Advanced Neurosurgery

Patient Testimonials

“I can enthusiastically recommend Dr. Song. My back surgery could not have gone better. From extremely painful and unable to do anything I was used to doing, to back to my life all in 5 months. I found him to be a quick, efficient and a fantastic surgeon.

My family waited for him post surgery and he took the time to explain to them the procedure, results etc. He answered all of their questions and was extremely kind.”
Conrad Polly

“I want to take this opportunity to thank you so very much for giving me my life back. I have not felt this strong or more like myself since I was injured. I feel strongly that your wisdom and talent as a neurosurgeon is the reason that I am able to live my life fully again.

Whenever I hear of someone with a back issue I recommend you to them with great confidence.”
Susan Dale

“Dr. Song had done surgery on my back in 2004. At the time, I couldn't stand straight and was in extreme pain. As a result of surgery, I am still standing straight and tall and have absolutely no pain 7 years later! Just wanted you to know how wonderful I feel and how grateful I am to you.”
Marjorie Cutler

“Dr. Song gave me my life back! I have no more pain and I'm completely back to normal. He saved me, I couldn't have asked him for anything more.”
Robert Emehiser

“From the end of April until my surgery on December 6th I suffered sciatic nerve pain, which forced me to use a walker. I tried many alternatives to surgery which included two epidurals, physical therapy, water therapy, and acupuncture. None relieved the pain. I finally decided that I was treating symptoms not the root problem. It was then I went to see Dr. Song (not without some trepidation regarding a back operation, and my concern over staph infections in hospitals). I was immediately impressed with his professional manner and his description of the procedure. The operation was a breeze. His staff was extremely considerate, attentive and professional. I would recommend Dr. Song highly to anyone suffering from sciatic pain. Thanks.”
Bob Buss

“Approximately two years ago, the side effects of Spinal Scoliosis and those of an automobile accident over 15 years ago, I reached a point where simple over the counter painkillers were no longer allowing me to half way participate in an average life style. Up to that point, I had lead a very active life style with my husband, our five grown children, 10 grandchildren and my work for the State of Nevada and Washoe County in Child Protective Services. I had gone to chiropractors, started to take prescription medicine on a limited basis at night because of my job and the pain continued to get worse. My primary care physician referred me to a pain management specialist and after having numerous spinal epidurals, and a nerve reduction; I was referred to Dr. Song.

From our first meeting, Dr. Song was very understanding, compassionate and caring. You genuinely felt that he was concerned and wanted to help correct the problem.

At our first consultation, it was explained that surgery was not an option that would help alleviate the pain I was having. Instead, Dr. Song recommended a Spinal Cord Stimulator, a device that would help by blocking the pain signals to the brain.

I, like many others, went to work researching Dr. Song's recommendation and found that there had been great success with this procedure. And after a follow-up consultation, it was agreed that the Spinal Cord Stimulator would be the best option.

After the surgery at Renown Medical Center, and some time at home to recover, I was able to start performing some of the activities that I had been forced to give up.

Dr. Song has given me my life back. I am able once again to walk continuously while shopping at stores, stand and cook meals, do house work, go on fun trips once again and participate in activities with my grandchildren and family.

Dr. Song, along with his staff and his recommended affiliation of Bio Metrics and their wonderful medical device, I am living a normal lifestyle again and strongly recommend him to anyone looking to ease their pain and regain their life.”
Shelis Forant

"I am feeling so good! I now am able to sit on the floor and play with my 18 month old grandson. I can't believe I can bend and move without pain. I was in so much pain prior to surgery it was unbelievable. My family tells me to slow down, they can't keep up with me now! Dr. Song was the best recommendation to help me. I am very, very thankful."
Sylvia Caires

"I am very pleased with my surgery. My back is wonderful and I have never felt better!"
Mary Minster

"Dr. Song saved my life and I can't speak enough about him. He is wonderful. I've talked to other people who have had surgery like this and they had a lot of problems, but I haven't had those. The whole office, you guys are great!"
Kathy Brondel

"I'll never forget that moment when you found where the pain is and you said that "I can fix that". I woke up from anesthesia and felt no pain. I am very pleased with everything."
Herold Rutherford

“Dr. Song has a great attitude and his hands are in God's hands. He took away my pain and my neck healed beautifully. The whole office is great. The best experience I've ever had was the result of the surgery.”
Mary Frank

“First of all everyone should know that Dr Song is not my brother-law. He is a gifted neurosurgeon who gave me back my life.

