Neurosurgery Patient Stories

An incredible personality: Josephine LaRoche's chromosomal disorder

Soon after she was born, Josephine LaRoche was diagnosed with a type of dwarfism called X-linked chondrodysplasia punctata 2, a chromosomal disorder that requires regular doctor visits and ongoing surgeries. But she isn't letting the doctor's visits and ongoing surgeries get in the way of her happiness and desire to fit in.

Back to himself after five days

Six-year-old Marcus Williams suffered a stroke and seizure as a result his moyamoya disease. Pediatric neurosurgeon Catherine McClung-Smith, MD, helped to get him back to himself quickly with less risk for future strokes.

A different feel from other hospitals

Megan Piasecki's headaches kept getting worse, until she collapsed at school from intracranial hypertension.

Protect your melon

Pediatric neurosurgeon Catherine McClung Smith discusses why helmet safety is so important with a watermelon experiment.

Tethered cord and spina bifida

Pediatric neurosurgeon Stanley Skarli discusses tethered spinal cord syndrome and its link with spina bifida.

Hydrocephalus

Stanley O. Skarli, MD, and Catherine McClung Smith, MD, discuss symptoms and treatment options of hydrocephalus, the excessive accumulation of fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.