A hemorrhagic stroke is typically the most deadly and debilitating form of stroke, occurring in nearly two million people every year. Historically, it’s been treated by allowing the brain to bleed until hemorrhaging has subsided, leaving few recovery options for patients. About half of the individuals who suffer a hemorrhagic stroke die within 30 days.

But that could be changing—all thanks to a leading-edge stroke treatment that’s giving patients new hope.

After several years of the ENRICH (Early MiNimally-invasive Removal of ICH) trial, neurosurgeons were able to show positive results with improved outcomes for hemorrhagic stroke patients, and the results were shared at the 2023 American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) annual meeting. The results were presented by representatives from Emory University and the NICO Corporation. Four current Goodman Campbell physicians, led by Dr. Charles G. Kulwin, participated in the trial. It involved 300 stroke patients at 37 treatment centers across the United States.

During the trial, the BrainPath device—a tool used to help surgeons get to the site of bleeding—carefully moved through the delicate folds and fibers of the brain. The BrainPath gently shifts the tissue to create a path to the site of the bleeding. Once there, the Myriad device, an automated suction and resection tool, can remove clotting.

These results were part of a stroke treatment trial in which surgeons hoped to improve the standard of care for hemorrhagic strokes beyond just waiting out the bleed.

“Goodman Campbell was one of the earliest sites and one of the largest contributors to the study,” said Dr. Kulwin. “Our hope is that this will finally take a difficult problem … and provide solid evidence that there is a correct way to manage it surgically.”

“Only a quarter of survivors get back to independence in the months following the stroke. A safe and effective way of operating on a hemorrhage by minimally invasive means has the potential to change the way we give care and save lives.”

We are proud to be part of this historical moment in stroke treatment, and we look forward to using this method to help save and improve the lives of our patients. We also look forward to continuing to find new, innovative ways to advance the field of neurosurgery. You can read more about the clinical trial here.

Goodman Campbell started way back in 1972, with the incorporation of the Indianapolis Neurosurgical Group established by Drs. Julius Goodman and John Russell.

Since then, we’ve pioneered new techniques in Indiana, such as the first microscopic discectomy, the first intracranial tumor embolization, and the first endoscopic placement of a VP shunt.

We’ve transformed ourselves by adding new disciplines—like interventional stroke care, minimally-invasive spinal surgery, interventional pain management, physical therapy, research, and education. We’ve steadily grown both our practice and our reputation, and we’ve never once looked back.   

That is, until now.

This year, Goodman Campbell is turning 50 years old. Reaching that milestone has made us pause and reflect on our first half-century—and we could use your help documenting it.

If you’ve got photos, we’d love to see them. If you’ve got cards or notes, we’ll be glad to read them. If you have recordings, we’d be thrilled to hear them. If you’ve got videos, we can’t wait to watch them. Basically, if you’ve got anything at all that will help us expand our historical archives, we’ll be grateful for your assistance.

Visit our 50^th Anniversary page now to submit your digitized photos or videos—or just to type in a favorite memory.

Don’t have access to a scanner? We’re still interested in what you have to share. Give us a call at 317.396.1300, and we’ll do what we can to make your Goodman Campbell memories last forever.

Until last August, Kelli McLaughlin of Carmel was living her life like normal. She was raising her four children with her husband, Ryan, volunteering for different causes, and managing two locations of her boutique shop, Clothes With a Cause, which donates proceeds to different charities throughout the year. 

That month, Kelli started noticing odd, neurological symptoms and sensations in her body. She took a trip to the ER in early September and doctors didn’t find anything then. She returned later that month with her husband on their anniversary, because the sensations she was experiencing were very strong and interfering with normal tasks. 

The sensations would be diagnosed as focal seizures, so brain scans were taken and they revealed Kelli had a tumor. Goodman Campbell neurosurgeon Dr. Troy Payner was assigned to Kelli’s case, and after close examination and tests, he delivered the news that she had glioblastoma, a rare brain cancer with no known cure. Ironically, Dr. Payner treated her father for several meningiomas 16 years ago.

“It took me about a month to wrap my head around my new situation. I was in complete disbelief because there were no warning signs whatsoever,” said Kelli. “But Dr. Payner and I instantly hit it off—I liked him when I met him years ago, and I like him now! My entire care team has been wonderful; they are great advocates and have helped me navigate every aspect of this process.”

