Ian M Purcell ,MD PhD

I made an appointment to see a Doctor with an MD and PhD in neuroscience. I saw a physicians assistant with a master degree…
An MD friend of my mothers suggested I see Dr. Purcell for issues of dizziness I’ve been having following a concussion. I researched him, and thought it could be beneficial to get a second opinion regarding the dizziness from someone with his credentials who primarily sees patients. I’ve been going to the fancy-​pants research oriented doctors at universities.
In reading about him, I saw people complaining That they only see his assistant. I called the office to ask if I would be seen by him at my first appointment. I was told that at my first visit a physicians assistant would take my history, and then I would see the doctor «on that same day?» I asked. «Of course!» I was told.
The physician’s assistant I saw had a verbal tick prefacing everything she said with «Dr. Purcell will say… Dr Purcell will say…» I sat through this for some time, only to learn at the end of my appointment that I was not actually going to get to test her psychic abilities that day, but would have to schedule another appointment to see Dr. Purcell and find out what he actually would say.
My friend thinks this rises to the level of fraud. I just think it’s Lame and Annoying.
I won’t go too into all the issues I have with the physicians assistant because many of them came into being in hindsight, colored by irritation at making doctor’s appointment but not seeing a doctor.
However, for those still considering a visit to this office:
After I expressed annoyance at not seeing the doctor, the PA informed me, «Dr. Purcell will say that ‘this is a physician assistant run office.’» She went on to explain that, when I do come back to see Dr. Purcell, he will just ask for her opinion, and that he, the MD PhD, would pretty much follow the recommendations she makes… based on her masters degree and attendance of pharmaceutical industry dinners, I suppose. (The later which she told me about after going through a list of drugs I might try… at least the office is transparent about that)
Of even greater concern is that the PA wanted me to get a CT scan done to rule out a rare disorder which I do have some of the symptoms of. I have other medical issues, and because I have had to have many CT scans and radiological imaging since a relatively young age, my doctors try to minimize CTs to when they are absolutely necessary. Dr. Purcells physicians assistant was adamant that I didn’t need to speak with Dr. Purcell about the CT because he would say that a CT was the only tool to determine if I did or did not have this disorder. I saw my primary care physician the next day. She expressed even greater horror than I when I said the physicians assistant wanted me to get a CT, and was adamant I speak with an MD before doing so. I saw a doctor she recommended.
It turns out that there is a specific MRI protocol that can rule the disorder out. However, I don’t even need to bother with that because another test I already had done and had given the results of to Dr. Purcells PA also rules out the disorder.
***If I had done what the PA said Dr. Purcell would say to do, I would have had an unnecessary CT scan and unnecessary radiation. Be careful.***

Dr Purcell and his staff is just amazing! I have been seeing him since March and still have on going issues. I have zero complaints about him. Jo his PA is the biggest sweetheart you will meet! Super friendly staff. Very straight forward dr. If you don’t like things to be sugar coated and want straight up answers this guy is your doctor! In fact they are all like that. I have sent so many people his way and I will continue to do so. Migraines, Vertigo, balance issues you name it he will figure you out. Super smart and educated Doctor. He has saved my life and continues to help me get back on track!
Thanks Senta clinic for your amazing work!

Not sure about the doctor, but the receptionist is incompetent. I called to schedule an appointment and she said she was busy and would call me back. She never did. I won’t be going to this doctor, and he should think about hiring competent help.

My wife had been dealing with an undiagnosed pain behind her eye for over a year– a year that pushed us to the limits of our physical and mental perseverance in many ways along a trying journey to over 18 doctors and specialists that yielded no resolution to the pain. 3 months ago we were introduced and brought into Dr. Purcell’s office, he was given our case without notice and was graciously willing to help upon learning about my wife’s ongoing pain and health issues. He extended a «bat-​line» to us, but in reality Dr. Purcell was indeed our superhero. In the hardest times of our life, Dr. Purcell was that reassuring no «bs» symbol of hope that lifted us up when we needed it most. Dr. Purcell and his team of colleagues at the Senta clinic have made progress with my wife’s health. Our treatment to resolve the nerve pain around my wife’s eye after surgery is still ongoing and progressing, but there is no one I’d rather have treating her than Dr. Purcell and his team. He has unmatched energy and knowledge unlike any doctor we have come across. Going into his office, we don’t feel like a typical patient who is bounced around and treated in-​personable. Dr. Purcell has been incredible in his blunt understanding of our situation and thinking outside the box to finally give us our quality of life back. Without hesitation or doubt, we would send any of our dearest loved ones and friends to see Dr. Purcell. Thank you sincerely, you came into our lives when we needed you most, and we are forever grateful.

