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Patient Stories

The Importance of Seeking Multiple Opinions A Retired Nurse’s Assistant and Grandmother Regains Her Ability to Walk and Independence

A Spine Story: The Importance of Seeking Multiple Opinions A Retired Nurse’s Assistant and Grandmother Regains Her Ability to Walk and Independence with Dr. Dean Chou
Awake Spine Surgery: Dr. Andrew Chan Looks to a New Frontier in Treatment

Summary of awake spine procedure, where the patient does not have to undergo general anesthesia featuring Dr. Andrew Chan at Columbia Neurosurgery.
Reflecting On Postpartum Stroke: Nine Years Later, One Mother’s Experience Ignites a Passion for Maternal Health

On her second day home from the hospital a healthy fit 32-year-old suffered a postpartum stroke.
A Chance to Dance Again: A Spinal Neuro-Oncology Story

Dr. Justin Neira featured in a Spinal Neuro-Oncology Patient Story.
The Return of the Weekend Warrior: One Determined Staten Island Resident Finds His Way Back to the Races

Dr. Chan determined patient issue was with the lumbosacral level (L5-S1) where the lumbar spine ends/sacral spine begins. Since patient's symptoms persisted despite physical therapy, multiple medications, and an epidural steroid injection, the option of surgery became reasonable.
Fifteen Years Later – An AVM Survivor Remains Grateful

Steve Hartler woke up with no feeling on the left side of his body and thought it may have been a stroke. Columbia Neurosurgery's Dr. E. Sander Connolly and his team treated this highly technical AVM procedure and saved his life.
Celebrating Six Years After Glioblastoma: Nicole Schalmo Continues to Inspire

After an emergency craniotomy and biopsy, Nicole received the news that her tumor was a Grade IV Glioblastoma. See how she's now thriving six years later.
Completely Pain-Free from Sciatica: A Young NY Professional’s Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery for Disc Herniation

A patient story featuring minimally invasive spine surgery for disc herniation performed by Dr. Andrew K. Chan.
When a ‘Migraine’ Can Be More: One Nurse Shares Her Story

patient suffered aneurysm condition of two on either side of the brain
Patient Success Stories: Essential Tremor Patients and Focused Ultrasound

Increasingly, essential tremor patients are turning to a noninvasive and painless new treatment—focused ultrasound—that has the potential to eliminate their trembling. For several years, Columbia neurosurgeon Gordon Baltuch, MD, PhD, who specializes in the surgical treatment of movement disorders, has been one of a few surgeons in the United States experienced in the technique.

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