Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – McKinney

Combating neurological issues can be a precarious process and is best left to surgeons with significant knowledge, training, and expertise. That’s precisely why Chris Angeletti was referred to a neurosurgeon on the medical staff at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center McKinney.

Chris had been suffering for months with relentless, extreme neck discomfort, eventually becoming too painful to ignore. He made an appointment with his primary care physician, hoping to get answers and relief.

A series of X-rays and an MRI were performed, indicating a serious issue needing immediate attention. Chris’ physician wasted no time referring him to a neurosurgeon on the medical staff at BSW McKinney. The following day, he had an appointment with the neurosurgeon who studied Chris’ MRI results. The neurosurgeon saw significant compression on the spinal cord. Compression of the vertebrae cannot be ignored and must be treated immediately otherwise it could result in paralysis. Without hesitation, Chris was told that he was at a high risk for paralysis and needed to be in surgery right away. Three days later, Chris was on the operating table with his skilled neurosurgeon at the helm.

The C4 and C5 vertebrae, along with C3, form the midsection of the cervical spinal cord near the base of the neck. A cervical vertebrae injury in this area is the most severe spinal cord injury because it can significantly impact the central nervous system. What worried Chris was the possibility of being unable to continue his work in the medical field.

Chris is a registered nurse and has worked in the cardiac ICU at Dallas Children’s Hospital for the past 25 years. Throughout his career, he has worked alongside many surgeons and doctors. Working mostly with children under the age of three, he knew how fragile emergency situations can become. After a thorough discussion with his neurosurgeon, Chris had complete trust and confidence in him and the entire neurology staff at BSW McKinney.

Chris was impressed with the care he received prior to surgery and postoperatively. His preoperative nurse was very calm and reassuring, even asking Chris if she could say a prayer for him. Being in the medical field, he appreciated the advanced technology and enlightening techniques used during his surgery. The surgical team constantly monitored the nerve signals Chris’ body sent to his brain, allowing his neurosurgeon to carefully repair and alleviate the spinal compression.

100 Percent Improvement

Prior to surgery, Chris described his pain being intense and much more extreme than a pinched nerve. “It caught my breath and locked me up,” he said. After surgery, he was amazed at how much better he felt in such a short period of time. His surgeon came by his room later that day to see how he was feeling. “I was so thankful. I woke up 100 percent better than before,” Chris said.

A personalized approach to a patient’s care plays an important part in their recovery. The compassionate physicians on the medical staff, along with the nurses, and other staff at BSW McKinney offer quality care, providing everything a patient needs to feel comfortable and at ease. In Chris’ case, the entire neurological team’s focus on addressing his immediate problem and relieving his pain allowed him to recover and rehabilitate in a reasonable amount of time, faithfully following his surgeon’s instructions.

Follow-up care and rehabilitation are thorough. Chris went back or follow up three weeks after surgery. His motor skills were tested and instructions were given for a successful rehabilitation, followed by two more appointments within the coming months. Chris wasn’t allowed to bend or lift anything until he was completely healed. Currently back to work at Dallas Children’s Hospital, Chris said he feels like his prayers have been answered.

“Thanks to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and the neurology team at BSW McKinney, I have longevity in my career.”

Chris’ story is an example of the teamwork and cohesive process between physicians and surgeons in the Baylor Scott & White Health system. Chris had a well-connected primary care team, enabling a rapid response and seamless access to the neurosurgeons on the medical staff at BSW McKinney. Performing simple to complex neurological surgeries, BSW McKinney’s medical professionals are fully able to care for patients comprehensively with an expert team.

BSW Medical Center – McKinney is a highly respected full-service hospital. The neurology team treats a wide range of neurological disorders in a modern environment. Patients are provided access to precise neurophysiological services in collaboration with experienced, highly trained surgeons and neuroradiology interventionists on the medical staff when appropriate. They offer a comprehensive approach to neurological care, affording expert diagnoses, treatments, rehabilitation, and follow up. The blend of advanced surgical skills and compassionate clinical care helps facilitate trusted relationships between patients and physicians.

For more information on services and physicians, please visit BSW Medical Center – McKinney’s website.

Physicians provide clinical services as members of the medical staff at one of Baylor Scott & White Health’s subsidiary, community or affiliated medical centers and do not provide clinical services as employees or agents of Baylor Scott & White Health or those medical centers.