Neurosurgery

Patient Stories

• 

  Jayden Aldona Gonzalez

  When a brain tumor unexpectedly appeared in 20-month-old Jayden Gonzalez, Mayo Clinic doctors responded quickly to remove the tumor and restore his health. Read Jayden's story.

• 

  Cynthia Amendt

  Artist and teacher Cynthia Amendt sees her teaching — and her health — reach new levels through participation in a clinical trial. Read Cynthia's story.

• 

  Laurie Beach

  A rare brain tumor couldn't stop Laurie Beach from enjoying the life she dreamed of. Read Laurie's story.

• 

  Taylor Beauseau

  Most parents don't like to see their child up in arms, but for Taylor Beauseau's parents, that's a beautiful thing. Read Taylor's story.

• 

  Benny Bee

  Benny Bee Sr., a Montana radio executive, embraces his second chance at the 'good life.' Read Benny's story.

• 

  Kristina Brinkman

  After surgery to remove a cavernous malformation, Kristina Brinkman's determination helps her recovery. Read Kristina's story.

• 

  Bernie Britton

  A new diagnostic procedure called SISCOM helped epilepsy patient Bernie Britton overcome a debilitating seizure disorder. Read Bernie's story.

• 

  Melissa Bruesehoff

  Melissa despaired of living independently. But epilepsy surgery opened a window to a rich full life. Read Melissa's story.

• 

  Wendy Cook

  Mayo surgeons met halfway to successfully remove a rare dumbbell tumor from a Wisconsin nurse. Read Wendy's story.

• 

  Emily Crawford

  Emily Crawford's summer vacation included an unexpected event — brain tumor surgery at Mayo Clinic. Read Emily's story.

• 

  Valerie Culp

  A new MS treatment at Mayo Clinic 14 years ago put Iowa mom back on her feet. Read Valerie's story.

• 

  Mark Drobac

  Mark Drobac was in his garage pulling spark plugs out of his van when he suddenly got the most severe headache he had ever had. An aneurysm in his brain had ruptured. Read Mark's story.

• 

  Connie Eckley

  Without warning, as Connie Eckley turned to talk to her daughter in the backseat of the car, she passed out and went into a seizure. After epilepsy surgery, Connie is safely back behind the wheel. Read Connie's story.

• 

  Sharon Francis

  Sharon Francis was working on a new design collection when the pain started. "I thought it was just a bad headache," she says. "Then I fainted in the elevator." Read Sharon's story.

• 

  Tony Harringer

  Tony Harringer has a two-handed grasp on life after brachial plexus surgery at Mayo Clinic. Read Tony's story.

• 

  Jackson Hoeger

  After fighting cancer for four years, Jackson Hoeger and his family finally feel like they've graduated from the school of hard knocks. Read Jackson's story.

• 

  Courtney Lange

  Despite cerebral palsy, Courtney Lange keeps up with her twin brother — thanks to the Motion Analysis Lab at Mayo Clinic. Read Courtney's story.

• 

  Carolyn Lengh

  Carolyn Lengh, a principal at a private school in Milwaukee, knows the wear and tear countless hours in a demanding job can cause. But that didn't explain the back pain she'd felt for six months. Successful removal of a spinal cord tumor brought relief. Read Carolyn's story.

• 

  Nelda Metz

  Nelda Metz had been healthy all of her 49 years. Imagine her surprise, when she learned she had a malignant brain tumor. But incision-free brain surgery had her back with her family quickly. Read Nelda's story.

• 

  James Miller

  Early detection and the right medication help Jim Miller live a normal life. That's the outlook for most patients who have myasthenia gravis, say Mayo neurologists. Read James' story.

• 

  Jordan Mills

  Jordan Mills was diagnosed with a crippling and lethal brain tumor at age 22. Mayo Clinic care — and a great support system — restored his happy, healthy life. Read Jordan's story.

• 

  Sean Murphy

  "I didn't want to be on pain killers for the rest of my life," says Sean Murphy. After surgery for a rare brain condition, his headaches are gone and he is enjoying life again. Read Sean's story.

• 

  Sonia Salzman

  An unruptured brain aneurysm doesn't worry Sonia Salzman because of the close monitoring she receives at Mayo Clinic. Read Sonia's story.

• 

  Dan Smith

  Dan Smith realizes dream to explore space after brain surgery at Mayo Clinic Read Dan's story.

• 

  Guadalupe Sordo

  For Lupita Sordo, the host of a Mexican TV talk show, a painful spinal disorder had made walking — and working — nearly impossible. Now, after a 1,400-mile journey to Mayo Clinic, Lupita is back on her feet, pain free. Read Guadalupe's story.

• 

  Amanda Stocchero

  Incredible optimism helps Amanda Stocchero handle life with severe epilepsy. Read Amanda's story.

• 

  Cecilia Van Gorp

  Doctors told Cecilia Van Gorp she might have ALS. She was thrilled to hear a different story from Mayo Clinic. Read Cecilia's story.

• 

  Andy Walch

  Surgery and an investigational drug give brain tumor patient much more than anyone expected. Read Andy's story.