Division of Neurosurgery Patient Stories

Families come to us from around the world because of the excellence of our team. Our neurosurgeons are among the best at what they do. They perform lifesaving and life-changing surgeries every day.

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Patient story

'Full of Light’: Harrison’s Experience with Laser Ablation Brain Surgery

A 9-year-old with epilepsy receives an innovative, life-changing procedure available at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

Patient story

Bridget’s Story: Chiari Brain Surgery

Thanks to brain surgery at CHOP, Bridget went from experiencing daily pain caused by pulsing headaches to being moved up to varsity lacrosse, all in one year.

Patient story

Broc’s Story: High-intensity Focused Ultrasound to Treat Seizures

Broc was 7 years old when he had his first tonic-clonic seizure (also known as a grand mal). He lost consciousness and had violent muscle contractions. It was extremely frightening for his parents, Heather and Dave, to see.

Patient story

Saethre-Chotzen Syndrome and Encephalocele: Elana’s Story

Elana was born with abnormalities of her skull requiring surgery. When her parents came to CHOP, ‘We knew it was going to be OK.’

Patient story

Nadia’s Story: Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy for Cerebral Palsy

Selective dorsal rhizotomy surgery followed by intensive physical and occupational therapy enabled Nadia to walk without an assistive device for the first time at age 6.

Patient story

Surgery for a Brain Tumor: Julia's Story

While Julia’s diagnosis of a brain tumor was a shock to her family, the location and type of tumor meant surgery at CHOP was the only treatment she needed.

Patient story

Evan’s Story: Deep Brain Stimulation to Treat Complex Movement Disorders

There was no “book” Ellen could refer to for medical guidance on her son, Evan, who has a rare genetic mutation.

Patient story

Brain Tumor: Devon’s Story

Devon underwent surgery, chemotherapy and proton therapy for a brain tumor the size of a softball. Within months, she started college and made the Dean’s List.

Patient story

Sara's Story: Surgery to Treat Epilepsy

Sara lived with seizures until age 9. Her family flew 7,000 miles from United Arab Emirates so she could undergo epilepsy surgery at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Every day since, Sara has told her mom how happy she is to have had the procedure.