"Yes, but who else had back surgery 40 years ago?" Yes, it's true. I had back surgery 40 years ago. I should mention however that it was the older brother, Jacques, who was the surgeon. It took took them a while to figure out exactly what was wrong, but they persisted and I ended up having an L5 laminectomy. As others have noted, you're never really the same after back surgery, but I am very pleased with the outcome. Prior to the surgery, I limped quite a bit, but that all stopped after the surgery. Fast forward 40 years, and I am doing fine! I know we're not supposed to run too much, but I can't help running 5K races. Thank you Dr. Jacques Palmer! read more

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Excellent demeanor, wonderful staff fixed my neck seven years pain-free very easy to talk to

Yes. Dr. Palmer is difficult to see. Yes. They are slammed. However, I understand they see people based on severity of problem. I had MRI on Wednesday with another doctor. I was told the usual 3 weeks or more to get appt. They reviewed my MRI that Thursday. I had an 8:30 appt Friday morning. I was in surgery Monday morning and pain free immediately following surgery. I did have a significant rupture. It is a difficult business to run when all your patients are in pain. I don't think Dr. Palmer would be pleased, but I have run 2 marathons since surgery. My (your) back will never be the same after surgery. But, it is close. read more

Dr Palmer staff, is the most un professional medical office staff I have ever tried to work with. I've been in and out of ER at Mission St Josephs hospital for a weak, There office staff are incompant. Rude and cant tell the truth, and their RUDE. After I sent them MRI on me 5 days ago, DR Palmer finally fits time into his bust schedule to read them, I told them a week ago I was in serve pain, they said no problem. Now five days days later I have to call them, and the Dr cant see me till August. I just wast6ed 10 days with these imbeciles DO NOT GO TO THIS PLACE remember the fish ROTS from the head down.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! read more

I first met Dr. Sylvain Palmer in 1998 when he did surgery (anterior cervical discectomy) for herniated disc at C5-6. The surgery provided immediate relief of pain and numbness and my worst days after the surgery were better than my best days before! I did not know it at the time what a well known neurosurgeon he was. In the years following, whenever people asked me who had done my surgery and I told them Sylvain Palmer, it was always met with oohs and ahhs. haha :) Fast forward 15 years to 2013 when I started having pain and numbness in my right arm. MRI showed it was a herniated disc at C6-7. When you have a spinal fusion, it puts pressure above and below the level of fusion so this made sense. I went to another orthoped my insurance referred me to and after trying PT and spinal injections with no use, surgery was recommended. It occurred to me at that point (DOH!) to see if Dr Palmer was on my insurance and sure enough he was. I wish I had started back with him in the first place but... live and learn. The ortho I was seeing was good but I decided that if I was going to have surgery, I wanted the best. My chiropractor who I have been seeing for 20 years said that if he was going to have spinal surgery, Dr. Sylvain Palmer would be the only one he would want to do it! I had him do the second surgery in October, 2013 - anterior cervical discectomy at C6-7 and he cleaned up and updated the old hardware from the previous surgery. As with the first surgery, immediate relief from pain and the recovery went well and almost one year later I am doing great! His office staff has always treated me with respect and kindness. And when you are in a lot of pain and discomfort that makes a big difference. From making appointments, scheduling surgery, dealing with insurance, etc.. I have nothing but positive things to say about them. Thank you, Dr. Palmer for giving me many years of pain-free living!! :) read more

It has been 2 years since my back surgery and I have been pain free since then. I have my life back. Before the back surgery I had pain with walking and couldn't stand without pain. Doctor Palmer is a miracle worker. I am so grateful to him and his office staff read more

Be very worried new patients Dear patients be very worried and concerned when your doctor has you jumping through hoops when you are a new patient you are required from that doctor to do your MRI not from somebody else and if they're telling you it's too much on you to make two appointments just think about how much time this doctor wants to take care as a doctor take care of your situation I am alarmed I called my insurance they don't understand why a ph not him the neck just know this is a unfortunate timely health issue if a doctor is about caring it's simple care I moved to OC 1 yr ago looking for read more

