Neurology Patient Stories

Before coming to Mayo Clinic, Denny Hinshaw had lived with epileptic seizures for more than 10 years, and they were eroding his personal and professional life. Since Denny came to Mayo Clinic for care, however, all that is in the past.

When Jo-Ann Rosemont learned she had a meningioma in her head, she followed her care team's advice and had regular checkups for more than a year to make sure it wasn't growing. But after one of her local doctors insisted that she get a second opinion at Mayo Clinic, Jo-Ann ended up undergoing a unique surgery that saved her eyesight.

Having already lived through the effects of one ruptured brain aneurysm, Cary Hill knew she couldn't risk it happening again when scans showed that another aneurysm had grown on her brain. So she came to Mayo Clinic for a second opinion — and a second chance.

Erin Ayub spent months in a medically induced coma as her Mayo Clinic care team worked to fight off a rare and dangerous form of encephalitis. Today, Erin has made a remarkable recovery, and now as a Mayo staff member, she's eagerly working to help further the mission of the health care organization that saved her life.

Eleven years of constant pain had left Rose Boehmer worn down and discouraged. Then she met Robert Spinner, M.D., a neurosurgeon at Mayo Clinic, who not only identified the long-hidden source of her pain, he and his surgical team eliminated it — returning Rose to a full and happy life.

Gyles Randall lived for years with pervasive pain that radiated down his legs. When he no longer could tolerate the discomfort, he sought medical help and was surprised to be referred to a neurosurgeon. But that referral made a world of difference.

When a rare disorder was identified in the Doyles' eldest son, they chose the experts at Mayo Clinic to treat and manage his condition. Two years later, when the same disorder appeared in their second child, they didn't think twice about where to take him for care.

As a newlywed couple trying to have a baby, Derin and Sandra Gebhardt were anxious and worried when they failed to conceive. But Mayo Clinic surgeons provided new hope after successfully removing a tumor near Derin's brain that was the cause of their infertility and the root of his other health problems.

Kaidra Froelich was terrified by the brain cancer diagnosis that brought her to Mayo Clinic. But her expert surgical team got rid of the tumor. Then the disease came back. Now Kaidra and her Mayo team are determined to beat the cancer a second time as her family and friends rally around her.

When a cavernous malformation was discovered in her brain, Allison Nilsen turned to Mayo Clinic for answers. The care and treatment she's received at Mayo has allowed her to complete her college degree and continue doing what she loves.

For years, Linda Feges has relied on a multidisciplinary care team at Mayo Clinic to help her address symptoms related to movement disorders. Recently, that team also opened the door for Linda to receive treatment for an odd lump on her face. Now, the lump is gone, and Linda is grateful for the comprehensive, compassionate care she's received.

When Katie Garrison embarked on treatment for a brain tumor, she did so supported by her husband, Joe. Midway through her journey, however, Joe died from complications due to his own cancer, and Katie leaned on her Mayo Clinic care team. Now, with their compassionate care and customized therapies, Katie continues to make encouraging progress.