In August 2009 while patrolling the back country in Yosemite National Park my left hand started going numb. Followed by severe pain in my arm, shoulder, and neck that kept me up all night, I felt my life as I knew it was coming to an end. My wife and I are long distance bicyclist and backpackers (bicycled across the United States and Canada, hiked the Appalachian and parts of the Pacific Crest Trail). How was I going to put on a 50 pound pack and hike again!!

So who do you call, who do you trust your life with?? What do you do?? Here's what I did… I found a neurologist in Reno, NV. After explaining my symptoms he said if it was him he would go to a Dr Song. Now maybe Dr Song is his brother-in-law but I can tell you Dr Song changed my life.

Dr Song treated me with respect, replaced two disks in my neck, and gave me excellent follow up treatment. Now I can put on my backpack, hop on my bike, and live my life pain free. For you that are reading this and are still not sure, my phone number is available through Dr Song's office. I would be happy to talk to you anytime. I promise not to give you a "song and dance" but the real thing!!”
John Curd

“I had a fuse and plate on two vertebrae in my neck. Went in to surgery at 7:30 A.M. on a Wednesday and, literally, walked out of the hospital at 4:30 that afternoon. Dr. Song told me to wear the neck brace if I experienced any discomfort. My total use of the brace was about 3 hours. I did not use pain killers beyond normal OTC pain relief and because of that, I was able to drive myself when I went back to work the following Monday morning. The entire procedure simply was far better than anything I could have hoped for and I could not be more satisfied with my experience. Thank you Dr. Song.”
Lynn Hettrick

“Words do not describe Dr. Song. He is a true miracle worker. I went to him in so much pain I could hardly move. He gave me a long extensive exam and explained the procedure he would use to fuse my neck. He never hurried me or made me feel like I was only a number to him. He could sense my hesitation to have this surgery. I had heard so many horror stories from others I was not sure this was for me. His first words to me were "How can I help you".

I have complete confidence in Dr. Song. he is so caring and thoughtful. He kept my family updated with my progress and answered everyone's questions with patience and honesty.

I had be suffering for many years and I was totally unaware of how limited my life had become. I can now do more than I have been able to do in years. I was pain free the moment I woke up in the hospital. The relief can not be measured in simple words. Even the inconvenience of wearing the neck brace 24/7 during the recuperation was a small thing to feel as good as I do now. I would never hesitate to recommend Dr. Song and I would do anything he recommended as I know he puts his patients first.

He is a wonderful doctor. Thank you Dr Song and thanks to all your wonderful staff.”
Rosemarie Nelson

"I first hurt my back at a building fire when the 3rd floor collapsed, dropping me down into the basement area close to 50 years ago. A chiropractor put my back into "place" and fortunately, I had no broken bones. I continued to have visitations to the chiropractor until I retired from the fire fighting professional after 39 years. I had a couple other accidents that affected my back and neck after retiring and the chiropractor's work on me didn't seem to help. Therapy didn't help. Epidural shots worked for a period of time then wore off. My back pain became very acute - I could not stand for more than 5-10 minutes without sitting down. Walking any distance was out of the question. I could not find a pair of shoes that would help levitate any of the back pain.

At 70 yrs old, I became the primary care-giver for my step-grandson who was a "preemie" and needed all the love and care I could possibly give him. I knew that I would not be able to lift him when he got much older. I was at my wits end when my primary doctor (Dr. Elliott) recommended me to a pain management doctor (Dr. Mureo). After a MRI and x-rays it was decided that I should see a neurosurgeon and recommended Dr. Song.