I met with Dr. Palmer last April for a consultation for back surgery. Dr. Palmer is a well known and highly respected neurosurgeon. My MRI revealed I had spondylolisthesis and as a result I could barely walk. His was a second opinion, and in June 2015 I had a double lumbar fusion, so I am now 5 months post surgery. I am doing amazingly well! I am in physical therapy and I am walking 2-3 miles a day and getting stronger everyday! Dr. Palmer runs a tight ship and his employees work together so that patients have the best possible outcome with their surgeries. I have to report a very positive experience from my pre-surgery meetings with Dr. Palmer and his staff through to my post operative care. Dr. Palmer is an extremely gifted surgeon who is also an educator and a pioneer in the field of minimally invasive spine surgery. I feel very fortunate that he was able to perform my surgery, giving me my life back. I truly believe that God worked through his hands to heal me. Next to having an excellent surgeon who did an amazing surgery in an amazing facility (Neuroscience & Spine Institute at Mission Hospital) and a fantastic surgery team, I credit my recovery to Rosemary. Rosemary helped to prepare us for surgery. She met with both my husband and I with a packet of well organized materials giving me color coded, step by step instructions for my surgery that helped me to feel very confident in the process I was about to undertake. What stuck with me the most were her words of advice as I got ready to leave her office that day. She told me "Dr. Palmer will do a great job on the surgery, but after you leave the hospital your recovery is up to you." Wow, those words stayed with me and made a real difference for me and how I approached my recovery. She was right and those words served as a reminder in my head during the weeks following my surgery until today. Those were wise words which I will not forget. Thanks again to Dr. Palmer, Rosemary, and the rest of their staff for a job well done! read more

Sylvain Palmer, MD - With Dr Palmer 7am just prior to surgery. I'm wearing an air suit filled with warm air to keep me comfy during the surgery! - Neurologist Near Me

This is the third review I've post. The first two were deleted. Dr. Palmer operated on my neck in 2016. The problems started after surgery. By August of 2017 the problems and pain were severe. The x-rays clearly showed problems with the screws and at least two screws were out of C3. Dr. Palmer wasn't too interested in these problems. In October of 2017 with a new surgeon I was reoperated on and as the X-ray showed C3 screws were out and two,other screws were loose. I was not expected to live and had a near death experience as a result of these two surgeries. A frightening experience. There's a lot more but I'll end this by saying Dr.Palmer is very lucky I do not believe in suing Dr.'s for malpractice. I'm recovering after almost three years of getting my neck repaired and I hope to make the best of this. Tom Quinn read more

I had been experiencing severe neck pain for several years from being a jewelry designer. In December 2019, I woke up in the morning, stretched, and herniated a disc in my neck. It was so painful that I went to the ER and a few days later, I was in the hands of Dr. Palmer. He knew that it was a serious injury that would require surgery. He also knew that I was very scared about that possibility and he never pressured me. He gave me space and time, allowed me to do physical therapy etc., which didn't work. A month later I went back in and scheduled my appointment. After meeting with him again, I felt confident that I did not need a second opinion. Since my first visit, I had met 5 people who had him as a surgeon and had nothing but high regards for him. I am so grateful that I ended up in his care. I can honestly say that he changed my life!! I hope that others will have the same experience that I had. I am forever grateful to Dr. Palmer! read more

My first review was deleted after being posted for several days so I'll make this shorter. Dr. Palmer operated on my neck in February of 2016. By August of 2017 it was very clear that the screws were out of C3. Dr. Palmer responded by saying I'll see you in March (of 2017). In October of 2017 I under went another neck surgery to correct Dr. Palmer's mistakes with a very qualified Dr. The screws in C3 were completely out and two other screws were loose. Dr. Palmer used screws in my neck that were short and thin and were not adequate. There's more but apparently I can't post the real story. Tom Quinn read more

