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Raf H. Llinas

Raf H. Llinas, MD

4.9107 ratings, 55 reviews

NeurologyVascular NeurologyAnesthesiology

Highlights

Age Groups Seen

  • Young Adult 18-25
  • Adult 26-64

Languages

  • English

In-Network Plans

View All Accepted Plans (12)

Gender

Male

Johns Hopkins Affiliations:

  • Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Faculty

About Raf H. Llinas

Professional Titles

  • Director, Neurology at Johns Hopkins Bayview
  • Director, Johns Hopkins Neurology Residency Program

Primary Academic Title

Professor of Neurology

Johns Hopkins Physician

Logo for Johns Hopkins Physician

Background

Dr. Rafael Llinas serves as the Director of Neurology at the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center. His clinical interests include acute stroke treatments, neurovascular imaging and migraine as related to cerebrovascular disease. He also serves as the associate director of the neurology residency program. He was instrumental in establishing the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center Stroke Center. In 2005, in recognition of the Stroke Centers organizational efforts in stroke care, the institution was granted certification as a Primary Stroke Center by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations.

Dr. Llinas primary areas of research interests include diffusion-perfusion imaging of stroke, intravenous and intra-arterial thrombolysis for stroke, education of physicians and nurses in stroke identification and stroke care, stroke units and stroke centers.

Dr. Rafael Llinas received his medical degree from the New York University School of Medicine. He completed a medical internship at the Boston City Hospital and was a neurology resident in the Harvard-Longwood neurology training program. Following his residency, he was a stroke and cerebrovascular disease fellow for two years at Beth Israel Hospital, Harvard University.

Centers and Institutes

Cerebrovascular Center

X Profile

https://twitter.com/rhllinas

Videos

Research Interests

Atherosclerotic disease, Thrombolysis and stroke. Intracerebral hemorrhage

Google Scholar - Publications

http://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&q=rafael+llinas&btnG=&as_sdt=1%2C21&as_sdtp=

PubMed - Publications

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Rafael+Llin%C3%A1s

Selected Publications

  • Linfante, I; Llinas, RH; Caplan, LR; and Warach,S. (1999). MRI features of intracerebral hemorrhage within 2 hours from symptom onset. Stroke; 30:2263-2267.

    Llinas, RH and Henderson, G. (1999). Tremor presenting as Pseudoventricular Tachycardia. New England Journal of Medicine Vol 341 No 17 page 1275.

    Murray, BJ; MD, Llinas, RH; Caplan, LR; Scammell, T; and Pascual-Leone, A. (2000) Cerebral Venous Thrombosis Presenting as Acute Migrographia and Hypophonia. Neurology 54(3):751-753.

    Saposnik, G ; Caplan, LR; Gonzalez, L; Baird, AE; Dashe, J; Luraschi1,A ; Llinas, RH; Lepera, S ; Linfante, L; Chaves, C; Kanis, K; Sica1, RE; and Rey, RC. (2000). Differences in Stroke Subtypes among Natives and Caucasians in Boston and Buenos Aires. Stroke; 31:2385-2389.

    Linfante, I; Llinas, RH; and Schlaug, G; Chaves, C; Warach, S; Caplan, LR (2001) Diffusion-Weighted Imaging and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale in the Acute Phase of Posterior-Circulation Stroke. Arch Neurol; 58:621-628.

    Anschel DJ, Simon DK, Llinas RH, Joseph JT. (2002) Spongiform encephalopathy mimicking corticobasal degeneration. Mov Disord May; 17(3):606-7.

    Jaillard A, Hommel M, Baird AE, Linfante I, Llinas RH, Caplan LR, Edelman RR, Warach S. (2002)
    Significance of early CT signs in acute stroke. A CT scan-diffusion MRI study. Cerebrovasc Dis; 13(1):47-56.

    Linfante I, Llinas RH, Selim M, Chaves C, Kumar S, Parker RA, Caplan LR, Schlaug G. (2002) Clinical
    and vascular outcome in internal carotid artery versus middle cerebral artery occlusions after intravenous tissue plasminogen activator. Stroke; 33(8):2066-71.

    Restrepo, L; Pradilla, G; Llinas, RH, and Beauchamp, NJ (2003). Perfusion- and Diffusion-Weighted MR ImagingGuided Therapy of Vertebral Artery Dissection: Intraarterial Thrombolysis through an Occipital Vertebral Anastomosis AJNR 24: 1823-1826.

    Chaves CJ, Staroselskaya I, Linfante I, Llinas R, Caplan LR, Warach S. (2003). Patterns of perfusion
    -weighted imaging in patients with carotid artery occlusive disease. Arch Neurol, 60(2):237-42.

    Gottesman, R; Alt, J; Wityk, RJ and Llinas, RH. (2006) Predicting abnormal coagulation in Ischemic Stroke: A potential use in reducing rt-PA delays. Neurology 67:1665-1667.

