think I have ever met. I am extremely tough skin and while visiting I felt like he was talking down to me, cutting me off, impatient, and just plain rude. I was constantly re-explaining things and when I would add something else he would get angry at me and tell me not to talk about that. It was strange. Like he could not process what I was saying. Maybe he's too old to still be a doctor. But it gets worse. He sent me on my way with two drugs to try for sleep and my migraines. I started the first and after a week was worse, and spent two entire days over a toilet vomiting violently. My husband was considering taking me to the ER. I talked to the office and they were supposed to relay the message "that I needed immediate help and I was extremely sick what should I do?" But no call back. I stopped taking the meds and tried the other ones he gave me. But I still called to see what he thought. He is a doctor after all and I thought it would be wise to note this in my file. But when I called in the one hour time block a week to talk to him, he yelled at me and told me to take the other meds. Asked are you sleeping, and when I said only 4 hours, he asked if that was more than without the meds. I said I guess since my sleep was normally intermittent. He said then keep taking it - BYE! and hung up the phone! I was SHOCKED for a doctor to treat a patient that way. So in summary - the worse doctor I have ever met in my life. If you see him you have something else wrong with you and should go see a Psychologist immediate!! read more

It is difficult to know where to begin. I will NEVER REFER TO THIS CALOUS, UNEMPATHIC SENILE FOOL AS A DOCTOR. I am a licensed mental health professional. Having stated as such, i will tell you about MY "experience's" with "it". This year i scheduled an appointment with "it". I have daily headaches, but they are NOT MIGRAINE'S. LET ME REPEAT THIS,"THEY ARE NOT MIGRAINE". I am devoid of ANY OF THE SYMPTOM'S which those suffering from this horrific malady generally display. My headaches begin at the base of my skull; commonly referred to as "the occipital region". Many year's ago my doctor (my uncle as well) told my parent's "wendy has muscular type headache's" He explained to us that because of my athleticism daily, my muscular skelatal region tighten's, therfore causing vascular, muscular pain. My headache's are BILATERAL, NOT UNILATERAL as in migraine condition's. "it" is themost MYOPICALLY CENTERED THING ON THE PLANET OF NEUROLOGY, but then again ther is a "saying", "WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A NEUROLOGIST AND GOD"? GOD KNOWS HE IS NOT A NEUROLOGIST"!!! GET MY NUANCE? I told "it" i was having severe balance issue's and that i thought i should be tested for adult onset M.S. Let me digress a moment. I am 65 year's young, graduate of UCBerkeley in 1970, then grad shool 2 year's later. I have a Ph.d in Philosophical counseling AND metaphysical study. I also have a M.A. in counseling/therapy AND a degree in Social Science's/psychology. I relay this to the reader's so that you will know i am a very intelligent, educated older woman with year's of experience in health issues of my own. In 2005 i had open heart surgery for a valve repair. I suffered a stroke while still under anesthesia. I then had a cervical fusion of my entire neck; lots of metal cages, etc; a year later i had a total spinal fusion from T (thoracic 11 to S1 ; (sacrum. i have 3 wide titanium rods running the entire length of m back from this surgery for scoliosis (caused by my life as a competitive gymnist) My mobility is very compromised and the balance issue is then compromised even more by having a disease called MEINIERE'S (pronounced; men-yaires) This is an inner ear problem which is precipitated by equilibrum issues, thus the balance. I was diagnosed by a well known NEUROLOGIST IN THE BAY AREA (a REAL NEUROLOGIST) "it" told me "YOU DO NOT HAVE MEINIERE'S YOU HAVE MIGRAINE'S!!! WTF IS HE TALKING ABOUT??? This pathetically ill informed (never has kept up with changes in his field at all) self centered, narcisstic cretin knows only MIGRAINES MIGRAINES MIGRAINE'S. EVERYONE WHO COMES TO SEE HIM IS DIAGNOSED WITH MIGRAINE'S WHETHER OR NOT THEY EVEN HAVE A HEADACHE!!!"YOU HAVE MIGRAINE AND HERE IS 5 PRESCRIPTION'S WITH (COUNT THEM) 12 REFILL'S ON EACH ONE!!! I WAS FLSBBERGHASTED AND ALMOST LAUGHED IF I HAD NOT BEEN SO UPSET!! "YOU do not have M.S." how do you know that "it" i asked. i just know by "looking at you""" Really, are you for real???are you a neurologist or a circus clown playing as one?? "I cannot deal w/ you if you will not take these med's" I said, "which one do i start with"?? "just try them all and see what work's for you"!! At that point i threw his "scrip's" in the garbage and told him i will not take drug's before i actually know what is causing all my symptom's (i have every symptom for a couple of brain related maladie's. "it" said, "if you do not follow my """order's""", then find someone else!! I cae so close to slapping his face (however, i am only 4 feet and 9 1/2 "; you all know how friggin BIG IT IS. I also only weigh 93 pound's. Moral of my story, "it" should NOT EVER BE ALLOWED TO "PRACTICE" MEDICINE IN SAN FRANCISCO OR ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD. HE IS A BUFFOON OF THE MOST DANGEROUS TYPE. HE IS A DRUG PUSHER, NOT KNOWING ANY OF THE CONTRAINDICATION'S (SIDE EFFECT'S) which come with ALL drug's. I am contacting the Administration and am actually thinking of going to see my best friend (who just happens to be, you guessed it, a LAWYER) I WANT THIS DANGEROUS MAN TO BE FIRED AND PUT IN A PLACE WHERE HE CAN NEVER HURT ANYONE ELSE Please tell anyone you know who need's the care of a neurologist to go to STANFORD OR UCDAVIS, but to NEVER GRACE THE DOORS MY PC who is doing 3 MRI; brain, cervical and thoracic. He has ordered a plethora of blood work. Just please remember, "IT" IS DANGEROUS!!! wendy becker-raabe, ph.d, M.A. p.s. Never listen to someone who say's "I" ATT read more

