Michael Collins

Dr. Collins spent a long time with me and put together an intense recovery plan (exhaustion physical therapy) which takes a LOT of work but also greatly reduced many of my post-concussion symptoms. I made quick progress on a lot of symptoms and was at 90% after 3 months. Not at all what I expected, although to be honest I had no idea what to expect going in. The fact that athletes travel from around the country to the concussion center makes me think they're probably onto something. Spends a lot of time with patients and keeps a full schedule, so there was a LONG wait to see him. Take a book to read.

Dr Collins and team cured my post concussion syndrome from 2nd concussion in 3 years. After seven months, I still couldn’t drive, look at computers, read or walk without getting headaches, dizziness, and feeling off. He said the protocol would make me feel worse before it got better. He was right. It took 6-8 weeks, but it cured me. I had gone to several neurologists and even the Shephard Center in Atlanta without success. I wouldn’t go anywhere else.

I saw Dr Collins two years ago for multiple concussions happening in a short period of time. I had spent 4 years recovering and still had severe post-concussion symptoms. After seeing other local concussion specialists, I traveled various times to Pittsburgh to see Dr Collins and it was the best decision I ever made. Like other reviewers, Dr Collins was harsh and provided absolutely no comfort or understanding, made me want to quit on the spot. But he is all about tough love, he pushes you and it is often difficult to handle because concussions often do away with your confidence. He has spent many years gathering and training some of the best therapists out there for concussions. They are beyond amazing. And when all of the therapies started working, I could tell that Dr Collins genuinely cared about my care and recovery. I'd see him again in a heartbeat if needed.

My two visits with him for post-concussion syndrome were easily my two most disappointing experiences in healthcare, in my lifetime. He is rude, dismissive, and self-serving. Initially, I interpreted his behavior as a quirky, callous bedside manner. After recognizing his lack of interest in my medical history, symptoms, and specific cognitive concerns, I delved into his education. It is not surprising he has an absent bedside manner, he is not a medically trained clinician, but rather a psychologist. Medical training is critically important when treating the brain in general, but certainly when that brain waivers from the traditional vestibular symptoms. Michael Collin’s’ lack of training is unmistakable to a patient with a medical background and training, themself. His approach is at best callous, at worst, dangerous and fatal. Highly advise you wait for another provider if you’re not a healthy male professional athlete in your 30s.

I have traveled from Arkansas several times to be treated by Dr. Collins and his team. He has given me my life back with simple exercises and protocols to help heal my multiple concussions and traumatic brain injury from lacrosse and football. I am impressed with his honesty and direct approach to fixing my injury and helping me set life goals and procedures to retrain my brain. I recommend him no matter where you live in the country. He and his team are worth the travel and time.

Unfortunately both of my sons experienced some significant post concussion issues playing hockey. They both had terrible experiences with Collins and we felt we had nowhere to turn due to the monopoly Collins has in the UPMC Pittsburgh network. I later researched that Collins has his own theory based approach he is promoting to the concussion world and is a terrible conflict of interest with UPMC. Collins promotes his theory and takes a biased approach on concussions and no matter what a patient describes he refuses to listen when the symptoms persist against his theory but instead draws conclusions primarily based on his failed theories. He is rude and aggressive towards children when they explain their struggles when it goes against his theories and is also reluctant to offer a different approach when his initial recommendations to treat concussions fail. His tactics have caused significant delay in recovery to both of my children. His theory is more important than his patients!

Dr Collins diagnosed my son wrong noting he had a Anxiety concussion because he did not listen to my 20 yr old son or myself. Also, he seems to bully you into thinking he is right about the diagnosis. Appt manners are horrible.....find someone else at UPMC or AGH.

This isn’t about Dr. Collins, but of the UPMC Concussion Clinic. They don’t say it online, but they do not offer to treat all patients who seek help. I wish I had know that it was devastating, if not traumatic. I made an appointment 6 months after my concussion, as I still had 15 symptoms. My newly acquired severe depression had me constantly suicidal, & I came really close. I waited 3 months for an app. I was so optimistic someone would understand and refer me a much needed psychiatrist. I put all on my eggs in one basket. I saw dr at the clinic. Told him I didn’t have a psychiatrist. His directions to me was to give him a call once I found a psychiatrist so he know I was doing okay. It’s been 5 months, & though I saw one, he was unprofessional & not for me. As everyone knows, getting in to see a psychiatrist takes months. I get worse everyday. I have no hope. I have no one helping me. I dont think I will make it. Don’t put all ur eggs in this basket.

I did not feel comfortable with him at all. I have numerous other health conditions and he did not seem to be knowledgeable of them or how they affected my concussions. Did not take the time to listen to me and felt he spent the time insulting me and saying he didn't think I'd succeed in his program rather than listening. Very tactless. Said he was happy to see me cry because it was the first thing that showed I care about myself or my health. Very bad doctor.

Waited One Hour and Thirty-Five minutes beyond my scheduled appointment time and I left unseen. I refused to wait any longer.

Fantastic doctor! The most knowledgable concussion doctor there is. Highly recommend!

Not compassionate. Very rude at times. Doesn’t seem to care about hot his patients are feeling. Waited over 2 hours just to see the actually doctor. WOULDN'T RECOMMEND!

Dr. Collins has been treating my daughter for her second concussion. He is wonderful. Takes his time. Talks to her and explains everything in detail to her and myself. He fit us into his schedule and made sure we had a follow up. He is great with kids. We really feel like we are in good hands and thankful we found him. With her having a second concussion in 4 months she is very upset. Dr. Collins has made her feel so much better. She is confident she will get better soon, thanks to him.

My daughter had three concussions over a period of nine months and suffered from numerous effects from those injuries. She taught college and and raised her four children during this difficult period. Her doctors in El Paso treated her by sequestering her from any stimulation which worsened her condition. Desperate, we scoured the internet and found Dr. Collins. He was the answer. His approach to treating my daughter was miraculous. I thank God for sending us to him. We have our daughter back!

He was not very compassionate. Didn't listen to or respond to my concerns about difficulties I was experiencing. Cut me off several times. Had me in tears quickly. Really surprised and disappointed in this behavior. UPMC Sports Medicine's concussion program is known as one of the best. I am requesting a new doctor.

I was very lucky to be referred to Dr Collins for several concussions that I encountered. He is right on his game.