Glioblastoma, a cancerous and incurable brain tumor, occurs in 3 out of 100,000 United States citizens annually. The median age of those diagnosed is 64.

Goodman Campbell treats roughly 50 cases each year. Symptoms and their severity vary with each person, but in general they include: headaches, seizures, nausea/vomiting, difficulty with speech, blurry vision, weakness on one side, confusion, or lethargy—more on signs, symptoms, and treatments here.

“Glioblastoma is the most common primary tumor to occur in the brain and it’s unfortunately cancerous. Despite tremendous research being done, we don’t have a cure. The goal of all treatments is to control the tumor as long as possible,” said Dr. Payner. 

After the initial removal of the tumor, Kelli elected to start chemotherapy and radiation treatments, and wears an FDA-approved cap that helps slow tumor cells from replicating. Dr. Payner describes her as “an extremely ambitious woman who has an unflappable positive mental attitude.” Kathy Butz, a nurse on her care team, says that Kelli is very involved in her health care decisions, is open about her disease, and has a service-oriented heart.

“I don’t want to quit, I want to live. I’m committed to tackling this head-on, because I don’t see any other options,” Kelli said. “I feel like my purpose here is to make this place better than I found it, and help the next family that experiences something like this.”

All of that shows in Kelli’s drive to help her community, despite her diagnosis and side effects from treatments. Along with her support network of friends and family, she recently organized the first “Kegs ‘N Eggs 5K” fundraising event. In addition to raising awareness for this disease, they successfully collected over $50,000 to help connect families going through a similar situation to available resources and treatments.

“I am so thankful for the great turnout and beautiful weather we had for the First Annual Kelli’s Kegs N Eggs 5K! Glioblastoma research is one of the most under-funded of all cancers, and it is my goal to change this,” said Kelli. “We want to raise awareness of this horrible disease and raise funds to ensure that other families do not have to suffer this terrible blow as we had to. It can be done and I firmly believe that there is a cure on the horizon.”

Jay and his family live in Indianapolis in a house that’s been in the family for several generations. Though his kids have grown, Jay looks back on a life in which sports and physical activity—whether on his own, with friends or with his wife and kids—have played a huge role.

Being active has been important not only physically and socially for Jay, but also mentally. When he’s not able get out and move regularly, it takes an emotional toll. “I need to be active, or I’m no fun to be around,” he said.

Because he’s been so active, he’s had his share of injuries; After battling back trouble on and off for years, Jay had gone six years with no significant problems when suddenly, while sitting on the sofa with his dog Agnes, his right leg went numb, became weak and wouldn’t wake back up.

He sought help from Dr. Mobasser at Goodman Campbell. “Dr. Mobasser sent me for an MRI and X-rays of my back to assess my spine,” Jay said. “It was a wreck. He said I needed to have this surgery, as I was developing nerve damage in my right leg. Dr. Mobasser made it clear that my condition was irreversible without surgery and would continue to get progressively worse. I was facing the rest of my life with a brace on my foot.”

Dr. Mobasser fused five vertebrae and freed up all the nerves being compressed at each of these levels. Having had some experience with knee surgeries, Jay was expecting a tough recovery, and Dr. Mobasser himself warned Jay that the recovery process from a multi-level lumbar spine surgery could be extremely difficult for the first few post-operative months.

His experience, however, was anything but difficult. “I feel incredibly lucky,” Jay said. “I never really had any pain. I sat right up and walked to a chair; I was walking the halls that same afternoon.”

He was in the hospital for less than two days. “The follow-up was great,” Jay said, “though it turned out I didn’t need it. They called once a week, just to make sure I was doing okay, and the next time I saw Dr. Mobasser was at my one-month checkup.”

“I’m back to living a normal life,” Jay said. “I’m biking, I’m walking, I’m playing with the dog. But you know, beyond that, it’s all the little things. Sleeping through the night. Getting dressed without having to contort myself. Even now, more than a year later, I’ll find myself doing something that used to be painful or difficult or impossible before the surgery, and it’s just such a relief to have that part of my life back. I credit Dr. Mobasser and Goodman Campbell with making that happen.”

Through the centuries, humans have adjusted their bodies to accommodate all kinds of new trends and technologies. Unfortunately, bending ourselves into unnatural shapes leads to aches and pains. Today, our phones, tablets and laptops are the main culprits, resulting in a nagging pain often referred to as “tech neck.” 

