University of Utah Neurosurgery

01/13/2026

Last week, Ben Shofty, MD, PhD, placed the first Vivistim implant in Utah! Vivistim is an FDA-approved technology that stimulates the vagus nerve to strengthen the neural pathways and improve arm function in stroke survivors. This is a major step in better care for patients after stroke, and we’re thrilled to be part of advancing care options.

Our University of Utah Health team, including Dr. Shofty, Shervin Rahimpour, MD, and Mark Mahan, MD, are the only providers in the state offering this incredible treatment!

Learn more at https://www.vivistim.com/

01/12/2026

Congratulations to Douglas Brockmeyer, MD, who was honored for Excellence in Medicine at the Bobby Jones Chiari & Syringomyelia Foundations' International Night of Light Gala in November!

12/15/2025

We’re thrilled to announce that the Canerector Foundation—which supports cutting-edge care for patients with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome—is investing in the research of Dr. Vijay Ravindra, Dr. Douglas Brockmeyer, Dr. Andrew Dailey, Dr. Rajiv Iyer, and Dr. Benjamin Ellis (Dept. of Biomechanical Engineering): “Finite Element Modeling of the Craniocervical Junction: A Study of Patients with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Controls.”

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is a connective tissue disorder that may cause craniocervical instability, leading to spine and nervous system injuries. The University of Utah Health team, supported by the Canerector Foundation, aims to create patient-specific models of the craniocervical junction. These models will give providers a greater understanding of the anatomical differences caused by Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and inform future treatment.

We’re grateful to have the support of the Canerector Foundation as we move forward with this groundbreaking research!

12/11/2025

After years of debilitating back pain and numbness, Mike Halverson met with our Endoscopic and Percutaneous Spine Program team, Mark Mahan, MD, and Zachary McCormick, MD. Mike underwent four minimally invasive surgeries that precisely targeted his pain and allowed him to return to his favorite activity--hunting.

Read the full story at https://bit.ly/4q19Z7L

12/10/2025

Learn more about "Human Brain Networks and Creative Thinking" with Ben Shofty, MD, PhD, next week on Thursday, December 18th at noon ET!

Register at https://stimulatingbrains.org/28-isaiah-kletenik-ben-shofty/

12/09/2025

It was great to see our pediatrics team represent at the AANS/CNS Joint Pediatric Section's annual meeting over the weekend!

PGY-3 resident Natasha Hongsermeier-Graves, MD, presented "How the Molecular Era Has Impacted Neurosurgical and Oncological Decision Making in the Treatment of Pediatric Brain Tumors."

Pediatric Fellow Nebras Warsi, MD, presented "Comparative Multicenter Evaluation of Thalamic Neuromodulation for Drug-Resistant Epilepsy in Children."

And PGY-6 resident Elena Kurudza, MD, presented "Children with 1 or More Complex Chronic Condition Undergoing Spinal Fusions are at Significantly Increase Risk of Complications within 30 days."

We love to see the research being done by our incredible trainees, and are excited to see them move forward with their studies!

12/08/2025

Next week, December 17, at 6 pm MT, we're joining our colleagues in neurology to learn how epilepsy affects women.

Register at https://healthcare.utah.edu/womens-health/seminars

Epilepsy affects women differently, and understanding those differences can make a real impact on your health. Join neurologist Angela Peters, MD, for a free virtual seminar on Wednesday, Dec. 17, from 6 p.m.–7 p.m. (MT). She’ll cover early signs to watch for, common triggers, how hormones and lifestyle changes play a role, and how to make the most of your visits with your health care team.

This session is open to all women wanting to learn more about their health and wellbeing. Register today! https://healthcare.utah.edu/womens-health/seminars

University of Utah Department of Neurology

12/08/2025

“It’s incredibly rewarding to be involved in a study like STELLAR, which demonstrated a combination treatment that has a significant benefit and offers meaningful potential for patients with this specific diagnosis.”

A new international study led by Howard Colman, MD, PhD, shows encouraging progress for people facing grade 3 IDH-mutant astrocytoma, a rare and challenging brain tumor. The STELLAR Phase 3 trial found that a combination therapy meaningfully extended both overall and progression-free survival compared to standard treatment.

This work reflects the impact of federally funded research and strong scientific collaboration in expanding options where they have been limited. Published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, the study represents an important step forward in care.

Learn more through the link below.

12/03/2025

So great to hear from Dr. Malani! 🙌

Read the full letter at https://bit.ly/3Klym0J

"Each patient teaches me the importance of what it means to be human and what it means to love."

In her Letter of Hope, Dr. Rachna Malani shares how caring for people with brain cancer continues to shape her outlook. She talks about the role of compassion, the power of collaboration, and how innovative clinical trials are helping open new doors—always with the hope of giving patients and families more meaningful time together. Read her letter through the link in our comments.

University of Utah Neurosurgery

12/03/2025

UTAH-RAISED, WYOMING COWGIRL RETURNS TO UTAH FOR SUCCESSFUL BRAIN TUMOR SURGERY!

After months of dizziness and lost senses, neuro-otolaryngologist, Jeremiah Alt, MD, and skull base and vascular neurosurgeon, Robert Rennert, MD, found a large tumor stretching from her sinus to brain.
The team performed complex endoscopic surgery that removed the tumor without a single external scar.
Today, this Wyoming cowgirl is back home, back in the saddle, and grateful for a second chance at life.
“Find the right doctors. Have faith. Keep going.”
Full story at https://healthcare.utah.edu/patient-stories/utah-raised-wyoming-cowgirl-returns-utah-successful-brain-tumor-surgery

Utah ENT

11/24/2025

Congratulations to PGY-1 resident Adi Mittal, MD, who was a finalist at the SVINnovation competition for his brain aneurysm blood test.

We also heard from last year’s winner, PGY-1 resident Matt Findlay, MD, about Soundpass’ progress over the last year!

11/21/2025

Brain–computer interfaces are moving from concept to clinic. Check out the latest from Dr. Shervin Rahimpour and Dr. David Brandman (UC Davis) in the congress quarterly--answering the big questions driving the future of BCI technology 🚀🧠

🔗 https://www.cns.org/publications/congress-quarterly