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Innovative Surgery Treats Man's Rare Brain Condition, Restores Vision
15 Nov, 2025
Summary
- 36-year-old father experiences intense migraines and vision issues
- Diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a rare brain condition causing fluid buildup
- Neurosurgeon performs innovative procedure to open blocked fluid channel
In November 2022, 36-year-old Mark Van Alstine was a healthy father of two when he began experiencing intense migraines and vision issues. After visiting his doctor, Van Alstine was referred to a local neurologist, who delivered the shocking news that he might have cancer and would require invasive brain surgery.
Overwhelmed by the prospect of potentially not seeing his children grow up, Van Alstine's brother-in-law helped him get an appointment with neurosurgeon Dr. Stephen Magill at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago. To Van Alstine's relief, Dr. Magill provided a very different diagnosis - hydrocephalus, a rare condition causing fluid buildup in the brain.
Dr. Magill was able to perform a specialized procedure, more commonly used in pediatric cases, to open the blocked fluid channel in Van Alstine's brain. The minimally invasive surgery was a success, and Van Alstine's symptoms disappeared almost immediately. He has since made a full recovery and is encouraging others experiencing similar issues to seek a second opinion.