I was quite apprehensive to see him since all the doctors over the years have said that back surgery should be the last venue to take since you rarely get better. After visiting with Dr. Song, I was put at ease especially after I ask him 'what would be the worst case scenario's? His response, with a smile was 'death - but you don't want that do you'? We both laughed. He ask me what was I expecting from the surgery. I replied that at the present time with a pain level of 9-10 out of a scale of 10, I would be happy with a 3-4. He again smiled and told me I was his kind of patient and that I would most certainly have that level and possibly better than that.

The surgery went like clock-work. When I went home from the hospital a couple days later, I was extremely sore, but noticed any pain as I had before the surgery. As the days progressed, the soreness became less and less. 7 months has passed and I am completely free from back pain. I can work in the yard as well as in my workshop but most importantly, I am able to wrestle around on the floor with my grandson, lift him and carry him - even though he weighs 45 lbs now. We go for long walks (him on his small bike and me walking along). My happy life has been returned to me by Dr. Song. I told him that he is very close to where I see God!

Dr. Song's staff, receptionist, secretary, nurses, and his assistants are very professional and are very nice people. I would not hesitate to have Dr. Song be my surgeon again and I certainly recommend him to every person that needs surgery. Dr. Song is the BEST."
Derwin Brown

“There are no words to tell you how grateful and thankful I am for what you have given me. I appreciate all that you have and continue to do for me. You are amazing with helping and saving people. Thank you...

I believe we are in places for a reason. I just came here in July 2009 taking a job with the state of Nevada. I was also in training to do volunteer work with Carson City CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates... for children) before finding out I had the tumor. Other than the job, I now know an important reason for being here. Sometimes we never know. Now that I have a new opportunity… I will do my best to give back to life what has been given to me. If there is ever anything that I can do to help anyone, please just ask! Thank you.

Previous to coming here, I had been a Child Protective Services Social Worker and a Substitute Teacher. I obtained a BS in Social Psychology in March 2008 and have been working on my Master of Psychology. Before all this happened I was struggling with my work and education...it was difficult for me to concentrate, remember things and stay focused. All this was so gradual, I thought it was old age; never occurred to me that something was wrong. Even though I struggled, I worked hard to keep my grades up, do my best with my job, and continue to help others. After receiving my MS I would like to teach community college level Psychology. My dream was to one day be a Marriage and Family Therapist, however I felt I could not achieve this with the difficulties, I was having with my concentration, memory, my inability to stay focused, etc. I feel now that the tumor is gone; I have a wonderful opportunity to do better than ever. Thank you, Dr. Song, for giving me these opportunities! I may even go for my PhD :). This all feels more promising than ever before. Besides my education and desire to give back and help others. I also have a wonderful family. I still have my mother, five children and 12 grandchildren, beside many other family members. I am so thankful and grateful you have given me the chance to give them the love that I have for them. Thank you.

Another thing… I cannot think of anyone, other than you that I would want to operate on me. We discussed the fatty tumors on my lower back. If I ever need those removed or anything else, I would want you to do the surgery. Since you are a neurosurgeon, I did not think you would do them; but if you will than you are the only doctor I would want. Thank you.

You also have the most wonderful staff. They have always been so patient with me and all my questions and concerns, which I realize I have had many. Some of them have been because I am alone and all my family are away from here. Also, I now understand the steroids have induced some of my fears. Those seem to be subsiding some as the steroids are subsiding. Please tell your staff thank you and how much I appreciate their caring and patience with me. They all are awesome, Tony and Kim have gone above and beyond. You and your staff have helped me to understand and feel much more comfortable. I have already told several people what a wonderful doctor you are, and what a great staff you have, you are the best and I highly recommend you. Thank you and for your wonderful staff.

This has been quite an experience for me, yet I was never afraid of the surgery. After meeting you and how well you explained everything; you helped me understand and feel very comfortable. After my surgery, my family told me how impressed they are with you and how wonderful you were about talking with them and explaining all that happened with me after my surgery. Thank you.

I realize I am very fortunate and am very grateful for what has been given to me! Thank you again for taking such good care of me, and also for giving me the opportunity to have the life I want and to be able to give back whatever I can.”
Rae Hunter

“My surgery with Dr. Song was incredible. I wasn't sure how it was going to turn out but I am very happy with everything. I did not need to be on medication very long, recovered quickly and have minimal side effects, if any. Dr. Song's staff is great, especially his receptionists who try very hard to answer questions and make you feel at ease. I would recommend Dr. Song to anyone who has back problems. Thanks again.”
Ruben Bankston

“Dr. Michael Song operated on me three times.

