Offers telehealth
Dr. Sivakumar graduated from
How likely are you to recommend Dr. Sivakumar?
My husband was referred to Dr Sivakumar by another physician. Thank God! Doctor performed a surgery that 2 other neurolosurgeons would not take his case My 90 year old husband is now using his right arm and not dragging his right leg Dr. Sivakumar ‘s knowledge and skills gave my husband back a normal life. We are forever grateful
***Dr. Sivakumar’s team MISDIAGNOSED me with a mental disorder when what I really needed was surgery to remove a symptomatic pineal cyst*** I had been experiencing increasingly frequent and severe headaches (amongst other symptoms) for two years before a 12mm pineal cyst was found on an MRI of my head. I was quickly made aware of the debate within the neuro community about whether or not pineal cysts are capable of producing symptoms - half of my doctors recommended surgically removing the cyst while the other half believed that the cyst was inconsequential. After careful consideration, I decided that I wanted to give surgery a shot because all other medications/treatments had failed to improve my symptoms up to that point and the possibility of an improved quality of life outweighed the potential risks for me. I found two neurosurgeons who were on board with performing surgery, but their surgical schedules were booked out for several months. Consequently, I came across Dr. Sivakumar in my search for a neurosurgeon who had the availability to perform the surgery sooner. Dr. Sivakumar and his team were ultimately of the opinion that the cyst was unlikely the cause of my symptoms. While disappointing, I was not too concerned until his team took it a step farther and diagnosed me with somatic symptom disorder. It was disturbing that Dr. Sivakumar’s team was so quick to write off my medical illness as mental disorder, especially when a symptomatic pineal cyst couldn't be entirely ruled out. A different surgeon ended up operating on me two months ago and my symptoms have since resolved. On the rare occasion that I do have a headache nowadays, it is responsive to medication. It is extremely harmful for patients who are medically ill to have their medical problems mislabeled as mental disorder and it greatly troubles me to think of the unnecessary suffering I would have endured for the rest of my life if I had believed Dr. Sivakumar’s erroneous conclusion that my illness was “all in my head.”
What can you say about the man that gave you your life back! I was diagnosed with Trigeminal Neuralgia 2 years ago and initially, it was controlled with medication. However, the pain escalated in December 2022 and I was submitted to Little Company of Mary hospital. The pain was so severe that I couldn’t talk or eat, even sips of water triggered a shock. I was given multiple nerve pain medications but to no avail. I was then introduced to Dr. Sivakumar. Previously, I said that I would never go through surgery but I had never experienced pain like this and I knew that I couldn’t live with the pain as it was. Dr Sivakumar went over my options and very clearly explained the process. I trusted him instantly and I basically said yes please, thank you and when can you do the surgery. 2 days later I went through Microvascular Decompression surgery and I’m so happy that I did. It was a huge success! I was sitting up talking, drinking, eating a few hours after surgery and as Dr Sivakumar believes in heal at home, I was discharged the next day. He also took the time to come in to see me, on his day off, before I was discharged. I have not looked back and my family and I will be forever grateful to him and his team for their compassion, caring and loving manner. I was so lucky to be in the right place at the right time to meet this brilliant surgeon!
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A list of accepted insurance providers is available on the Sharecare insurance check. It is always a good idea to verify your insurance when making an appointment.
New patients are generally accepted by Dr. Walavan Sivakumar, MD. To arrange an appointment, call the number on Dr. Sivakumar's profile.
Dr. Sivakumar in specializes in Neurosurgery. See more on Sharecare.
Dr. Sivakumar frequently treats the following conditions: Chiari's Deformity, Chiari Malformation Type 1, Non-Traumatic Brain Injury, Intracerebral Hemorrhage, Subdural Hemorrhage, Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak (CSF Leak), Cerebral Edema, Hypothalamus Cancer and Hydrocephalus. See more on Sharecare.
Dr. Sivakumar's office is located at 5215 Torrance Blvd Ste 300 Torrance, CA 90503. You can find other locations and directions on Sharecare.
Dr. Sivakumar is able to speak Spanish and Tamil. View profile to see all.
Dr. Sivakumar provides telehealth services. Please contact the office to determine whether you are eligible.
Dr. Walavan Sivakumar, MD is affiliated with Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance.
Yes, Dr. Walavan Sivakumar, MD holds board certification in Neurosurgery.
Dr. Walavan Sivakumar, MD has a star rating of 3.7/5. See more patient feedback on Sharecare.
4101 Torrance Blvd, Torrance, CA
