Dr. Michael Galen Gibbs, MD

The first doctor to tell me that I only imitate my seizures. He does not believe that I have electrical activity in the brain. I asked him what I feel in the brain and he could not give me an answer except I am not having seizures.

Was recommended for an MRI and told that he would get back with me with the results right away. Almost 4 weeks later and 6 phone calls to his office did I finally hear from him. I can not recommend a doctor who treats patients like this. They do not take many types of insurance so I paid $315 for this.

He spent a good amount of time going over my symptoms and history and doing a physical exam. He told me I have permanent spinal cord damage, from the exam. That was it, he was going to send me in my way. I had to ask if I could get a cervical mri which he ordered. He called with the results and said the mri showed permanent spinal cord damage and that was all he had to say. I had to ask what levels and he answered C3-C6, if anything can be done or do I just have to live like this. He said I have to live like this. Nothing was said about PT, pain management or any other advise. I still have questions...will it progress, what’s causing it (bone abrasion or lack of blood nutrients to that area, should I limit activities/any risk of more damage...??? I left a message last week saying I have more questions. Waiting for a call back. Wonder how he would like getting vague answers if he was in my shoes.

He spent a good amount of time going over my symptoms and history and doing a physical exam. He told me I have permanent spinal cord damage, from the exam. That was it, he was going to send me in my way. I had to ask if I could get a cervical mri which he ordered. He called with the results and said the mri showed permanent spinal cord damage and that was all he had to say. I had to ask what levels and he answered C3-C6, if anything can be done or do I just have to live like this. He said I have to live like this. Nothing was said about PT, pain management or any other advise. I still have questions...will it progress, what’s causing it (bone abrasion or lack of blood nutrients to that area, should I limit activities/any risk of more damage...??? I left a message last week saying I have more questions. Waiting for a call back. Wonder how he would like getting vague answers if he was in my shoes.

Dr Gibbs seems like an acceptably astute medical professional. Working with him as an individual, I will say, was a pleasant experience. However, getting the opportunity to actually speak with him is where the pleasure is completely lost. I have been seen by multiple neurologists and neurosurgeons in my medical career (from the "patient" side) and have yet to come across an office that performs as poorly as "Neurology Associates of Santa Barbara." I am not writing out of spite for Gibbs himself. I remind you- the 20 minutes I had in his office, he was seemingly very astute. But I am under the impression that I would be doing a disservice to the public seeking neuro-health if I did not post my alarmingly unpleasant experience with his office. I have called many many times and tried to setup a follow-up appointment only to have no calls answered. Rarely ever were my voicemails returned, only to then be told that there is no appointment for the next 6 months but if I made it far enough… along in the process then I could possibly be put on a waiting cancellation list. The office in large, lacks professionalism. This would be fine if I were a someone that had ample amounts of time to spare and waste at my own delight. However, for others of us in the professional arena: legal, financial, etc..., time is of the essence, so a disrespect for the management of it, is rather frustrating. Again, I would love to continue to work with Dr Gibbs as an individual professional, would I have had the chance, so for those who are looking for the individual himself to have a solid grasp of medical acumen- he may still be worth a shot. However, I would encourage others that should you be able to find another route, do yourself a favor and save Neuro Assoc of SB as merely a last resort. I hardly ever post anything online, but I have received such a frustrating experience with this group that I hope it may save anyone else the headaches, heartaches, hundreds of dollars, and/or even just one of the many hours and chores associated with my own experience. I do wish much success and well wishes on all of you who are going thru or may be in search of some peace and perseverance related to neuro well-being...

My son has been seen by Dr. Gibbs numerous times in the past year, for seizures and memory loss. Dr. Gibbs has always taken his time to speak to us, visit my son at the hospital, and searching to find medications that work for my son's best interest in combating seizures and minimizing side effects. Most of all, my son is grateful to the kindness and consideration Dr. Gibbs always shows him.

Dr. Michael G. Gibbs and I worked out a continual solution for my neurological issue. Traffic, long lines, and frustration caused the need for a CAT scan and MRI for the first time. Santa Barbara CA has the top medical practitioners from my 8+ years of experience, Dr. Gibbs has the care to progress in the current health of my brain. My mind thanks him and my life has improved due to his fellowship and dedication to solving the overactivity of my neurons and aurora seizures. Thank you Neurology Associates of Santa Barbara, you have done a job well done.

They say you are as strong as your weakest link. Dr. Gibbs is an excellent Doctor, however the front staff could use training in customer service and communicating with elders. I sat with my father during two visits in the waiting room and was appalled at the lack of empathy when communicating with patients. One patient was in a wheel chair as for help and both sat behind the desk with a blank stare. My husband got up and open the door for him and helped in the elevator and took him downstairs to wait for the his ride. Also we have left serval messages and emails for a call back regarding my dads results and today makes the 6th day since my fathers last appointment and no call back. I am a retired nurse and CEO and understand how difficult is can be dealing with elders and family daily. However, its your job to make patients feel special and most importantly treat them with respect and dignity. I managed over 300 nurses and burn out was common. I advised if you are feeling… stressed, or short fused, never take it out on the patient or family member let someone else handle the situation, take a short walk to regain composure and practice kindness. A daughter still waiting for a call back )`:

First and only visit so far and was referred for blood work. Pleased with his manner and ability. I will be working with him for a while.

Took the time to explain my condition and give me good idea of my options. Feel more confident that I will be supported in my health decisions going forward. Highly recommend.