In August of 2008, he performed laminectomies on L2-L5. In September of that year, he fused C5-C7. On December 30, I went on an month-long adventure trip to Antarctica aboard a Russian ship with a Russian crew leased to an Australian travel company. I survived being tossed about in the latitudes of the Furious Forties, the Fearsome Fifties, the Screaming Sixties, and the Surging Seventies on a 79-meter ice-hardened ship.

In April 2009, after I had a 2-week episode of extreme pain and difficulty walking, Dr. Song fused L3-L4. I was already scheduled to have that surgery 4 weeks later, but because of the severity of my problems, Dr. Song moved my surgery closer by a month and performed it on a Sunday morning. He apologized for not having been able to do it sooner.

And now I'm the best I've been in years. Besides running up and down the stairs of my three-story house numerous times a day, I hike and snowshoe, and I can sit through a meeting or a movie without pain.”
Diane McCall

“After reviewing MRI images of my cervical spine Dr. Song performed a thorough exam and determined surgery would be necessary to eliminate the possibility that a minor accident or injury could result in severe spinal cord injury.

Dr. Song thoroughly explained the procedure, which would involve the installation of a titanium plan and screws to reinforce the cervical spine.

Surgery was performed without complication and recovery was quick and pain free.

Dr. Song's competence and experience provide patient confidence and assures positive results.”
Roy Nelson, Reno, NV

“Doctor Song has been a blessing in my life. Truly one of those Angels God places in your life when he is so needed.

While I have had a lifelong history of being in pain with cluster headaches and fibromyalgia, I began to have problems with my balance - falling down a lot for no reason - even out of bed while I was just sitting down. Also I began passing out. I was losing feeling in my toes, and they were cold to me, but felt normal to the touch.

At that time, at the end of September and early October, my condition seemed to be deteriorating daily. An MRI only showed a bulging disc in my lower back.

I saw Dr. Kiser, my primary doctor, this time in a wheelchair, as I could no longer walk. Dr. Kiser sent me to S. Meadows for another MRI.

This MRI indicated that T9 and T10 discs were in bad shape - I was becoming paralyzed.

I was to go to Renown Emergency immediately as Dr. Song was waiting for me to perform surgery as soon as possible. We, my parents and I, were told this was a very difficult surgery. We feared the worst. After many hours of surgery, my parents waiting and praying, they met with Dr. Song, (who I am sure was exhausted) took the time to sit down and talk with them. The thought he left them with was that "He did the very best he could!”

Well, I believe he did because I am now walking. My parents call this "A Christmas Miracle". I can never thank Dr. Song enough for creating this miracle for me.

I am already recommending him to everyone I talk to.”
Cheryl Seroski

“On March 2nd, 2009, I had surgery at Renown Hospital in Reno, NV for Spinal Stenosis. My surgeon was Dr. Michael Song.

I have been having a lot of pain in my lower back and down my leg and really almost unbearable pain in my left ankle, could no stand for any length of time without my left leg feeling numb. I started having the epidural shots a few years ago, the first one lasted about five months. Each one after that was a little shorter. It got to where they were only lasting a few weeks., I knew I needed to do something else.

I had a friend who I had not talked to in a while and I knew she had back surgery. So I called my friend and asked how she was doing and who did her surgery and was she happy with the results. She was very happy, no more pain. Her doctor was Dr. Song/ I was thinking about it the next day when she called and told me she just received a flier in the mail from his office and he was going to have a seminar on spinal stenosis. I got the number and called and made reservation for my husband and myself. I was very impressed with the seminar and how he presented it. After a slideshow he answered all the questions everyone asked and did not rush through. I also liked his mannerism.