I was referred to Dr. Palmer by my long time neighbor who had just had lower back surgery. I went for an evaluation and found Dr Palmer and his staff to be most kind, considerate and professional. After a thorough and complete explanation of what could be done to correct the L4-L5 disk problem, I scheduled the surgery. The day after my surgery I was up walking and had no pain (after living with it for years). I went home the next day and after three & a half years I am still without pain and able to touch my toes! I could never be more grateful. P.S. I was 68 when I had surgery! Sally D. read more

Amazing. You cured me. You and your staff (including your wonderful wife, Rosemary) are the best and most professional health staff I have dealt with in my life. Thank you!! read more

Everything about my experience with Dr. Palmer was exceptional. From the front office staff (Rose & Viviana) to the whole process surrounding my discectomy surgery. Dr Palmer and his staff went that "extra mile" to accelerate my surgery on extremely short notice and managed all my intake and insurance approvals in a fast and efficient manner with exceptional communication to me about the procedure as well as my post-op rehabilitation. Rose and Viviana were especially caring about my situation and medical needs. And on top of all of this my results from my surgery by Dr. Palmer were way beyond my expectations. I walked out of the surgery center pain free and have been that way ever since (3 weeks post-op - fingers crossed!). I met with Dr. Palmer yesterday and 3 weeks out I am ready to start light physiotherapy. I would highly recommend Dr Palmer. He is an incredible surgeon who cares about his patients. read more

Surgery was not successful. He just told me it looks like you have nerve damage after the surgery. Nerve damage is permanent especially at my age (over 70). I now need a cane to walk as I don't trust my balance. I have fell many times learning to walk again. This happened immediately after my surgery. read more

It's been one week since my cervical fusion. I believe Dr. Palmer is a great surgeon with a pretty good sense of humor. I've read complaints re staff, well Viviana was wonderful setting up surgery and helping me get ready. I got a 2nd opinion from another well reputed surgeon. I chose Palmer and I'm glad I did. This is me today, one week after leaving hospital. Dr Palmer, I'm following the rules, really. read more

Sylvain Palmer, MD - Neurologist Near Me

Dr Sylvain Palmer is awesome! He goes above and beyond in getting approvals from my workers compensation case; that is a LOT of paperwork. Not only did Dr Palmer get the treatment needed, but he delivers information in such a compassionate way. Even when I was in a total panic attack, he takes the time. My surgery and post-op care was smooth. The office staff is wonderful and they are quick to get paperwork thru. Thank you Rose! Thank you Dr Palmer! Four years after ACDF :) read more

Dr. Palmer's back office is GREAT! Dr. Palmer's front office can be described as: IN (inapt and incompetent). read more

Wow reading the reviews here I just have to wonder. Palmer did my neck surgery in 2010 ( and went diving 7 weeks after ) and carpal tunnel surgery on both hands in 2013. I did and would still trust him with my life. Get a grip people, if you want the best waiting an hour in a waiting room is small price to pay. Yes he does tend to see the most needy first. Life and death come first. I have no idea how he can keep up with what comes his way. I could never do it. I never found the staff to be rude but then again they are not the one who is going operate on you. One thing I noticed on the bad reviews here, non had surgery which would hold more weight on a review. End the day I would be more concerned with a doctor that had no waiting to see him. read more