Paul Page, MD, a neurosurgeon and spine specialist at Goodman Campbell, describes tech neck as an overuse syndrome caused by repetitive stress on the neck when looking downward at our devices. 

“The human head weighs 10-12 pounds, and the more aggressive the angle at which you hold your head to scroll or type, the more stress you put on your neck,” Dr. Page says.

Ignoring symptoms of tech neck hasn’t been shown to lead to more serious conditions, but it can worsen existing ones. When you consistently put stress on the neck by looking down, it builds up muscle tension and can create a knot at the base of the neck. This is often referred to as Dowager’s hump or kyphosis, and poor posture while using devices can exacerbate the bulge and make it more prominent.

Treating tech neck symptoms

To treat tech neck, you don’t need spine surgery. Instead, adopt some simple, healthy habits. Dr. Page recommends taking frequent breaks from devices and noticing how you hold your head, aiming to keep it in alignment with the rest of your body. Be intentional about workplace ergonomics and posture. 

Make use of the 20-20-20 rule created to reduce eye strain — it can also help with neck strain. Take a rest break at least every 20 minutes by looking away at a distance of at least 20 feet for 20 seconds. 

With more of her clients working from home and improvising workstations, Katherine Behrens, PT, at Goodman Campbell says she has seen an increase in laptop- and smartphone-related symptoms over the last several years. But this latest version of tech neck isn’t as bad as past versions. 

“I would say the era of the phone on the shoulder was a lot worse than ‘text neck’ because it was asymmetrical,” she says. “The era of ‘head banging’ rave concerts was by far the worst era — not much explanation needed as to why.”  

Professions that require prolonged poor posture are known to have a greater incidence of neck issues. The clients Behrens see with the worst neck pain include hairstylists, dentists and dental assistants, people doing prolonged computer work, painters, and race car drivers. 

Exercises to manage neck pain

If you have tech neck symptoms, Behrens recommends several exercises to help alleviate the pain. 

Cervical Retraction or Chin Tuck: While seated, slowly draw your head back so that your ears line up with your shoulders. (Hold for 1 second, repeating throughout the day.)

Scalene Stretch: Place your hands overlapping on your breast bone. Next, tilt your head upwards and away from the affected side until a gentle stretch is felt along the front side of your neck. (Hold for 20 seconds, repeating 3 times daily.)

Wall Posture: Stand with your heels up against a wall. Attempt to get your heels, buttock, shoulders, and head to touch the wall at the same time. (Hold for 30 seconds.)

Wall Snow Angel: Begin standing against a wall with your elbows abducted to 90 degrees and shoulder blades retracted (pulled in and down) and cervical spine in a chin tuck. Without shrugging your shoulders, slide bent arms up the wall as if making a snow angel. Return to the starting position without allowing your shoulder blades to protract. (Repeat 10 times.)

If your symptoms worsen or persist for 2-4 weeks, consider seeing a medical professional. A medical examination is recommended if the pain radiates or you experience a tingling sensation. And if you see changes in your bowel or bladder function, request an appointment as soon as possible. 

“There are a million and one reasons to have neck pain,” Dr. Page points out. Let’s try to manage at least one. 

Is it time to see a professional for your neck pain? Request an appointment today at Goodman Campbell.

Life can throw you a curveball, or in the case of former Indiana Miss Basketball and WNBA player Vicki Hall, it can hit you with a series of stealthy crossovers that show you, in Hall’s words “just how fragile but also how powerful the human body can be.” It’s difficult to fathom, but between 2018 and 2025, Hall experienced three ischemic strokes. 

“Each one changed me, physically and emotionally, and forced me to rebuild not only my strength but also my sense of purpose,” she says. Today, she wants to use her experience for good. “I want to contribute to society. That’s what life is all about.”

Krishna Amuluru, MD, is the Goodman Campbell interventional neuroradiologist who treated Hall after her most recent stroke in 2025. He and Molly Matthews, DNP, FNP-C, credit Hall’s motivation and discipline, especially as a former professional athlete, for how well she has recovered and how much she will likely continue to progress.

A career built around basketball

Hall was born with a genetic disorder called Lamin A/C that weakens the heart and leads to AFib, an irregular heartbeat that increases the risk of stroke. Her father passed away when he was just 46. “It’s a miracle that I’m talking to you,” she says. 