The next day I called to make an appointment with him and they set me up for an MRI, and a date to see him. In the meanwhile it was Christmas and I was having a sit down dinner for thirty-two. But I had a lot of help. When we saw Dr. Song, he old me the surgery I wanted he could not do because my back was really in a bad way, he had the MRI there and showed it to us. It did not look very good. If I had come in three or four years before he could have done that surgery. I was very disappointed, I asked if he could help me at all and he said yes he could, with a ninety to ninety percent recovery. He wanted me to go home and talk it over with my husband and daughters and let him know. I knew I wanted it. I called the next day and we made the arrangements. It has been four months since my surgery and I have not and I have not had any pain in my back, my legs, or ankle. Every once in a while I have a small pain on the sole of my left foots. That is all. I had to use a walker for about three to four weeks. I am pain free, have some stiffness in my lower back, I am sure that will go away in time. I feel very fortunate that I learned about Dr. Song, he has changed my lifestyle for the better and I would recommend him to anyone. If, and I hope not, I have to ever have to have more surgery or anyone in my family needs back surgery I will take them to Dr. Song.

PS He is a very nice and friendly man also.”
Carolann Guerette

“After my neck surgery I feel great! Thank you Dr. Song - I can dance again!”
Jacqueline Wight

“In April of 2009 Dr. Michael Song performed advanced neurosurgery surgery of my lower spine. Prior to the surgery I had severe pain in back and upper right leg. I tried physical therapy, chiropractics, and finally spinal injections. None of these treatments had any effect on relieving my pain. Everywhere I went medical professionals advised not to get surgery because it wasn't lasting and in few years I would just need it again.

Finally, my doctor referred me to Dr. Song. I took my pain, X-rays, and MRI images to him. I was astonished to learn that Dr. Song was completely confident that one revolutionary surgical procedure would fix my problem.

We went forward with the surgery. Dr. Song repaired my degenerative disk in my spine without having to fuse any bone tissue. Today I am living my life with little or no pain and it keeps getting better every day.”
Mike Briggs

“After suffering severe lower back pain for several years my family doctor finally recommended seeing a neurologist. Somehow the surgeon gods were smiling down upon me because I found myself sitting in Dr. Song's office. After quickly and accurately diagnosing my degenerative disc disease he made clear, in an easy to understand manner, my options. There was a small piece of my disc that was crushing a nerve against my vertebrae. He recommended surgery to trim the small piece of disc away from the nerve but also explained that with degenerative disc disease the disc slowly degenerates and that there were signs of degeneration of other disc. I decided to go ahead with the surgery as the pain was becoming unbearable. When I awoke from anesthesia I was pain free. Shortly thereafter Dr. Song walked in with a big smile on his face and asked how I was doing and I explained to him that if I could get up off the gurney I would hug him. He informed me that the surgery went well and I was out of the hospital the next day and returned to work in 4 weeks.

A few years later the pain started to return. This time it was the disc above the first one that was operated on. When I went to Dr. Song he suggested a relatively new surgery called the XLIF procedure. This would fuse L3, L4, and L5 permanently. It is basically a high tech way to fuse the vertebrae. It is a minimally invasive approach to fusion. 24 hours after the procedure I was home and 6 weeks later I was back to work. Once again, as soon as I came out of anesthesia I could tell the procedure worked. I am pain free now and once again I have Dr. Song and his wonderful staff to thank for giving me my life back.

Dr. Song's abilities as a surgeon are second to none and he has an uplifting and positive bedside manner. His staff has always went the extra mile in helping me solve any issues that arose and they all did it with the same positive and uplifting attitude as Dr. Song. They treat you like an old friend instead of some file name. I could never thank them enough for all they have done.”
Alan Williams

“Dr. Song gave me my life back”
Elfrun Trail

“Dr. Song, Thank you for providing excellent care to our patients. One patient specifically recognized you as being “outstanding.” It is a pleasure to have you on our team.”
Katie Grimm, RN, Senior Director St. Mary's Hospital

“After living with constant neck pain for over 15 years Dr. Song has given me back my life.”
Kim Clark, Silver Springs, NV

“After years of severe back pain and after two failed back surgeries, I selected a Neurosurgeon, Dr. Michael Song, to reconstruct my back from tailbone to the base of my neck. I feel 10 feet tall and pain free today.”
Sylvia A. Roberts, Yerington, NV