I can't speak for others...I'm sorry your experience at Dr Palmers office didn't meet your expectations....however, from personal experience, I can share he is the best of the best. Period. Dr Palmer first operated on me back in 2003, and by all accounts the surgery was a success! Unfortunately, my condition was "degenerative", so as expected, I continued to "degenerate". I move away for a few years, and had sought the care of another neurosurgeon at a VERY WELL KNOWN institution given I was experiencing increased pain. I had a 2nd surgery at that point, unfortunately for me, it did not turn out well which landed me back in the OR for a "re-do" the following week! I won't get into many details about the 2nd and 3rd surgeries, but suffice it to say...there was irreversible damage. Years a later, I moved back to OC, and sought out Dr Palmer for an Eval in 2010. I was VERY humbled and appreciative that he even took me...after everything that had happened to me, folks, not many doctors would, think about "inheriting" a "damaged" patient. I just had a fusion earlier this month (July 2014) and Dr. Palmer, Rosemary Palmer, Rose, and Kurt could NOT have done a better job in handling my case. The surgery was successful! Yes, I had to wait a while to get on Dr Palmers schedule initially, but he does schedule more severe patients first, and rightfully so! When you know you are seeing one of the best neurosurgeons, be a bit humble, is waiting 30-60 minutes that bad? I think not. I KNOW he and his staff are superb, I've lived it! I've experienced care at the VERY WELL KNOWN AND REPUTABLE institution (mentioned earlier) and...maybe that doctor "had a bad day" when operating on me, or my stars didn't align quite right, but that poor surgical outcome is now with me for life. Just the fact that Dr Palmer and his wife took me in again in 2010 as a patient is something words cannot express. If I could kiss their hands without embarrassing them, I would! THANK YOU Dr Palmer and Rosemary for you excellent care, advice, and kind words each time I see you two! To other patients out there.....these are my $0.02 cents, I hope you visit this office, because it can literally change your life for the best, for me, IT DID! And if I ever move away again, I'll travel half the darn globe to continue my care with Dr. Palmer. Period. Well wishes to all of you out there who are suffering with pain. read more

Sylvain Palmer, MD - Neurologist Near Me

I had surgery on my lower spine two years ago and today I'm so very grateful that I can walk and run around with my kids. The office staff was wonderful, especially Rosemary, on keeping me updated on my case. I was in such horrible pain from the herniated disc that I barely remember the last month before I got surgery. I couldn't walk, stand or lay down, only sit. I had to sit and sleep on the couch every night. It was absolutely horrible. My youngest was 2 years old at the time. I really don't know how we got through that time before surgery. Dr. Palmer does not have a cuddly bear personality but he's a surgeon after all. The one time he was happy and upbeat was right before surgery when he stopped by in pre op to say hi. And that's where his skills are the best, in the operating room, not the office. Just the way it should be. Thank you, thank you, thank you! read more

Horrible experience with this doctors office. I called in October to schedule an appt with Dr. Palmer (referral) and was told I could see his associate (not him) in December. Made appt, a few days prior to appt, office called to say they'd have to reschedule. I didn't want to wait so I said "I'll find another doctor". Little did I know that it's very difficult to get a doctor appt in December. Just called to reschedule with DR. PALMER. Was told by receptionist, Sandy, that: 1) I couldn't switch doctors (I never saw anyone) 2) I said I was going to see another doctor. Bottom line: Dr. Palmer will not see me! I guess God has a better doctor in store for me. read more

I recently went to Dr. Palmer for a first time visit/eval for Carpel Tunnel on both hands. I was referred to him by Dr. Ngwayu who shares the office with Dr. Palmer and performed an emergency and life saving Spinal fusion C6-C7 on me 3 years ago after a major Motorcycles accident. (So blessed he was on staff that night I had my accident). I have been going to this office for over 3 years and find them to be very pleasant and very professional. On my first visit with Dr. Palmer I had to wait over 45 minutes to see him, but not once did I get angry or frustrated because I had to wait, I knew the reputation of Dr. Palmer and totally understood the wait it was totally worth it. Knowing that I was in good hands I would have waited all day if I had to. Dr. Palmer was very caring and explained everything to me in detail about what needed to be done to relief the pain and numbness in my hands and about the surgery that I needed to have for Carpel Tunnel syndrome. Not once did he rush through his exam on me(this explains the 45 minute wait, he doesn't rush with his patients) Dr. Palmers wife (who is an RN at the office), also ask me if I had any further questions and made sure I had everything that I needed before I left. Kirk the surgery coordinator definitely knows his job he walked me through the whole process of what the surgery would be like what I needed to do before and after. Not once did I feel rushed or overwhelmed. I was really nervous about doing the surgery before I went to visit Dr. Palmer and his staff, now I can't wait to have it done. I'm at total peace with now.. Thank you Dr. Palmer and staff for making my visit very pleasant and spending so much time with me. For all the people that left such negative messages sorry you had such a bad experience. I just know being patient is the key to getting the best care and seeing the best of the best, who of course is going to be extremely busy. If he wasn't bust then I would worry. read more