In spite of her genes, as a young woman, Hall accumulated 1,725 points playing basketball at Brebeuf High School in Indianapolis and was named National Player of the Year by Parade Magazine in 1988. She went on to excel at the University of Texas at Austin from 1988-1993 — where she’s in UT’s Hall of Honor. 

She won gold as part of the 1990 FIBA World Championship for Women and the 1990 Goodwill Games with the American women’s basketball team. And in 2000, she joined the Women’s National Basketball Association, playing for the Cleveland Rockers, Indiana Fever and Los Angeles Sparks. 

As Hall bounded up and down the court, no one watching or trying to keep her from the basket would have guessed she was playing with a weakened heart. She was playing to win. Her WNBA career included 61 games up to 2002 and 255 points. Hall was inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013.

After her career as a player came to an end, she transitioned into coaching, first as an assistant at Miami University and then the University of Toledo before returning to her home state in 2018 to be the head coach at Indiana State University. 

Hall had her first stroke when she was working in Terre Haute. She was in the middle of a conversation and suddenly found herself unable to talk. Then she tried to lift her right hand, but it wouldn’t move. Hall’s symptoms lasted two minutes and then they were over. Doctors diagnosed the episode as a stroke, and there were no long-lasting impacts. 

When a position on the coaching staff at the Indiana Fever came up in 2021, Hall took it. She coached the WNBA team for two years and was inducted into the Indiana Sports Hall of Fame in 2023.

Hall’s second stroke came a year later, again without warning. She was in her kitchen and accidentally slid a plate off the counter. When she tried to pick it up, she couldn’t. Her partner, Kerri Wilhelm, was there, and when Hall tried to speak, her words were slurred. Wilhelm quickly called 911, which was exactly the right thing to do. 

Seeking medical care fast is paramount with stroke. Every minute a large vessel stroke goes untreated, millions of brain cells are lost. The longer the brain goes without blood flow, the greater the risk of permanent damage. How long it takes to get treatment directly impacts how much function a patient can recover. Following her second stroke, Hall had difficulty with balance and walking, but she was able to recover and get back to the life she loved relatively easily. 

The 911 call and a complex surgery 

“My other strokes were kind of a walk in the park,” Hall says as she begins to tell the story of her third stroke on Nov. 11, 2025, exactly one year from the date of her second one. The day started off like any other. Hall and Wilhelm chatted at home before Wilhelm left to run an errand. Hall was just clearing her phone of notifications when she realized something felt weird. 

“Kerrie came back and asked if I was OK, and I couldn’t respond. Nothing came out,” Hall recalls. Wilhelm again dialed 911. 

As her speech faltered, her understanding of what happened next remained intact. Firemen arrived first, paramedics assessed her, and she was put into an ambulance. They asked her questions that she wanted to answer, but she could only say “No” and “You Know.” By the time she got to the emergency department at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis, she was no longer in control of her right hand, and other symptoms were worsening. She recalls nurses saying the doctor was seven minutes out. 

Dr. Amuluru and Matthews quickly evaluated Hall’s symptoms and neuro/physical exam. Because her symptoms included difficulty speaking, weakness, and facial droop, they called for a noncontrast head CT to rule out bleeding, followed by vascular imaging (CTA) to evaluate the blood vessels and assess for any narrowing or occlusion.

They diagnosed Hall with an acute ischemic stroke. The source of the clot was cardioembolic, meaning it originated from the heart — specifically related to her known atrial fibrillation — and then traveled to the brain.

“In Vicki’s case, imaging showed a blockage in her left middle cerebral artery M2 branch with a large area of brain that could still be saved, which made her a strong candidate for intervention,” Dr. Amurulu says. 

He decided the most effective intervention to open up Hall’s left MCA was a minimally invasive thrombectomy. This procedure’s goal is to reopen the blocked artery as quickly and as safely as possible to save brain tissue and reduce long-term disability.

“We enter through a small artery in the wrist or groin and guide a catheter up to the blocked artery in the brain using real-time X-ray imaging. Once we reach the clot, we use specialized devices to remove it, thus restoring blood flow,” Dr. Amurulu says.

Without a thrombectomy, Hall’s ability to speak would have likely been severely impaired, and the right side of her body could have been permanently weakened. In some cases, large strokes like Hall’s are life threatening. 