I can't agree more with all the one star reviews, although there should be an option for negative star. I just saw Raskin in December 2012. I read the reviews beforehand, but thought I would take a chance. BAD MISTAKE! I don't like paying someone to humiliate me and speak down to me in a condescending manner. I knew from the moment he called my name in the waiting area that he was a total arrogant ass. I was sitting on the opposite side of the room and it took me a whole 15 seconds to get to the front. He had a scowl on his face when I greeted him treating me as if I were late and wasting his time! I actually arrived an hour early just to make sure that I wouldn't be late. Well, to sum it up, I felt like I was being interrogated and he was trying to get me to admit to symptomsI didn't have and that I have headaches (which I don't). He even tried to trick me into saying I had headaches because I have taken Advil before. He clearly knew what he was going to diagnose me with before he met me. He wouldn't let me finish sentences and would cut me off if I tried to do so. He was actually reciting my symptoms for me (which did not exist) so he could conveniently diagnose me with migranes (which I may or may not have). I have zero confidence in this man as he has such a closed mind. His diagnosis may be right, but I want it to come out of another MD's mouth. read more

I heard he retired. Which I hope is true! He is the WORST doctor ever!! I spent years going back to him hoping he may help because I was told is the best. HAHA. read more

The worst Doctor I have ever encountered!!!! I should've read the reviews first before going to this appointment. I'm losing vision on my left eye, numbness on my left leg and hand. Apparently this is related to MIGRAINES! I don't think so! I got up and left telling him I disagreed and he went to say he wrote two books, who CARES! Please do not treat with this doctor read more