Doctor Palmer is the best of the best. After nine months of excruciating pain, and almost no relief from physical therapy and epidurals, he fixed my back, and I literally have ZERO pain!!! I'd recommend him to anyone needing back surgery. His bedside manner is amazing, and he explains everything about his surgical plan in great detail. Thank you Doctor Palmer for giving me my life back! Your incredibly grateful patient, Walter Allen. read more

Not a fuzzy warm persona....but when you are in pain....you just want a competent expert. Dr Palmer was just that. He was always pleasant, very efficient, and an amazing surgeon. I have had no pain since surgery...my surgery was repairing ruptured discs C6-T1. I highly recommend him, and his very efficient office. read more

I have called to make an appointment with Dr. Sylvain Palmer last Monday they said it would take 48 hours to have it approved by Dr. Sylvain Palmer. Dr. Sylvain Palmer was referred by 5 people that I know. Hoping they will call soon to set up the appointment. read more

For years I never knew anyone with a successful back surgery. Well, I know someone now...me. Having worked at Mission Hospital, Dr.Slyvain Palmer's reputation is well know. Mine was a nerve/spine issue with left side pain in arm & leg and numbness. Being wheeled from the OR, I awoke and wiggled my left fingers. NO PAIN. I had a giant smile then fell back asleep. Office staff runs smoothly and professionally. read more

This doctor refused to give me a second opinion..all my data and records required were submitted. My physicians are associated with Mission Hospital. Patients take caution here: all surgical back issues are best served with second opinions and beyond. The office reception does not respond within a reasonable time..and, especially if you have urgent needs, as I did. Because I did not and was allowed to visit this doctor, I cannot comment on his skills as a surgeon. read more

I am writing this review for the simple reason that Dr. Palmer saw my daughter over a NUMBER of years; he prescribed, and she had multiple MRI's over those years. He kept telling her that the herniation in her disc should NOT be causing this much pain. Well. She had ankylosing spondylitis, an autoimmune disease!! He completely missed the diagnosis, he did not do labs nor send her to a rheumatologist. This SHOULD have been on his radar and labs SHOULD have been done. AS is a BACK issue caused by intense inflammation!! It took us 12 YEARS for my daughter to finally be diagnosed and she SUFFERED all those years until finally, a rheumatologist diagnosed her properly. This is NOT uncommon for AS. But, PLEASE, if you continue to suffer from back pain, do NOT omit labs. An HLA-B27 gene is the culprit for Ankylosing Spondylitis. She could have been helped YEARS before. It makes me very sad - and upset still. read more

After months of changing appointments etc (some Covid related) I finally had an "in person" appointment with Dr. Palmer on June 8. I had an appt by phone on May 18 if that matters at this point. Prior to the appointment in May, I had conversations with his assistant, Rose & had followed all of her requests, which included taking a CD of my latest MRI & the conclusions of that MRI to Dr Palmer's office...have no idea where they put that CD. One last request before my appt on June 8 was to have an X-ray of my back, I did that & had that CD with me for my June appt. Dr. Palmer did not have the CD of my MRI, I asked about it more than once, he had no idea the CD had even been left in his office. I have more than one issue with my back & he only focused on the X-ray since he didn't have the results or the CD of my MRI. He wanted to refer me to another doctor. Truthfully I feel like protesting medicare making payment to him. I kept trying to tell him he didn't have everything but he was satisfied with only a portion of my history. read more