It’s a complex procedure requiring the navigation of very small catheters and wires through equally small, delicate blood vessels in the brain. Every patient’s anatomy is different, and the clot itself can vary in size, location, and composition. In general, patients are asleep under general anesthesia for these procedures to avoid any movement while devices are being navigated within the brain. 

There are also risks, such as vessel injury and/or bleeding, so it requires a skilled team of special radiology technicians, nurses, and advanced imaging technology to perform safely and effectively.

“I’m fortunate that Dr. Amuluru is very talented at what he does. A lot of people might not have tried to intercede and do the thrombectomy, but he did. He had the knowledge and understanding to not go any further,” Hall says, referring to the risks. “It speaks to his skill, and professionalism.”

Living like an athlete accelerated recovery

Six hours after surgery, Hall could tap letters on a tablet with her thumb, but it was difficult. The stroke had impaired her ability to spell. She spent a week in the hospital, walking the halls as part of her rehab. She asked for a pen and paper for communication and sent messages to people with her phone. Talking for long periods still drains her energy. 

Once she was discharged, she adopted a routine of physical, occupational, and speech therapy appointments. With this third stroke, Hall had to shift into a different gear physically and mentally. 

“As athletes you’re taught to bulldog your way through it, but with stroke, you can’t do that because when you do, it hits you right back and you go backward,” she says. Hall learned that recovery isn’t a straight path. It’s made of small victories — walking a little farther, speaking a little more clearly, staying patient with herself on the tough days. 

Dr. Amuluru and Matthews agree that Vicki’s overall health and fitness likely played a significant role in her recovery, which isn’t a surprise. Physically active patients with few underlying health issues have been shown to have better baseline brain resilience and recover more quickly with rehabilitation than other patients.  

Matthews credits Hall’s attitude as well. “Her motivation and discipline, especially as a former professional athlete, made a huge difference in how well she has recovered thus far and how much she will likely continue to recover over the course of the year. She also has an amazing support system which is crucial for patients recovering from any neurologic event that impacts functional and cognitive abilities,” Mathews says, referring to Wilhelm.

“I’ve been healing in levels,” says Hall, who is 56 and recovering well.  She completed her outpatient rehab and continues to work on balance and fine motor skills. Replying to emails, and opening jars and medication bottles are no longer goals. She’s steadily increased her stamina to 10,000 steps a day — minimum — and lifts weights three times a week.

If she could send a message to people, it would be to learn the signs of stroke and take to heart that it can impact anyone, regardless of how fit or young they are. Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke, and every 3 minutes and 14 seconds, someone dies of stroke, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. Your fast action can save lives and livelihoods. 

“Vicki’s story highlights the importance of recognizing symptoms early, seeking emergency care, and staying compliant with medications, especially for conditions like atrial fibrillation, which can increase stroke risk,” Dr. Amuluru says. “Her recovery shows what is possible when rapid treatment, advanced technology, and patient determination all come together.”

Recovery hasn’t been a walk in the park. “Aphasia has been the most challenging. I still struggle to keep up with my brain when in conversation.” At times, she will still stutter, mildly slur her words, or struggle to find the appropriate words. “It is also harder to converse with people I don’t know,” she says, so she does the hard stuff to keep improving, like admitting to strangers that she has had a stroke and needs them to be patient with her. She is also planning to join Toastmasters, a club that helps people with public speaking.

“It’s hard to not be able to talk. It’s hard to not be able to walk, and it kind of makes you want to give up. But you can’t, and if I can help a couple people see that, it’s worth it,” she says. “It’s humbling, and you face discrimination, and it knocks people down and makes you not want to fight. But with determination, faith, and the right support, progress happens.”

When asked where she’ll be on Nov. 11, 2026 — the unlikely anniversary of her second and third strokes — Hall joked that she’d be standing in the parking lot at the hospital, or maybe throwing a party. 

Stroke is one of the most devastating diseases a patient can experience. Learn how to identify common symptoms.

Interventional pain management refers to a group of minimally invasive procedures designed to treat pain at its source rather than relying solely on oral medications to reduce symptoms. These interventional pain management procedures focus on the nerves, joints and spine structures that generate pain signals. 

An interventional pain management specialist uses minimally invasive techniques and image guidance to precisely target areas in order to reduce inflammation, interrupt pain signals, and improve function.. These procedures may include nerve blocks, epidural steroid injections, medial branch blocks, trigger point injections, or joint injections.