    Hillis AE, Kleinman, JT, Newhart M, Heidler-Gary J, Gottesman R, Barker PB, Aldrich E,
    Llinas RH, Wityk R, and Chaudhry P. (2006) Restoring Cerebral Blood Flow Reveals Neural Regions
    Critical for Naming J. Neurosci. 26: 8069-8073.

    Blakeley JO, Llinas RH. Thrombolytic therapy for acute ischemic stroke. J Neurol Sci. 2007 Oct 15;261(1-2):55-62. Epub 2007 Jul 5.20.

    Levy M, Turtzo C, Llinas RH. Superficial siderosis: a case report and review of the literature. Nat Clin Pract Neurol. 2007 Jan;3(1):54-8; quiz 59.

    Hillis AE, Gold L., Kannan V., Cloutman L., Kleinman JT., Newhart M., Heidler-Gary J., Davis C., Aldrich E., Llinas R., and Gottesman RF. (2008) Site of the ischemic penumbra as a predictor of potential for recovery of functions. Neurology 2008; 71:184-189.

    Turtzo LC., Kleinman, J, and Llinas, RH. Capgras syndrome and unilateral special neglect in non-convulsive status epilepticus Behavioural Neurology Nov 19 (2008) 1-4. 23.

    Llinas RH. Ischemic stroke and ICU care. Semin Neurol. 2008 Nov; 28 (5):645-56. Epub 2008 Dec 29.

    Cronin CA., Weisman CJ., Llinas RH. Stroke treatment: beyond the three-hour window and in the pregnant patient. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2008 Oct; 1142:159-78.

    Turtzo, LC, Gottesman R, Llinas RH Diffusion weighted imaging showing "pearls" predict large vessel disease as stroke etiology. Cerebrovascular Disease 2009 In press.

    Ostrow L, Llinas RH. The Eastchester Clapping Sign (ECS): A Novel Test of Parietal Neglect.
    Annals of Neurology 2009- In press.

Honors

  • Member, Miller-Coulson Academy of Clinical Excellence
  • Order of the Meritorious Citizen, Alcaldia Bucaramanga, Columbia
  • Fellow, American Neurological Association (FANA), 1/1/06
  • Service Excellence Annual Award, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 1/1/05
  • Service Excellence in Teaching Award, Johns Hopkins Osler, 1/1/05
  • Frank R. Ford Award for Outstanding Teacher in Neurology award, Johns Hopkins Department of Neurology, 1/1/05
  • National Teacher Recognition Award, American Academy of Neurology, 1/1/04
  • Nominated and Elected Fellow, The American Heart Association (FAHA), 1/1/04
  • Frank R. Ford Award for Outstanding Teacher in Neurology award, Johns Hopkins Department of Neurology, 1/1/02

Memberships

  • American Academy of Neurology
  • American Heart Association
  • American Neurological Association
  • American Stroke Association
  • Royal Society of Medicine (UK)

Locations

  1. Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center

Expertise

Education

  • Fellowship: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 2000
  • Residency: Brigham and Women's Hospital, Neurology, 1998
  • Medical Education: New York University School of Medicine, MD, 1994

Board Certifications

  • Vascular Neurology: American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, 2006
  • Neurology: American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, 1999

Insurance

Please contact the location directly to confirm your health plan is accepted.
Search plans
  • Aetna
  • CareFirst
  • Cigna
  • First Health
  • Geisinger Health Plan
  • HealthSmart/Accel
  • Johns Hopkins Health Plans
  • MultiPlan
  • Pennsylvania's Preferred Health Networks (PPHN)
  • Point Comfort Underwriters
  • Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS)
  • Veteran Affairs Community Care Network (Optum-VACCN)

Ratings & Reviews

4.9 out of 5

107 ratings, 55 reviews

The Patient Rating score is an average of all responses to physician related questions on the national CG-CAHPS Medical Practice patient experience survey through Press Ganey. Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the best score. Comments are also gathered from our CG-CAHPS Medical Practice Survey through Press Ganey and displayed in their entirety. Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.

Overall Rating by Patient
Provider Listened Carefully
Provider Explained Things Clearly
Provider Knew Medical History
Provider Showed Respect
Provider Spent Enough Time
Search reviews
    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/27/2026

    My provider is as always very intent at what I am saying. He is reading my mental status as we speak. This is very important, because it is sometimes difficult to explain how I am feeling. I have seen him before now and he is able to see if there is any change in my behavior or speech.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/20/2026

    Excellent

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/20/2026

    It was my first time meeting him, But he knew my case l like he know me forever.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/13/2026

    Doctor is personable and caring.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/11/2026

    I've been seeing Dr Llinas for 12 years. I've seen him over a dozen times, driving 3 hours each way. The type of service I get down at Hopkins and from Dr Llinas is second to none.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/11/2026

    Ilm very satisfied with my provider

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/30/2026

    Dr LLinas is magnificent in all regards. I said it before and will say it again, Dr LLinas saved my life !