If i could only give this office - 100 review!!!! This is so far the worst business ever . And they deal with the patients who are in a lot of pain!!!!!! Keeping you on hold for at least 15 minutes is ok , but being as rude as to yell at you after loosing your paperwork and making you go through the process once again!!!! And then when you ask them to make an appointment, they say doctor needs to review the papers. Doctor does not have time , and the reviewing takes 10 days!!!!! You call and beg, what you hear is- stop complaining there are 20 patients ahead of you !!!!! Really ?! Don t take 20 patients. If you can t handle it . I am not asking you to do smth free. For God s sake where did medical ethics, compassion go... And finally they give you an appointment that is 3 months away. Or you can have an appointment with some PA for a "consultation" and they will still charge the insurance and make money on someone's pain ! read more

I have had two different cervical surgeries with Dr. Palmer and I think he is the best. It may take a while to get an appointment but in my opinion he is worth the wait. When he did the first surgery the other disc wasn't bad enough and he didn't want me to lose mobility if I didn't need to. I skydive, snowboard and wakeboard and with those hobbies I ended up eventually needing surgery on the other one due to too many crashes. He fixed me and I was able to continue enjoying my sports. He is the only doctor I will ever let perform surgery. read more

Horrible, rude staff, especially the older lady with long grey hair. Went to Sylvain 3 times and all three times waited over 1 hour past appointment time. Sylvain has absolutely no bedside manners. He's curt and to the point and based his decision without actually examining the patient. Very arrogant, like his staff. Next visit, same deal, rude, there was 5 other patients in the waiting room who had been sitting for 1 hour still waiting. NOT ME - No courtesy call to let you know they are behind. I complained, then left to a standing ovation from the waiting room audience. Never go back again. I recommend you get your own ducks in a row and choose another quack. read more

Discussed my back problem and treatment with him. He made fun of me in front of his staff. Who does that? Never went back. Found a great Dr. at UCI. read more

I would give the doctor a 5 star for his reputation, but its a little bogus because he plays a bit of a game. Some neurosurgeons, including Dr. Palmer, are highly selective about the patients they are willing to treat, which is why he/they want to "screen" your condition first by asking for MRI reports before they make a decision on whether they will even consider taking you in for an appointment. Other neurosurgeons will at least give you an initial one hour consultation to review your condition with you to at least let you know if they think you need surgery or if you can hold off for awhile longer. I have been told by therapists in the largest physical therapy office in Mission Viejo, who work with Dr. Palmer's patients and the patients of all the other neuro and ortho surgeons who specialize in spine conditions in this area, that he will only select patients that have classic "text book" symptoms, BECAUSE, this insures that his surgeries will all have positive outcomes (meaning, he isn't taking the worst cases, he is only taking on the "best case scenario" cases), which is the little game he plays to make his reputation better than it might be. So if you have a "unique" situation, he probably won't take you on. If you've had a "botched" surgery by another surgeon, he probably won't take you on. So if you get turned down for an appointment or are left waiting for days on end without a call back, don't take it personal, its just the way they operate. I've had to learn that the hard way. Someone mentioned in a review that this doctor only sees the most "needy" patients first. I respectfully disagree. Even if you are "needy" he will flat out choose not to accept you as a patient. If you are in enormous pain, don't wait around to try and get in to see this guy, because you don't want to get to the point where you end up needing "emergency surgery" and end up with who knows who at the hospital where you show up. Meet with a neurosurgeon to get at least one consultation to see if this is the doctor you want to operate on you when the time comes for you to need surgery. Full disclosure, I have not been treated by Dr. Palmer. Take what you will from my review. read more