Unlike surgery, these treatments don’t require large incisions or long recovery periods. They also differ from oral medication-based approaches in that the medication is delivered in a targeted way directly to the affected area rather than systemically. For many patients experiencing chronic pain conditions, this approach can help reduce pain and improve mobility without the need for major surgery.

Many pain medications can temporarily reduce discomfort, but they often don’t address the underlying cause of the pain.

Interventional pain management procedures focus on blocking pain signals at their source. In many cases, injections or nerve treatments help block pain signals traveling from irritated nerves or joints. A nerve block, for example, can interrupt the signals traveling through irritated nerves. An injection into an inflamed facet joint may reduce inflammation that contributes to spine pain or joint pain.

Because these techniques target the source of pain rather than covering it up, they may help patients manage chronic pain with less reliance on oral medications. This can be particularly valuable for people who want alternatives to prolonged use of opioids/anti-inflammatory drugs.

No. Interventional pain care is not based on age. It is based on the type of condition you have and how much your symptoms affect your quality of life.

Adults of many ages may benefit from these treatments. Conditions such as disc herniation, spinal stenosis, sciatica, peripheral neuropathy, joint pain, nerve pain, and complex regional pain syndrome can affect people in their 30s, 40s, and beyond.

At Goodman Campbell, our interventional pain management physicians evaluate each patient individually, treating both simple and complex spine conditions. If a patient’s condition suggests the need for surgical evaluation, an interventional pain management physician would refer them to one of our neurosurgeons, collaborating across areas of expertise to ensure the appropriate next steps in care are taken. Such cases include conditions like significant nerve compression, neurologic changes, or structural instability. 

Doctors often describe pain in three main categories.

Persistent pain is one of the clearest signs that further evaluation may be helpful. When symptoms continue despite physical therapy or other conservative treatments, these techniques may offer a targeted way to reduce inflammation and improve function.

Yes. Many adults in their 30s and 40s experience nerve pain, back pain, or spine-related leg pain caused by disc herniation or spinal stenosis. Workplace injuries, sports injuries, and degenerative changes can all contribute to these problems.

Eligibility for treatment depends on factors including the diagnosis and how symptoms affect daily life. If your condition is interfering with sleep, work, or normal activity, an interventional pain management doctor can help determine the most appropriate treatment options.

A wide range of procedures may be used depending on the underlying cause of symptoms.

Common options include:

These procedures are selected based on your diagnosis; one approach does not fit every patient.

At Goodman Campbell, patients have access to a range of interventional pain procedures under one roof, including epidural steroid injections, nerve blocks, radiofrequency lesioning, spinal cord stimulator trials, facet joint injections, the Intracept® Procedure, and more.

If conservative treatments such as oral medication or physical therapy have not provided long-term relief, it may be time to consult an interventional pain management specialist.

You may also consider how your pain is impacting everyday activities. Is it preventing you from carrying out hobbies or living  your life to the fullest? If so, a consultation with an interventional pain management specialist — like those at Goodman Campbell — can put you on a path to healing.

If conservative treatments such as medication or physical therapy have not provided long-term relief, it may be time to consult a pain management specialist.

You may also benefit from evaluation if pain is affecting work, sleep, or everyday activity. A consultation allows an interventional pain management specialist to identify the underlying cause and recommend appropriate pain management methods. Request an appointment to get started.

If you’re experiencing pain that continues to interfere with your daily life, you may be considering interventional pain management services or wondering if you should try more conservative treatments first. Many patients dealing with persistent neck pain, back pain, or nerve compression ask the same questions: Do I qualify? And do I have to go through physical therapy before I can be seen?

The short answer is that the majority of patients treated by an interventional pain management physician at Goodman Campbell have failed to find relief from conservative treatment alone. In many cases,  patients are first referred to physical therapy and then reassessed to determine appropriate next steps. It is important to work closely with your provider throughout this process. Physical therapy is often helpful, but if your symptoms worsen or certain movements increase your pain, you should communicate that with your care team. Your treatment plan can be adjusted to better suit your needs.

For many patients experiencing chronic pain or persistent symptoms that haven’t improved, interventional pain management is often a next step. At Goodman Campbell, our team evaluates the underlying cause of pain and determines whether interventional pain management treatments could help provide meaningful pain relief.

