Neurology Patient Stories

Michelle Griffis battled debilitating headaches for more than a year. But after several neurosurgeries and care from a multidisciplinary team at Mayo Clinic, she's made a full recovery. Now Michelle and her son are back to exploring their world together. 

Nancy Hannafin suffered from terrible pain on one side of her face for several years. Finally, a visit to her optometrist led to a breakthrough. Nerve pain was causing the problem, and brain surgery at Mayo Clinic fixed it.

After months of living with sharp, shooting pain in her arm, Corrine Craig sought help at Mayo Clinic. Her care and treatment by a multidisciplinary team took away the pain and allowed the piano player to return to the pastime she loves.

Kathie Hanson went from being an active outdoor enthusiast to being unable to walk without assistance. But the care she received at Mayo Clinic has again allowed her to take part in the many activities that fill her life with joy.

Within the past six years, Devender Tulla developed two serious conditions that could have ended badly for the politician from India. But thanks to his Mayo Clinic care team, Devender was able to fight back. Now he's returned to work representing his constituents.

Heather Klanderman tried a range of treatment to ease her migraines, but nothing worked. Then her neurologist recommended Botox injections. Now Heather's migraines are a thing of the past.

When Bob Goldberg was given a diagnosis of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, he was dubious and decided to get another opinion at Mayo Clinic. A year later, after two successful surgeries, Bob can once again think clearly and walk on his own.

After being plagued by mysterious symptoms for more than a year, Richard Uihlein was diagnosed with a brain tumor and told nothing could be done about it. Undeterred, he went to Mayo Clinic for a second opinion. There he found a way forward after all. 

Affected by a rare neuromuscular condition, Katie Emerson was beset by extreme muscle weakness that affected her ability to eat, speak and move. Then her mother learned about a Mayo Clinic physician whose pioneering research into Katie's condition gave the child a chance at normalcy.

Weighed down by pain and weakness, Valieda Burns became confined and isolated. But neurosurgery to decompress her spine freed her to once again be active, engaged and connected with others.

Diagnosis and treatment of normal pressure hydrocephalus for Robert Richter meant the difference between being confined to a wheelchair and being able to actively enjoy his life.

Keith Bruno's family history of aneurysms prompted his primary care physician to order a CT scan during a routine physical. That test and the surgery that followed it saved Keith's life.