I have been treated for migraines for many years- I've found it's easy to find a doctor who treats migraines, but extremely hard to find an excellent neurologist who really knows migraines. Dr Raskin is 100% that doctor. When my classic migraines morphed into chronic daily migraines, Dr Raskin was able to sort this out and come up with viable treatment options. We abandoned the stuff that didn't work and went forward with a new approach. I went from having some degree of migraine almost continually to being pain free daily. As for his manner, with me he is warm, caring, and supportive; he's willing to give me all the information I need, explaining the science and research as appropriate. I plan to go to him as long as I can! read more

One of the most unprofessional, condescending, patronizing, insulting doctors I've ever encountered. No warmth. No compassion. No listening. No genuine desire to be of assistance. Just arrogance and a totally closed mind. He was incredibly rude and disrespectful during my entire visit. It was a complete waste of my time. Run, don't walk to another neurologist. Dr. Raskin is absolutely awful. read more

I happened on these reviews and just wanted to add a quick note of my own. Patients that give Dr. Raskin 5 stars are just lucky to have seen him on good days. My first visit was one of those and then they deteriorated after that. Dr. Raskin could be a sadistic, cruel primadonna. He was so impatient and hostile that it's a mystery that he was allowed to practice at UCSF. Granted, it's difficult to treat patients that may be untreatable but if he couldn't stand the heat, he should have gotten out of the kitchen. A knowledgeable but horrible doctor. read more

Wow, I really wish I would have read these reviews before wasting 3 months of my life on this 'doctor' (he's scheduling 3 months out). I have a nearly identical story to another one of the reviewers. I'm currently out on disability leave from work for my migraines and because I went over the FMLA time my employer canceled my insurance, which I just found out about. I called the day of my appointment and was told the cash price is $560 and I said I needed to reschedule for when I would have insurance again as I just could not afford that amount. The voicemail I received last week said if canceling or rescheduling it needed to happen 4 hours before. Not so... the person answering the phone said it needed to be 48 hours minimum and that the 'doctor' does not like that. She said she would confer with him and see if HE would reschedule the appointment. Received a phone call a short time later and was told he would not see me (so much for the 'do not harm' credo). After reading these reviews it has become clear this is the best thing that could have happened to me. Any doctor can push pills and honestly I'm tired of doctors not getting to the bottom of the real issue. I don't see how he can be "THE" doctor when he doesn't appear to try and find out the cause and sort that issue out. Thank you Doctor Raskin! Not rescheduling my appointment will save me future headaches in more ways than one. read more

Dr. Raskin is a super Dr. When it comes to migraines in any form. I had been suffering with vertigo for 5 months and saw six doctors and got three different diagnoses. Dr. Raskin correctly diagnosed it as vertigo migraines and put me on medication. I am now cured and feel great. Not sure why all the bad reviews but he certainly has an old time manner but extremely current when it comes to migraines. If you have headaches don't be scared of by the negative reviews. read more

Dr. Raskin cured me! 25 years of migraines and they are gone! It took 6 years of trial and error with medicine combination s. February 7, 2016 was the last time I ever took medication. I started out with typical migraines and they morphed into hemiplegic migraines in 2010. He changed my life! Gave me my life back! The most incredibly warm grandfather figure I have ever met. I will forever be grateful! He is my hero! read more

If you suffer from migraines, either intense, frequent, or resistant to meds, , get your medical records over and hope you can become his patient. He is a legend in his field, an amazing and caring physician, and great at pinpointing the problem and getting your headaches under control. I don't understand the other reviews. I'd only say to avoid if you are looking for a doctor who holds your hand and sugarcoats things. I find him very nice, respectful, straightforward and Effective. If you need to get headaches under control, don't hesitate! read more