Interventional pain management refers to a group of minimally invasive procedures designed to identify and treat the underlying sources of pain. Instead of focusing only on symptoms, interventional procedures target pain generators involving the nerves, joints, or spine structures responsible for the discomfort.

At Goodman Campbell, interventional care is delivered by interventional pain physicians specialized in spine care. This advanced expertise allows us to diagnose and treat complex conditions such as nerve compression, spinal stenosis, herniated discs, and other spine-related disorders using guided procedures. 

An interventional pain specialist focuses on procedures that directly target the source of pain. These may include nerve blocks, spinal injections, epidural steroid injections, joint injections, trigger point injections, radiofrequency ablation, and spinal cord stimulation. General pain management, meanwhile, often focuses on symptom relief alone.

Interventional pain management procedures are designed to address the underlying problem, not simply mask symptoms. For patients experiencing pain related to the spine or nerve compression, this targeted approach can make a meaningful difference.

Many people ask who qualifies for interventional pain management. Generally, good candidates include patients who:

At Goodman Campbell, there is no strict checklist that patients must complete before being evaluated. Instead, our team reviews your symptoms, imaging, medical history, and physical exam to determine whether interventional pain management treatments may help.

Conservative treatments, including physical therapy, can play an important role in managing spine conditions. In many cases, patients may be referred to physical therapy or other conservative treatments prior to or in conjunction with interventional evaluation.

However, prior conservative treatment is not always required before seeing an interventional pain specialist. If pain is severe enough to limit participation in therapy or imaging clearly identifies a structural cause of symptoms, interventional procedures may be considered earlier in the treatment process.

If you’ve been experiencing pain for months or years, it may be a sign that a more targeted evaluation is needed. Persistent back or neck pain can be associated with underlying spine conditions that may respond well to interventional pain management procedures.

Many patients also seek interventional pain care because they want meaningful relief while avoiding or delaying surgery whenever possible.

Interventional pain care may help patients experiencing pain from conditions such as:

Both acute pain and chronic pain conditions may be appropriate for evaluation.

 Our team provides a full range of interventional pain management procedures, including:

In some cases, when a structural issue requires surgical intervention, procedures such as microdiscectomy may also be recommended to relieve nerve compression and restore function. Our interventional pain management specialists collaborate closely with our neurosurgeons to ensure patients receive the most appropriate level of care at each stage of treatment.

Interventional pain management procedures can provide pain relief and may also help confirm the exact source of symptoms, making them both diagnostic and therapeutic tools.

As a global leader in brain and spine care and a hub for neurosurgical training and research in the United States, Goodman Campbell treats the full spectrum of spine conditions, from straightforward degenerative issues to highly complex cases. Patients benefit from direct access to our Goodman Campbell care team, ensuring clear communication and continuity throughout the evaluation and treatment process.

If you’re experiencing persistent neck, back, or nerve pain, our team can help you understand your options. Request an appointment today to discuss whether interventional pain management may be right for you.

Pain management refers to treatments used to reduce pain, restore function, and help you return to daily activities. It isn’t a single treatment but rather a range of approaches, from conservative therapies to advanced medical procedures, including interventional pain management services that target pain at its core.

Doctors often describe three types of pain based on how long symptoms last. These are:

People experiencing persistent or worsening pain, especially neck pain, should speak with a healthcare provider or visit a clinic with experienced pain specialists to determine the most appropriate treatment approach.

Another way doctors understand pain is by identifying the physical source of symptoms. These three types of pain are what often guide the most effective treatment plan. They are:

Once doctors identify the source and duration of symptoms, they can determine which types of pain management may work best.

Clinically, most spine specialists think about pain care as a continuum of three categories:

Patients often move through these stages gradually. The goal is always to start with the least invasive approach that can most effectively treat pain.

Conservative care is often the first step in managing spine-related pain and can be effective for acute pain or milder chronic conditions. Common conservative pain management approaches include:

While medications can help reduce pain, providers aim to minimize reliance on opioid medications and prioritize safer, long-term solutions. If underlying spine conditions continue to cause nerve pain, doctors may recommend more targeted pain management treatments.

Interventional pain management uses minimally invasive procedures, often guided by imaging, to target pain at its source. These treatments are typically recommended when conservative care has not provided sufficient relief.

