Patient Stories

Every year our physicians and staff care for patients with complex diseases of the central nervous system. We're proud to share some of their stories with you.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Aneurysm
Brain Tumor
Hydrocephalus
Movement Disorders
Stroke
Vascular Malformations

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

Implant Helps ALS Patients Breathe
Like many patients with ALS, breathing was difficult for patient Carol Lasaro. A multidisciplinary team of physicians at the University of Chicago Medicine identified the 66-year-old as a good candidate for the NeuRx Diaphragm Pacing System (DPS). The devise stimulates the diaphragm to contract through implanted electrodes operated by a small external generator. DPS has improved Lasaro's quality of life. "It's helping me," she said. "I'm breathing a lot better. And I'm sleeping better."

ALS Patient Advocates for the Lives of Future Patients
Tom Milianti was diagnosed with ALS in 2004. Milianti and his family advocate for ALS research in Illinois and Washington, D.C., in hopes of finding a cure for the neurodegenerative disease.

Aneurysm

Expert Surgical Team Removes Complex Aneurysm Deep in Patient's Brain
During a full physical exam, our team discovered an aneurysm deep in Angela Quashie's brain. The aneurysm posed a serious threat, but our expert was confident that surgery was her best option. And, he was right.

Managing Complexity: Multiple Cerebral Aneurysms Treated in a Single Operation
Carol Kruse was back to her regular daily activities only days after having surgery on five aneurysms. “Dr. Awad and his team really made us feel confident that the surgery was going to go well,” her daughter, Katherine Nigro, said.

To the Edge and Back: Defying a Deadly Condition
At 43, Eileen Wilhelm developed two cerebral aneurysms, and one of them ruptured, nearly killing her. Fast action and the expertise of the University of Chicago Medicine surgical team saved her life.

Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus Patient Faces Complex Care with Courage and Gratitude
Kimi Sorensen has been treated by pediatric neurosurgeon David Frim, MD, PhD, since she was a young girl. Although her care was often complex, she appreciated how Frim patiently explained what he was going to do. "He kept me involved and helped me understand my condition and my treatment," Sorensen added.

Movement Disorders

New Target Provides Better Tremor Control
Betty Bertram had the same surgery twice in one decade. While both were successful, the outcomes are proof of how far medicine can progress in a short time. In January, the 65-year-old Manteno resident underwent a unilateral deep brain stimulation (DBS) -- an electrode implanted in the brain -- at the University of Chicago to control the essential tremor afflicting the left side of her body. Eight years prior, she'd had a DBS procedure to control the tremor on the right side of her body.

Stroke

Defying the Odds: Stroke Patient Credits Doctor for Giving Him a Second Chance at Life
In 2006, Jim Faulkner suffered a massive stroke, which caused a large volume of blood to leak into his brain. Years later, he has progressed far more than originally expected, and he has reason to be excited about his future.

Experimental Procedure Saves a Man's Life
Joseph Pagone, 53, collapsed in his shower with a loud thud. The impact startled his wife, Jan, who ran to the bathroom to find him struggling to get up. His dominant right side was useless.

A Race Against Time: Surviving Stroke at Age 19 (VIDEO)
Pamela Hsieh was just 19 when a stroke paralyzed her left side. After treatment at the University of Chicago medical campus, Hsieh has regained enough movement to hike mountains in the West.

Vascular Malformations

Cerebral Cavernous Malformation (CCM)

After a Brain Bleed: Surgery Successfully Treats CCM
After a cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) leaked into her brain, 37-year-old Sherry Kedra, of Akron, Ohio, came to Chicago to meet with neurovascular surgeon, Issam Awad, MD. Just over a year later, when she suffered a second more serious brain bleed, Kedra rushed back to the University of Chicago Medicine for surgery.

Brain Surgery Eliminates Cause of Seizures
Steven Steinhilber, 23, opened a can of soda and as the first notes of carbonation fizzed into the air, he turned to his wife, Genay, and said, "I don't feel well," right before passing out.

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