Gunawardane, Ruwani D, MD

I believe Dr. G saved my life. I was misdiagnosed by another neurologist and was having a lot of symptoms which were attributed to medication side effects but Dr. G did an exam and ordered tests which revealed a large brain tumor. She sent me straight to Hopkins for surgery. Although the tumor was thankfully benign, it was compressing the brain stem causing an abnormally low heart rate. Recovery will be slow but surgeon said surgery wasn't an option.. So grateful for Dr. G's expertise and kindness. SO glad I saw her!!!

What went well

* Staff Friendliness
* Appointment wasn’t rushed
* Explained conditions well
* Trusted the provider’s decisions

Dr. Ruwani Gunawardane’s care is the definition of excellence in medicine! Dr. Gunawardane possesses the rare combination of an extensive up-to-date technical knowledge base and finely detailed diagnostic skills with a caring, compassionate, empathic presence/personality. Dr. Gunawardane is passionate about caring for her patients’ physical needs to the highest degree while also maintaining a holistic perspective. She considered my unique aspects as an individual patient along with the big picture of all of care needs.
Dr. Gunawardane actively listened to my personal narrative of what brought me to seek care and asked thoughtful, intelligent questions along with way. I felt heard and understood and at no point did I feel rushed. She was incredibly thorough in her physical examination all the while explaining to me what the physical exam tests and their findings meant in a way I could understand. After careful thought, Dr. Gunawardane designed a comprehensive diagnostic plan with laboratory and MRI studies including a temporary treatment plan in the meantime. Dr. Gunawardane considered my individual needs/situation and involved me as an equal partner in the planning and decision-making processes. Throughout the visit, Dr. Gunawardane demonstrated a personal dedication to solving my diagnostic puzzle and returning me to my original level of functioning.
Dr. Gunawardane even took the time to communicate directly with my referring physician to collaboratively coordinate my care ensuring they were covering all of the bases, leaving no stone unturned while avoiding duplication in testing. Additionally, the clinical staff and front office staff were professional, friendly, efficient and treated me with genuine care. My family and I are so grateful for Dr. Gunawardane and the team at the Center for Brain & Neuro Care!!!

I have been a patient of Dr Gunawardane’s for over 15 years and am a chronic migraine sufferer. “Dr G” is an excellent neurologist who genuinely cares about her patients. She is attentive and thorough and has always advised me of treatment options.

This woman literally saved my life! I was misdiagnosed at the beginning of my illness(shingles) and wasn't taken seriously till Dr. G. She sent me for a spinal tap to rule out meningitis. The hospital took one look at me and said "no". They wanted to send me home without testing me! Dr. G fought to have my test completed, it took several hours of arguing with the doctors before they finally conceded to perform the test. The results viral meningitis! Without her I might have serious brain damage!

Dr.G is an excellent diagnostician and the most caring doctor I have ever had. After wasting over a year with my primary, she had a diagnosis in two days, which was followed by emergency surgery. Plain and simple, she saved my life. Her thorough questions and explanations always reassure me and make me feel like I am in the best hands. Dr. G continues to monitor me and I have the utmost faith in her. I would highly recommend her.

Dr. Gunawardane is amazing! I went to her after my regular neurologist couldn't crack what he called intractable cluster headache, but Dr. G figured out it was chronic migraine. I had my first round of Botox injections for my right-side only constant migraines, and since then, I have only needed to take rescue meds (I typically use Treximet, but also have Zembrace for true emergencies) during 3 days. My headaches have decreased in intensity, though I do still have the chronic migraine pretty much 24/7. Ial so take 6 mg of Silenor at night to help me sleep - and no other doctor even seems to know that it exists, so Dr. G's knowledge base of treatments is amongst the best. It is expected that I will be even more improved after my second round of Botox (in mid-October - you can only get injections once every three months and with insurance approval). I am able to work more hours than I have in the time since the headache started (Feb. 2017), and am starting to feel like i am getting "me" back in my life! Quick hint - try not to make an appointment on Fridays, as that is by far the busiest day for the office!

Dr Gunawardane is a fantastic, caring, knowledgeable neurologist. She has been my doctor for many years and has treated my late husband, my daughter and my newest husband on issues such as Epilepsy, Alzheimer's, strokes and other neuro conditions. We have visited many, many neurologists throughout the DC and Baltimore regions and Dr. Gunawardane is the best I have ever found!!

Dr. Gunawardane is an excellent physician who takes time with her patients to first, detect a problem, second, find a solution, and third, adeptly explain the process of treating the problem for the most successful outcome. I have MS and referred other patients with my condition to her and would not hesitate to tell others about her warm patient-focused personality to find successful solutions.