Dr. Daniel S Refai, MD

At the six month visit, Dr. Refai reviewed my most recent MRI and carefully explained the differences it showed since the surgery. I was almost completely paralyzed and now walk normally and am able to do everything I did before. He repeatedly said, "I am just as happy as you are," and he meant it. Both his skill and his humanity are outstanding.

I came into the ER with significant pain and numbness in the lower half of my body. It was determined that I would need emergency surgery to address a herniated disc. Dr. Refai and his team were top notch and worked to get me quickly slotted into their busy surgery schedule. They thoroughly explained everything prior to surgery and successfully completed the surgery to alleviate my pain and prevent further long lasting damage. After surgery he and the team were excellent in explaining what had been done, what I could expect moving forward, and answering all of my questions. I could not be happier with this team and my experience. I’m so thankful for Dr. Refai and his team. I would highly recommend them to anyone needing spinal surgery.

When I first saw Dr. Refai, I was unable to walk at all and wasn't able to stand alone. He explained what he saw on my MRI (meningioma of thoracic spine) and what he would do in the surgery in an easily understood way. He admitted me on an emergency basis and did the surgery two days later. I could move my legs immediately after surgery, and six weeks later, I am walking on my own and living normally again. It seemed like a miracle. While in the hospital, his P.A.s saw me every day and answered any questions. At the followup Zoom visit, he again explained exactly what he had done and showed me the before and after MRI images. He not only took time to talk but clearly remembered my situation among his large number of patients and clearly cared about me personally, not just as a case. I would recommend him without any hesitation. His medical skill and experience are obvious, but his desire to make you better is also noteworthy.

Can’t say enough about Dr Refai. He literally saved my life.

I’m a spinal stroke patient. I found Dr. Refai because of his high reviews. My situation is extremely complicated and I have been brushed off by so many doctors in my area who just don’t want a patient with so many complications as I have. I decided to do my own research because I can no longer take the constant pain in my lower back. Due to COVID-19 my appointment was done by video. Sometimes people can talk too much and that’s exactly what I did. I basically told him how I got my spinal cord injury and all my other health issues. Now, I just knew he was going to tell me that he would look at the spot on my spine but he basically blew my off and going so far to tell me that I should no longer do physical therapy and that my condition is permanent. I just cried my eyes out. He didn’t want anything to do with me just like all the other physicians I had seen. I get my spinal cord injury may be permanent but what about the constant pain and the spot on my spine that no one seems to know… what it is! My PT therapist called to see why I wasn’t coming anymore and I told her that Dr. Refai said it was no need too! She was appalled and said what type a Dr. tells a paralyzed patient to not go to therapy. Well I just wanted to give you a brief description of my video appointment. Overall he seemed like he is a great physician I just think if they are already paralyzed and your case may be too complicated you may want to get another opinion I definitely am! I’m not looking for a cure just some type of relief for my chronic back pain and too see what this DAM spot is on my spine. You would think they would look because that may be causing my paralysis but no they are scared of any potential lawsuits if I happen to die in their hands! Thanks Dr. Refai for your honesty and also for breaking my spirits like I’m a lost cause!!!

I saw this Dr yesterday, I drove 2 hours to get there. My home town neurosurgeon set the appointment up because he was the best at performing surgery for a very large spinal syrinx. But instead he was rude acted like he couldent understand why I was there and said he would not perform the surgery , but that he wanted me to come back in 6 months for another mri to keep a check on it to make sure it hasn't got bigger it is all ready 9x9mm, that aint happening I guess when I finally die from this it will be over with.

I saw this Dr yesterday, I drove 2 hours to get there. My home town neurosurgeon set the appointment up because he was the best at performing surgery for a very large spinal syrinx. But instead he was rude acted like he couldent understand why I was there and said he would not perform the surgery , but that he wanted me to come back in 6 months for another mri to keep a check on it to make sure it hasn't got bigger it is all ready 9x9mm, that aint happening I guess when I finally die from this it will be over with.

I cannot say enough good things about Dr. Refai and his staff. They are responsive and engaged. He is a top-notch surgeon and a great listener. My surgeries have been very successful.

Because of Dr. Refai, my life was changed from one of constant, unbearable pain to one of purpose. On May 22, 2017, Dr. Daniel Refai performed a cervical discectomy and spinal fusion from C-5 to C-7 due to severe cervical stenosis with radiculopathy. I waited until today, the 6 month marker post-surgery, to write a review. I can say with total confidence that this surgery was a complete success, and equates to a personal miracle for me. There were no complications, and I received the absolute best care from Dr. Refai and his staff, as well as Emory Midtown Hospital. Before my surgery, I spent the previous 13 months in excruciating pain. Looking back, there were years of intermittent pain before April, 2016 when the nerve pain became constant from my neck down my arm to my left hand, and at the time of consultation with Dr. Refai, signs of nerve damage and muscle weakness had begun. Before meeting with Dr. Refai I had spent a year giving 100% to alternatives to surgery: physical… therapy, spinal injections, massage, chiropractic care, acupuncture, NSAIDs, and other drugs as well as non-pharmacologic means of pain management, without success. This issue and pain is COMPLETELY gone now. I am gaining muscle strength, able to work out in the gym again, as well as meet the physical challenges required of a nurse in my clinical rotations. I am a non-traditional student in a bachelor of science in nursing program. If it weren’t for Dr. Refai and this surgery, I would have had to give up my dream and drop out of school after investing the two years of hard work that it took to get into a competitive program. I can’t say enough good things about this doctor. He has given me a new lease on life, and because of that, I will be able to finish my degree and spend the next chapters of life committed to a meaningful purpose. If you, or someone you know needs spine surgery, I recommend that you contact Dr. Refai’s office. He will give you an honest assessment of what can be done.

My mother needed immediate surgery to remove a spinal meningioma. She lost almost all leg function and bladder control. Her spinal cord was compressed to a thin translucent section. We were so fortunate Dr. Refai was available to do the surgery. He took the time to explain the procedure, risks and answered all of my questions. The delicate surgery was performed flawlessly. We couldn't have asked for a better recovery. It is a miracle that she is walking again. We can't thank him enough!