I had a C5C6 Herniated disc repair on December 4th 2014, 7 days ago, I am totally amazed at how quickly i regained function in my arm, I am still in pain from the procedure but nothing compared to what I was living with. I did a lot of research myself about the procedure and Dr. Berrington also went over all the information necessary. He did complain about my insurance forms but I cant blame him they are super annoying! But he filled them out promptly and mailed them none the less. I find his realistic attitude and knowledge to be professional. I am grateful to have had him for a doctor as I am now regaining the strength in my arms and feel normal again. Thank you Dr. Neil Berrington for doing a wonderful job and giving me my life back!

Submitted Dec. 12, 2014

Although Dr. Berrington was very kind and accommodating, he didn't explain before the actual surgery that an L4/L5 disc fusion could result in a damaged L5 nerve root and that "mistake" would leave me in pain and numbness (Yes, numbness can be very painful!) for almost the past 5 years. My husband and I had asked him what "bad" results could occur after the surgery, and the only thing he mentioned was drop-foot, and he made that seem very unimportant. He had said that I could be in a wheelchair if I didn't have the surgery done, and that was fear-mongering at the very best! I've had this explained to me from a very reputable spine/pain doctor, and he showed me a diagram of the spine and spinal cord and allowed me to make my own decision, explaining that the spinal cord ends ABOVE the L4/L5 discs, and that being paralyzed was highly unlikely. I wish I'd never had the surgery with Dr. Berrington. I wish I'd had another opinion but all the specialists in Winnipeg know each other and support one another. I'm taking more pain/nerve meds since the surgery, and it seems that once the doctor performs the surgery, you're out the door, thank you very much. As I said, he's kind and compassionate, but he never once apologized for how he has ruined my life b/c of the error he made, and I don't like the fact that he never told me of ALL the bad results that could happen!

Submitted Nov. 30, 2014

Amazingly thorough...doesn't miss any clues and refers as appropriate. Follow-up to any problem is exemplerary. ie quarterly for BP issues!

Submitted May 14, 2013

Dr. Berington was very arrogant and rude. Left me sitting on the office examining table in a thin gown for over a half hour in a very cold room when I wouldn't give personal details about a situation that had happened to me and that was in the news. He said his wife had asked him to get the story from me! What an invasion of privacy, what a waste of time considering I had waited a year to see him! How incredibly unprofessional. I was offended and wouldn't give him "the juicy details", so I got short shift from him...after letting me freeze for a half hour, he wouldn't answer my questions, gave me a perfunctionary exam, and told me to not bother him again until I was in a wheelchair!! I feel that if I had given him private personal information that had had nothing to do with my medical situation, and he could have please his wife at the dinner table later that evening, I would have received the care and treatment I ws there for. I am disgusted with him!

Submitted April 1, 2013

Semi Truck accident blown off load of pipe shattering spine. WCB with Manitoba doctors refused my requests for care from neck pain and allowed me to build my house with an unstable spine. Dr. Christante and Dr. Berrington instantly from review of reports and X-rays grounded me from building where Dr. Neil Berrington and Dr. Goytan performed delicate intense spinal surgery. I can sleep better, walk more, endure pain better and avoided a wheel chair from these talented professionals a credit to Manitoba medical care. Chers to Dr. Neil Berrington I owe a new life to.

Submitted Oct. 5, 2012

Just recently preformed emergency surgery on my back. Everything went great. He explained the procedure and was very helpful. Because of him I can actually walk again. Definitely recommend.

Submitted July 28, 2011

I found he did not listen to what i was saying about my issue and have not heard from him since my MRI.

Submitted May 4, 2011

Dr. Berington was great. Listened to my concerns and moved fast to get the surgery done. Saved the use of my leg from nerve damage from ruptured disk. If you need Neurosurgery get your Doctor to refer you to Berington. Good follow up as well.

Submitted Jan. 4, 2009

Neil saved my life. What more can one say? How do you thank someone for that? If you are lucky enough to have been referred to Neil Berington thank your lucky stars - the universe has sent you to the very best.

Submitted Dec. 9, 2008

Absolutely LOVE him. He is the first doctor that has allowed me to email questions to him. I went through 4 years of waiting for my back to get diagnosed. Not only did he know what was wrong he suggested a newer "disc replacement" surgery. He sent me to another doctor who specialized in disc replacements but unfortunately he said it was to late for me, that my bones had become to fragile for this operation. But instead of doing nothing for me while I was waiting for that appt. he went in and removed the bulging part of my disc that was sitting on my S1 nerve, hoping this would relive me of some pain. My disc was hard and was grinding away my vertabrae so Dr.B did a disc fusion. I am 40 years old and now have 2 rods and 6 screws in my back.I went from playing sports 3-4 times a week to being bed ridden and not being able to sit down at all for months one winter.I am now playing baseball, sponge hockey,ball hockey and I am going to play ringette again this winter. All thanks to Dr.B!!!!

Submitted Aug. 28, 2008