Patient Stories

Camila and her mother pose for a photo with their physicians at their two week follow up.

Two Week Patient Follow Up – Camila

July 25, 2024

Danna Yanez recently traveled from Mexico to San Antonio to seek treatment for her 16-month-old daughter, Camila, who was diagnosed with left side coronal suture craniosynostosis. The Craniofacial Team at UHS, including Drs. Izabela Tarasiewicz, Joshua Stone, and Christian Stallworth, performed her surgery, which was sponsored by the non-profit organization Fresh Start Surgical Gifts. As […]



UT Health Newsroom Shares DBS Patient Story

March 28, 2024

The UT Health Newsroom recently posted a story about John Lattimore, a patient with essential tremors who underwent deep brain stimulation (DBS) treatment with Alexander Papanastassiou, MD. You can read about John’s journey and learn more about DBS by visiting the link below: Deep brain stimulation keeps amateur artist’s hands steady


Alexander Papanastassiou, MD, Treats Patient with DBS

September 15, 2023

UT Health published this article about Carl McLain, a patient with Parkinson’s disease who was treated by Alexander Papanastassiou, MD, using deep brain stimulation. Carl reported an improvement in his symptoms after surgery and describes the event as a turning point in his life. You can learn more about his journey by visiting the link […]


Patient Sandra Holquin sitting in a chair and smiling.

Sandra’s Story

March 14, 2019

Sandra Holquin suffered from chronic pain throughout most of her life. “I couldn’t walk or even do household chores,” she told us during a recent visit. “Epidural and steroid injections would help, but the pain would always come back.” During an appointment at the pain clinic, she was referred to Alexander M. Papanastassiou, M.D., who […]



The Neurocritical Care Team posing for a holiday photo with big smiles and funny hats.

Thank you!

January 7, 2019

The Department of Neurosurgery would like to recognize the wonderful doctors, nurses, and staff that worked so hard taking care of patients in the Neuro ICU over the holidays.



Patient Gustavo Macharro lying in a hospital bed while his wife stands by his side.

Gustavo Macharro’s Story

July 31, 2018

After Gustavo Macharro was found down and unconscious at work, he was immediately brought to University Hospital for advanced neurosurgical and trauma care. He was brought to UHS where he was diagnosed with a subdural hematoma and severe TBI and was emergently operated on by Dr. Koebbe and admitted to the Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit […]



Carolyn Taylor sitting in a hospital bed and smiling. She is surrounded by machines and hospital equipment.

Carolyn’s Story

July 5, 2018

Carolyn Taylor began having a sharp pain in her head during a workout. She was unable to move and started to vomit. “I was rushed to the ER near my house,” she told us. “There were no neurosurgeons in Corpus Christi that could handle my case, but the pain was very bad. We were rushed […]



Cranial Remolding Clinical Director Darren Poidevin smiles while holding patient Adley Stubbs. Darren is flanked by Adeley's smiling parents.

Adley’s Post

June 22, 2018

We recently had the opportunity to speak with Adley Stubbs’ family during her final appointment with the Cranial Remolding Program.was diagnosed with metopic craniosynostosis and is now finished with her treatment. We asked Adley’s mother, Emiley Stubbs, about what the family’s experience was like during the cranial remolding process. “At first we were super nervous. […]



Cranial Remolding Clinical Director Darren Poidevin smiling while standing next to Patient Hudson Lockhart and his parents.

Hudson’s Story

June 14, 2018

Hudson Lockhart recently completed his cranial remolding treatment for sagittal craniosynostosis. We were able to catch up with his family to ask about their experience. “We always said before we all started that this was one of the scariest things in the world,” Hudson’s father told us. “But looking back at all the people we […]



Dr. Lee Birnbaum clicks on a mouse while two onlookers study his computer screen.

KSAT 12 Stroke Month Video

May 31, 2018

Lee Birnbaum, M.D., was recently featured in a KSAT 12 video about Stroke Awareness Month. The report highlights the story of his patient, Patty Reagan, who was able to receive quick treatment for her stroke and make a full recovery.   Watch the video here