Most people go to a handful to a dozen doctors before they get to a good one. This is Dr. Purcell. He is the great one. His team of professional and knowledgeable staff is there to help you through each step. If you have issues with dizziness, vertigo, or any kind of neurological disorder, I strongly recommend you call Dr. Purcell for help. He is amazing!

Dr. Purcell recently helped diagnose what was wrong with me when other docs were of no help or they misdiagnosed me. He listens, cares, and has an open mind. He’s willing to entertain new information about studies and other materials I bring in. He and his staff, especially Kevin, have gone above and beyond to help me when no one else could or would. The staff is friendly, professional, and organized. They’ve always handled my requests in a timely fashion. I’ve been to a lot of doctors in my day and Dr. Purcell and his staff are in a league of their own. As for others’ less than favorable reviews all I can say is that the PAs in the office are excellent and I believe they allow the office to provide care to more patients. Of course the cost of MRIs and specialty neurological care is expensive. It’s regrettable that sometimes patients are left with high out-​of-​pocket costs for care. However, the onus is on patients to check deductibles applicable to their health plans and the in-​network/​out-​of-​network status of a provider before they seek care. And it’s smart to make sure you’ve been pre-​authorized before getting an MRI or other expensive tests.

I’ve been to ten different neurologists office and they are all boring as hell. I finally went to Dr. Purcell’s office and it was all parties and strippers. Best visit thus far. I also saw Tom Cruise in the waiting room and striked up a conversation on Scientology. Definitely the most exciting doctors visit I’ve had in while. Can’t wait to go back.

I was referred to Dr. Purcell by another doctor who knew of my vertigo. I had been to the ER at Scripps and they even forgot to give me something for the nausea; I was told that there was nothing that could be done.
I was fortunate to get into to see Dr. Purcell within 5 days and walked in gripping the walls and I walked out upright. The infamous «chair», saw his PA, saw him when they both consulted and had a series of tests. Everyone in the office was patient, helped me to understand the various steps and ways to correct this.
In the interim the Dizzy Doc learned that I had been having pain in my shoulder before all of this and referred me to another doctor. I now have use of my shoulder, minimal dizziness, I am able to return to teaching yoga, and this is all due to the thoroughness of Dr. Purcell and his staff.
More impressive– he is the only one who has helped me with my migraines. Am I pleased with this doctor? YOU BETTER BELIEVE IT.
It is amazing what an attitude of gratitude can do for those who treat you and Dr. Purcell has shown compassion, integrity, and a real sense of caring for his patients.

Dr. Purcell is a one of a kind physician in the best way possible. I had a longstanding history of vertigo and after a few appointments I’m finally having improvement in symptoms!
In regards to the office staff, they were very helpful and quick at getting things done. Yes it is true you see a PA, but they are beyond adequate at doing their jobs. Between the PA, the office staff and Dr. Purcell I received great care. If you want to have a good time and receive a high standard of medical care this is the place to go!
Thank you Dr. Purcell and staff!!!

Dr. Purcell spent over an hour with me and answered all of questions regarding my long standing vertigo. I have been to over 10 physicians throughout California and finally got my life back to normal. I would highly recommend Purcell to anyone who needs questions about their vertigo answered. Don’t forget to bring a pen & notebook bc he spends an extensive amount of time teaching — and you will want to look up what you discussed for future reference. Better than the Mayo experience.

I had been suffering from random bouts of dizziness for some time. When it finally acted up in late 2010, I decided to look for a local doctor to help me diagnose the problem. I had been to a couple other doctors with no real outcome or diagnosis. I was glad to see that «one of the best» neurologists specializing in dizziness was here locally. I went in for my first appointment and was seen by a PA. He spent a good hour on me and did some tests and we had an MRI taken just in case. He asked a lot about the condition and took good care to document everything.
I went in for a follow up appointment a few weeks later and had some more test done. Even though, I was impressed by their service at first, I was a bit upset at how lazy their diagnosis was and stopped going. I’m still suffering from dizziness every now and then.
My biggest complaint was that they never let me know what procedures were separate from my office visit co-​pay and I later got a bill for several hundred dollars for what seemed like routine tests. I was also extremely under-​quoted for my MRI which came out to almost twice as much as I initially thought I would be charged.
If you’re considering going to this doctor, make sure they let you know what is an additional charge or you’ll be paying way more than you expect. Way more.
Update: After paying all the bills, I’m still receiving repeat bills for payments I’ve already made. Whoever is doing their accounting is doing a horrible job at it.