“I recently had a bad fall at work that resulted in severe spinal fractures. Thanks to Dr. Song's EXCELLENT surgical skills (and to everyone's amazement!), I suffered no paralysis. Dr. Song is a kind and caring physician. I owe Dr. Song my mobility.”
David A. Flemming, Silver Springs, NV

“I'm at a loss for words to express our gratitude for the miracle of your saving Richard's life. You listened to us, you cared deeply and you gave us the fighting chance that we asked for.”
Davey Paiva, South Lake Tahoe, CA

“My Primary care physician referred me to Dr. Song. A couple of my discs had disintegrated and a piece of bone was touching the nerve in my spinal column causing a constant and horrific pain. Dr. Song was so thorough and clear with the surgery options available that the decision came easily. My surgery was a huge success with the pain completely gone when I came out of anesthetic. my recuperation was short and I was back to work in less than two weeks. I am so happy that I was referred to Dr. Song. “
Deanna Duncan, Minden, NV

“Words cannot express my gratitude to you for giving me such exceptional care though such a frightening time in my life.”
Jackie Ghiggia, Truckee, CA

“Dr. Song recently gave me back my life, free of back pain. He expertly removed a painful cyst, re-aligned bulging vertebrae and removed a compressed disc in my lower back which had me in excruciating pain for several months. His positive attitude helped me spiritually as well. He was caring, kind and thoughtful before and after my surgery, reassuring me that all went well and that I would have a full recovery. I am now pain free and reassuming my daily routine.”
Carolyn Vance, Dayton, NV

“I want to thank you for relieving the most unbearable pain.”
Leslie Winkopp, Reno, NV

“I was first introduced to Dr. Song as a result of a repelling accident that resulted in a 50 foot fall onto my lower back. I had shattered my lumbar 1 vertebra and fractured my thoracic 7 and 10 vertebrae. After examining me Dr. Song found some neurological problems that, after much careful thought and deliberation, brought him to the decision that surgery was the best alternative. Dr. Song performed the surgery and I recovered and returned to a full and buy work schedule as well as an active family life within 8 weeks.

About a year and a half later, pressure from a pocket of infection collapsed my spine at thoracic 7 causing total paralysis from the waist down. The paralysis came on suddenly one Saturday morning. I do not mind saying that I was scarred at the prospects and somehow I knew my only chance was to contact Dr. Song. When Dr. Song received the message he immediately cancelled his weekend plans and rushed to the hospital. Dr. Song had me care-flighted to the hospital where he met my wife and I and immediately ha an MRI performed. After reading the MRI with my wife and explaining what the strange looking picture showed and what he must do, he met with me and gave me the facts – in layman's terms – and sent me to the Operating Room. Dr. Song performed extremely delicate surgery to remove and clean the infection from my spine.

After surgery Dr. Song explained to my wife and me that the infection has caused the collapse of my spine – almost completely pinching the spine closed. Dr. Song was hopeful, but could not predict whether or not I would ever walk again. Because of Dr. Song's fast action response to my call for help and his extreme skill as a neurosurgeon – Today, I am walking, working and enjoying doing things with my family.

I suppose that, as important as his great skill and wonderfully sharp mind, it is Dr. Song's “Bedside Manner” - his ability to explain your medical situation and treatment options in such a way that you feel confident of the best possible outcome. Dr. Song knows his patients well beyond the operating table. He shows genuine empathy and understanding for both his patient's instant medical situation and for all that surrounds it.

Dr. Song is a credit to his profession and most importantly the community he serves. “
Ben J. Gillard

”After 2 years of back and hip pain I can now play golf! Thank you Dr. Song. “
Leroy Mahan

”After my surgery, I feel like a million bucks! It was a great operation, I’d do it again tomorrow! It was really easy! The guy is really great. “
Dan Duzan

”I began having lower back problems 38 years ago. At that time I was told to wait until I couldn’t stand it anymore before even considering surgery. By fate, I found Dr. Song who could finally help me. I am able to do things I wasn’t able to do even a year ago. I’m just so grateful for what he has done for me. “
Sharron Reed