Department of Neurological Surgery Archive — Page 1 of 7

Selfie of Joy Autin and her fiancé James Davis standing together under a covered outdoor structure; Autin wears glasses and a pink top, while Davis has long gray hair, a beard, and a cross necklace.
October 14, 2026

Scoliosis can affect people at all stages of life. But with the best spinal surgeons available, one patient got the best outcome

Joy Autin of Blountville, Tennessee, needed the best surgeon to correct a severe spinal deformity. A referral to Scott Zuckerman, MD, did the trick.

By Evan Dorian
Jason Colee is all smiles after finishing the Great Smoky Mountains 16.2-mile challenge, one of several races he completed following surgery to remove a rare tumor from his spinal cord.
August 6, 2026

Born to run and be there for his family, Jason Colee underwent a high-stakes spinal surgery so he could do both

The procedure was necessary to remove a rare tumorous mass that was nestled inside his spinal cord.

By Evan Dorian
Woman wearing glasses and a “Chiari Malformation Awareness” T-shirt stands beside an ultrasound monitor displaying a scan.
May 20, 2026

Neurosurgical ultrasound procedure simplifies care for patients with cerebrospinal fluid disorders

Ultrasound is easier on the brain, both physically and mentally. Reducing the burden for patients goes a long way toward a positive experience in the diagnosis and treatment process.

By Evan Dorian
Close-up of artificial green turf marked with large white “5” and “6” yard-line numbers and boundary lines.
April 22, 2026

Study finds sleep apnea may be widespread — and often underdiagnosed or undertreated — among former professional football players

Evidence further suggests untreated sleep apnea is strongly linked to worse mental, cognitive and physical health for former athletes.

By Evan Dorian
A multigenerational family of 13 poses outdoors in front of a large moss-covered rock and trees; an older woman stands near the center, surrounded by adults and children.
March 31, 2026

Memorial fund honors patient whose life was saved by Vanderbilt Health neurosurgeons  

Charlotte Davis’ family, grateful for Vanderbilt Health’s role in extending her life, has set up a fund in her memory to support neurosurgical research and patient care.  

By Evan Dorian
Sagittal MRI scan of the head and upper spine showing multiple discrete lesions in the brain, including a prominent lesion in the posterior fossa, with additional lesions visible near the fourth ventricle and brainstem.
March 3, 2026

Study led by Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt looks at international cohort with rare cancer

Novel research is paving way for less invasive therapies for gliomas in pediatric patients.

By Jessica Pasley