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/30/2026

    Highly empathic and thoughtful

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/28/2026

    Dr. Llinas is one of the best providers that we have ever had He's very knowledgeable very kind in his dealing with us as his patient and he's always ready to answer any question in a way that I can understand. He is outstanding In every Way!

    3 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/16/2026

    The Dr was in a rush to finish the appointment

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/9/2026

    Dr. Llinas is the best. He has succeeded in controlling my migraines.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/2/2026

    My doctor was amazing and very professional.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/2/2026

    Dr Llinas is respectful, good listener, he care about his parents.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/19/2025

    All good, from beginning to end.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/12/2025

    This was my first visit to Dr Rafael H. Llinas. It was difficult to make an appt as a new patient and many months of waiting until I saw him. I am extremely happy that I waited and was able to see him. Dr Llinas is intelligent, perceptive, great communicator and he was very patient to find the answer needed. He Is extremely kind and made me feel respected and comfortable the entire time.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/10/2025

    Dr. Llinas is an excellent clinician. Really listens to the patient

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/3/2025

    Great bedside manner. I constantly recommend Dr. Llinas to family and friends.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/21/2025

    Dr. Llinas is always caring, listens, educates, and provides compassionate care. I dread the day he retires.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/14/2025

    I feel very fortunate to have Dr Llinas as a doctor. He is extremely knowledgable, thoughtful, courteous, and inspires confidence.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/14/2025

    Dr L is not located close to my home. I drive 35-45 minutes and go through a tunnel to get to see him. But he is wonderful and I would not change a thing.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/12/2025

    Dr. Llinas is very patient, listens tentatively, and always ask if we have any questions.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/29/2025

    Very knowledgeable, very patient, and appear to apply best practices to suit my needs

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/24/2025

    Dr Llinas is a superb Dr. He is so smart, knowledgeable and very warm and personal. I felt fantastic after seeing him. He also cares about my family too. I am so grateful to have him as my neurologist.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/24/2025

    Dr. Llinas was very thorough, took time to listen and checked things out.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/22/2025

    He is the best and I have full confidence in him

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/22/2025

    He listened and provided thoughtful comments.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/10/2025

    He is compassonate, very intelligent. Excellect listener and responds to my questions directly. I trust him explicitly that I am doing well for my age. He paid attention to my needs.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/10/2025

    Excellent provider, he really was concerned about y.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/10/2025

    My provider is excellent. He takes the time to listen to me and treats me with respect and kindness. He is the best!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/10/2025

    I liked that he listened and was not tapping info into his computer.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/3/2025

    Extremely caring, helpful above and beyond.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/24/2025

    Outstanding doctor!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/19/2025

    Ver knowledgeable Gave me enough timeTook my concerns seriously

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/17/2025

    Excellent !

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/29/2025

    Dr Llinas is always professional, respectful and kind. He listens and asks detailed questions about my health and issues. My husband and I like and respect him very much.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/27/2025

    Top of the line in every dimension

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/27/2025

    Awesome

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/22/2025

    Dr. Llinas Is a great doctor and understanding. He explains things and really cares about his patient

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/13/2025

    The sort of Doc one can have high confidence in.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/8/2025

    Dr Llinas was great! My very first visit with him he explained everything to me.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/27/2025

    Dr. Llinas is THE BEST!! Extremely knowledgeable, compassionate, and caring and has tons of patience and time for his patients.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/20/2025

    Dr. Llinas is kind, thoughtful and performs an outstanding neurologic examination. His medical knowledge is wide and deep and he communicates it well.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/13/2025

    The doctors office is great, it's the answering service is the worst...

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/13/2025

    Excellent - maybe the best doctor I have ever used

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/28/2025

    Very good at explaining everything

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/23/2025

    Excellent concern

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/23/2025

    Dr LLinas is wonderful and I could not make it through without him !

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/23/2025

    Smart humble compassionate up to date on me and my issues instills a feeling of hope in my life journey I feel so much better after a visit with him he's wonderful thank god for Dr Llinas.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/21/2025

    I was put on a waiting list for this appointment, and within two weeks was called. I was quite impressed with the ability and care. The medical concierge took with me.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/9/2025

    Excellent experience.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/7/2025

    Excellent

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/2/2025

    The Dr. I seen was excellent

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 4/30/2025

    Excellent job,

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 4/16/2025

    Very professional and compassionate as well. I would recommend him. Knowledgeable , kind, professional. I feel very at ease talking to him and appreciate his kindness.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 4/16/2025

    I am from Easton. Many providers there are not good across disciplines. Your experience was what health care should be.