Finding the Right Brain Tumor Surgeon – UNC Health

After multiple opinions, Asa chose to come to UNC Health to see cerebrovascular and skull base neurosurgeon Dr. Carlos David for his brain tumor surgery. Asa struggled with cervical spine issues from playing high school football. He started seeing an orthopedic surgeon, and discovered after imaging that he had a meningioma, a benign brain tumor, … Read more

Ukrainian Refugee Seeks Brain Tumor Treatment at UNC Health

“I am happy that I am in the USA where I can meet good people and doctors, have good treatment, and good results.” Hanna is a Ukrainian refugee who came to the United States in September of 2022 as part of the United for Ukrainians program. Hanna was living in Florida when she started having … Read more

Patient Diagnosed with Cushing’s Disease Travels to UNC Health for Surgery

Janet felt sick for three years before finally receiving a proper diagnosis.  As a yoga instructor, Janet (name has been changed for privacy) had always maintained a healthy lifestyle. So when she  started to gain weight and noticed a drastic decrease in her energy levels, she knew something wasn’t right. Janet began to rapidly gain … Read more

Pituitary Tumor Surgery Saves High School Football Coach

Georgia high school football coach, Coach Anthony Lotti, struggled with fatigue and other symptoms that made it difficult to coach his team. After being diagnosed with a pituitary tumor, he traveled to UNC Health to have it removed by world-renowned pituitary tumor neurosurgeon, Dr. Nelson Oyesiku.

Pediatric Epilepsy Patient Enjoys Seizure-Free Life After Epilepsy Surgery at UNC Health

Coryzma experienced seizures for years before receiving a diagnosis. She described her seizures as feeling like déjà vu and at one point, Coryzma was having about five seizures a day, many times blacking out completely. Finally in seventh grade, Coryzma was diagnosed with epilepsy. Coryzma’s mother, Christina, chose to go to the UNC Epilepsy Center … Read more

Brain Tumor Patient Story – Mr. Sowers

One morning this summer, Mr. Sowers woke up to the room spinning with an indescribable headache. A week before this episode, Mr. Sowers had developed an extreme fear of going down the stairs—something that he had never experienced beforehand. With these confusing symptoms, Mr. Sowers called a few friends, and they drove him up to … Read more

Brain Tumor Patient Story – Kristina Lollar

Since she was 11 years old, Kristina Lollar had experienced migraines, yet it was not until the past year that it became more severe. This prompted Kristina to visit a neurologist who recommended they perform an updated MRI. When looking at the scans, they discovered a brain tumor wrapped around her brain stem. As the … Read more

Pituitary Tumor Patient at UNC Health – Ms. Godley

Around three years ago, Ms. Godley had a pituitary tumor removed by Dr. Quinsey and Dr. Thorp, a surgeon from UNC’s Department of Otolaryngology. She had noticed that her wedding ring and shoes were fitting a bit tighter, common symptom of acromegaly. She also felt some dizziness getting in and out of bed. Though she … Read more

Brain Tumor Patient Story

Around eight months ago, Ms. Thompson discovered that she had a benign brain tumor on her brainstem. Originally, she was very opposed to having surgery, though several different doctors told her it was necessary. It wasn’t until she met Dr. Quinsey that she finally felt comfortable moving forward with a procedure. She was drawn to … Read more

Pituitary Tumor Patient at UNC Health

After noticing his vision was deteriorating in late 2018, Mr. M went to the ophthalmologist, thinking that he might have a cataract. He was then told that he had a large tumor, around the size of a ping-pong ball, on his pituitary gland. An endocrinologist in Hickory, NC told him that for this surgery, he … Read more

Abigail Stephan

The day before Thanksgiving, Abby Stephan checked into UNC Hospital to have her pineal cyst fenestrated by Dr. Quinsey. In the months prior, she was experiencing headaches and numbness. She spoke to many different doctors before deciding that UNC was where she wished to have her procedure. She was able to tell just by speaking … Read more