Dr. Raskin was a bit brusque dealing with me at our 1st appt., but i was expecting this, as we had read the reviews of him beforehand. He didn't acccept any of my "sort of" answers, or "I don't really knows", He also brushed aside a lot of the things my mom and husband said, and just basically wanted to hear from me, which was difficult, due to my extreme pain and stress, due to my migraine, and being WAY out of my comfort zone, which for the previous 9 months had been my darkened, quiet bedroom when i wasn't highly medicated... (I had been to the ER 4 times, had 3 MRI's, 2 occipital nerve blocks), and had tried everything from herbal remedies to accupunture to massage to try to get rid of my now year long "severe chronic migraine syndrome"..... I was prescribed several different drugs, and didn't know what worked better than the others, because I was taking so many. Dr. Raskin basically started me on a drug he knew worked for several different symptoms, and then added/subtracted from that base... I didn't know if it was working for about 6 weeks, as i slowly followed his over the phone instructions whenever I had a questions or concerns, and it seems to be working... I still have pain, but it's not nearly as bad as it was, and it's definitely getting better, even though Dr. Raskin told me I might have to live with it for 3-5 years! I know he seems rude & querky, but he does know what he's doing, and has been quite accomidating to me-(I have to travel 3.5 hours w/o traffic to see him each way!) and has even changed his schedule so that I can see him at the same time my dad has to see his neurologist, so we don't have to make 2 trips... Overall, he is an old style doctor(he still uses a fountain pen with an ink bottle & everything!!), but he HAS helped me, and I appreciate his inteligence, old world ways & mannerisms. read more

I saw Dr. Raskin for the first time today. I have had migraines for 30 years and have never seen a specialist before. I read all the reviews of him in advance and was ready for a busy doctor with no bedside manner, but he was very nice. He was kind and interested in helping me with my pain. He had great information and basic solutions for my problems ie imitrex is cheaper at Costco than Walgreens. He answered my questions about my condition, migraines in general and medications. He took down my family history and migraine history. I only wish I had seen him sooner. A great doctor and worth waiting for; I did wait about a month for my appointment. read more

I took my son in to see Dr. Raskin for the first time today for his trigeminal neuralgia which he's suffered with for the past 5 years. After receiving care from a local neurologist, with poor results, we opted for the "big gun" which is Dr. Raskin. We drove 3 1/2 hrs. to get to his office arriving early. We were met by very kind receptionists and told that he could see us early which he did. After 50 min. of an extremely thorough history taken, he did an examination and explained his views clearly and concisely. I found him to be knowledgeable and patient. He is direct, to be sure, but not unkind. I think he's been a Dr. In this field for so long that he has a tendency to "cut to the chase" which can be off- putting to some people. Personally, we were there for answers, opinions and options for treatment, not to have our hands held. Dr. Raskin delivered all 3 beautifully. He gave us a phone number to call with questions or concerns and informed us which hours he's available for "live" talk. I don't know what else anyone could possibly expect from a Dr. Thank you Dr. Raskin!! read more

Yes, Dr. Raskin could improve his people skills; but we aren't seeing him for that but his specialized training and knowledge over the past 50ish years. I waited in pain for months to get an apt to see Dr. Raskin... the day finally came and the first few appointments were not ideal; however that said.. after a few appointments I felt better than I had in years and was able to resume many of my previous activities. Yes, he was not a good listener when you have a new procedure like Botox, etc. that you would like to try. He brought me back to reality that the ins. companys would not pay for it and it was not proven to be sucessful at that time. I felt like I could not live another day with the daily pain I deal with but after the right cocktail of meds I felt like I wanted to live and was able to enjoy part of my days again. Migraines have been studied for years and from my experience there is not a "one size fits all" resolution; each person needs to be their own advacate and find the doctor or doctors that will treat each person depending on their situation. I'm not sure how many friends Dr. Raskin has, but I do know that he treats his paitence sternly and too the point and he never runs late for an appointment because he doesn't spend alot of time chit chatting and keeps to the point and short and sweet. I would recommend Dr. Raskin to anyone who feels they are in so much pain they want to shot themselves and I have faith he will provide treatment to get past that stage. I had spend thousands of dollars on various types of doctors and I finally got relief after seeing Dr. Raskin. read more