Dr. Michael Cirivello, MD

Over the course of two years I worked with Dr Cirivello while he was at Walter Reed. Initially I came in to be seen after years of pain and instability in my spine, and he said I need to lose weight. Seeing as at the time I was 6’ and 195lbs, the lowest weight I’ve been as an adult, that wasn’t the total solution. He performed an NRD and hernia repair which nary addressed the instability. I grew scar tissue around the nerve, so he came in and did a TLIF MAST of the L4-S1. I woke up in more pain than previously and later, after my career was ruined in the military, a radiologist confirmed that too much curve in the rods creating lordosis and intensified the pain symptoms. Thankfully after I was medically retired I got another neurosurgeon who listened to my subjective complaints/concerns and found I had Retrolesthesis at L3, woke up with significant pain relief. If only Dr Cirivello had listened in 2014, it wouldn’t have taken until 2019 to be fixed.

In early March 2022, Dr. Cirivello performed ACDF (Anterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion) surgery on me at the Walter Reed Medical Center in Bethesda; repaired a herniated disc and one level fusion. During pre-op everything was explained thoroughly and expectations were reviewed. Surgery went very well, all the pain and limited movement were immediately relieved, and I can’t say enough good things about all the staff. They really know how to take care of the patients and go the extra mile to make your visit as comfortable as possible. Discovered the Dr. used the newest “Zero Profile Fusion Cage”. Dr. Cirivello’s follow-up post-op appointments went well and I’m basically back to my normal level of activities after just over 3 months. Thanks to Dr. Cirivello and the incredible staff at Walter Reed Medical Center. Now I’m trying to get my wife to see him for her back issues… Highly recommended.

I was seen and treated by Dr. Cirivello at the world renowned Walter Reed Medical Center in Bethesda for a subdural hematoma, a life threatening condition caused by a fall late one night on some black ice. I arrive at the Emergency Room and was told I was in really bad shape. They admitted me to the ICU and ran tests on me late into the night and Doctor Cirivello took extra time to tell me about my condition and explain the me the import of operating immediately. Dr Cirivello was absolutely fantastic and spared no inconvenience to make sure I was ok. He recommended that I have embolizing neuro- catherizations to cauterize the affected and leaking vessels in my cranium and took tip top are of me for the next 4 days in the ICU. I would recommend him to anyone, any age any condition. I give him 6 stars our of 5. He deserves it. He bent over backwards to keep me updated and check on me and helped me understand the results of a CT Scan earlier today. He was terrific. Superb job!

My experience has been nothing short of excellent. From my MRI, Dr. Cirivello explained Exactly what needed to happen With my C5-C6 fusion, then executed the plan with precision. My recovery is going smoothly. I give my highest recommendation to any potential future client of Dr. Cirivello. He is outstanding and you will not be disappointed.

Dr. Cirivello performed an exceptional TDR between my C5 and C6. He was attentive and accomodating throughout the entire process. I have no doubt that my rapid recovery is due in large part to his precise work. I highly recommend Dr. Michael Cirivello and would not hesitate to have him perform surgery on me again in the future, were the need to arise

In January 2020, Dr. Cirivello performed my back surgery. From the very first appointment, subsequent visits, surgery, and post-op, Dr. Cirivello was kind, considerate and thorough. Thank you Dr. Cirivello for your excellent patient care and service! I feel very fortunate to have you as my doctor!

My experiences with Dr. Cirivello on two occasions have been more than excellent. The transparency, and dedication to his patients goes without saying. With limited time before his departure, he refused to leave me as his former patient in pain, and made room in his schedule to perform a potentially life changing/way of life saving surgery on me. Both times I was in terrible pain, Dr. Cirivello aided me. I would highly recommend Dr. Cirivello to anyone, and in the future if needed I would travel out of my way to see him again.

Amazing, Dr. Cirivello knows how to communicate the intricacies of his procedures in a way that anyone will understand. Best service by far I have received in my 21 years of service with the military.

Mike was an outstanding human being and an even better neurosurgeon. He performed a Total disk replacement (C6/C7) on 25 Jun 19 and the next day I was up and moving around like the surgery had not even happened. I had pain and numbness in my left arm and as soon as I woke from surgery all of that pain and numbness was gone. I would highly recommend Mike to anyone needed this procedure done or any other for that matter. Thanks Mike for the great work!!! My quality of life is 10 times better because of you!!!!

Dr. Cirivello was absolutely fantastic. I had my first lumbar disc decompression surgery approximately 4 years ago and there was little to no guidance, explanation, follow up, etc. After an MRI, I was referred to Dr. Cirivello for a second surgery. He broke everything down and was very thorough, making sure I understood and answered all of my questions. After surgery and again at the one- and three- month follow-up appointments, he provided clear instructions, guidance, and suggestions that would aid in expeditious and efficient recovery and rehabilitation. I highly recommend Dr. Cirivello to anyone needing neurosurgery services.

Dr. Cirivello was an incredible neurosurgeon. He was extremely knowledgeable. He isn't your typical scalpel jockey by any measures. He actually recommended to try everything but surgery. After living with a bulging for 2 months my pain and symptoms got significantly worse...this was the point he recommended surgery. If you want a true-care-for-you doc, then Dr. Cirivello is your neurosurgeon. He explains everything and illustrates using models/pictures. His best asset, is I felt he always listenened to what I said, where it hurt, etc. He addressed every concern and helped just as much post-surgery/recovery as he did the months leading up to it. I am post-op 3 months and am on the up and up. Dr. Cirivello is one of the best surgeons I have met in my military career. Due to his efforts I am walking and starting to run again nearly pain free. I am so grateful for his services and will gladly render a salute with the utmost respect. Thank you Dr. C!

Outstanding neurosurgeon!! Dr. Cirivello was highly informative both before and after my surgery (disc replacement) and demonstrated a genuine care for me as a patient. Recovery went as he informed me it would and because of him I am now back to full active duty (SEMPER FI!!) and can continue my career in military service.

Doctor Cirivello is an outstanding physician! His care in providing we with a disc replacement in my neck was excellent in every respect. I was kept informed, I was given fantastic care, and the procedure produced outstanding results. I would highly recommend this physician to anyone needing care!

Dr. Cirivello and his staff are top notch! I had a posterior foraminotomy done to try and relieve pressure on my C6-7 spine/root caused by a sport injury. This helped some but did not relieve all the problems. Dr. Cirivello was always there to hear my complaints and give recommendations on treatment. I got a disc replacement and I was instantly feeling better. Cannot recommend Dr. Cirivello highly enough for his care, and treatment. He will bring you back from just surviving to living!

Thanks to Dr.Cirivello and his team I am pain free and have regained functional use of my arm after a disc replacement at C6-C7. Dr.Cirivello and his team are amazing! He was extremely thorough and clearly explained the diagnosis, treatment, surgery and recovery processes. Definitely in the top of his field with experience and patient care!!

Dr. C, was great. i had a L5-S1 spinal decompression. Was walking right after the drugs wore off, pain med free 2 days later. Zero numbness, zero pain that I had before the procedure. He did a great job and his bed side manner was great!! ITC Walsh

Dr. Cirivello is an amazing doctor! I came to him after being dismissed several times by my original neurosurgeon. I have Intracranial Hypertension/Obstructive Hydrocephalus which requires me to have a shunt. I learned when it was broken and he never questioned me. We went through a lot of surgeries together and he never gave up on me. Dr. Cirivello and his team became like family. They fought alongside me to find the answer! I am extremely thankful for Dr. Cirivello! Absolutely recommend him!

Dr. Cirivello is an awesome doctor. I had craniotomy surgery with him on January 21st 2015. He was very patient, he took his time to explain the whole procedure to me. After the procedure, he checked on me several times and answered all the questions I had. You never feel like you are rushed out of his exam room. You feel like you are his only patient. I really don’t like going to see any doctors but an appt with Dr. Cirivello is one that I look forward to. It is more visiting a friend.

Have been seeing him since 2014. Performed several back surgeries with success. Would highly recommend. Very candid and lays out all options, pros and cons, to increase patients understanding. Does not recommend surgery unless last resort.

Dr. Cirivello took me on as his patient after I had received many years of poor treatment from another provider outside the hospital. His attention to detail and willingness to provide rigor to properly treating me has set him aside from other doctors as a true professional with a deep knowledge base. He leads a team of Neurosurgeons and they always keep each other completely informed regarding my health care needs. He always sets aside plentiful time and is always attentive to listening to me.