Examples of interventional pain management treatments include:

At Goodman Campbell, these procedures are performed by fellowship-trained interventional pain management specialists with expertise in the spine and nervous system. Physicians focus on identifying the source of symptoms so treatment can be precise and effective.

Surgery is the third category of care and is typically considered only after other pain management approaches have been explored. Surgical treatment may be recommended for certain conditions, including:

Surgery is not the default solution, but when it is necessary, the expertise of your surgical team matters. Neurosurgeons receive more specialized training than orthopedic surgeons for matters of the brain, spine, and nervous system, which matters when you are seeking treatment for a spine condition.

At Goodman Campbell, our neurosurgeons provide advanced spine care, pursue breakthrough research, and participate in clinical trials to advance their neurosurgical treatment.

Every patient’s situation is different. A personalized pain management plan considers the person’s type of pain and its severity, any underlying medical conditions, and how symptoms affect daily life.

Your interventional pain management specialist will begin with an evaluation, identifying the source of your symptoms. Care often starts with nonsurgical back pain treatment and progresses only if needed. Tracking your pain in a simple pain diary can help your healthcare provider identify patterns and guide treatment decisions. Helpful details to include are your pain level (0–10 scale), the location of your pain, what makes it worse (such as sitting, standing, walking, bending, or lifting), and what makes it better (such as changing position, lying down, ice, heat, movement, or medications). It can also be helpful to note the time of day that your symptoms are worst and any activities that seem to trigger or relieve your pain.

At Goodman Campbell, patients have direct access to our care team throughout the process. If you’re experiencing worsening pain, it may be time to schedule an evaluation with a spine specialist.

Not all interventional pain management specialists have the same level of training. When symptoms involve the nervous system, the background of the physician guiding your care can affect the treatment options available to you. Our interventional pain management team specializes in evaluating and treating conditions involving the spine and nervous system using minimally invasive, image-guided procedures. This expertise allows the team to accurately identify pain generators and recommend targeted treatment options when conservative care is not enough.

At Goodman Campbell, patients benefit from a team that manages the full spectrum of spine-related conditions and pain management, from conservative therapies to advanced interventional procedures and surgical care when necessary.

Our interventional pain management physicians work closely with our neurosurgeons, who receive specialized training in the brain, spine, and entire nervous system. This expertise becomes especially important when surgery may be part of the treatment. 

Our patient outcomes data, research participation, and leadership in neurosurgery training reflect a commitment to exceptional care. All of our patients receive world-class spine expertise right here in Indiana.

If you’re experiencing persistent back, neck, or nerve pain, exploring your options with a specialist is an important first step toward lasting relief. Get started today.

When someone is living with Parkinson’s disease, what once was second nature can become difficult, if not impossible, especially when the benefits of medication begin to diminish. Mark R. Hoeprich, MD, has heard a lot of these stories. 

A persistent tremor prevented one of his patients from tying his own flies so he gave up flyfishing. A woman who refurbished dolls could no longer paint the delicate eyelashes on china faces. Another patient had to relinquish her longstanding tradition of writing Christmas cards to her husband because she could no longer use a pen. 

These Parkinson’s patients sought out Dr. Hoperich in part because he offers many people a chance to have a better quality of life and get back the things they’ve lost through a procedure called deep brain stimulation. After undergoing DBS, each of these patients was able to get back to their favorite hobbies and traditions. (The husband writing Christmas cards was especially grateful for his wife’s comeback.)

“One of the reasons I love DBS so much is because people love it so much,” says Hoeprich, a Goodman Campbell functional neurosurgeon who practices out of Ascension St. Vincent – Indianapolis Functional Neurosurgery Clinic. His clinical practice focuses on advanced stereotactic and minimally invasive techniques for the treatment of neuropathic pain, movement disorders — such as Parkinson’s disease — and epilepsy. 

Timing matters for Parkinson’s patients considering DBS 

As with any surgery, a patient should consider DBS only if more conservative ways to manage their Parkinson’s symptoms are no longer sufficient. Most candidates for DBS have had Parkinson’s symptoms for at least four years. But Dr. Hoeprich warns that patients shouldn’t wait until their medication has stopped working. By then, DBS may no longer be a viable option.  

“When a patient finds that they need to take their medication more frequently, at higher doses, and are experiencing troublesome peaks and troughs or dyskinesias,” Hoeprich says, “DBS becomes a serious part of the treatment conversation. Calendar age isn’t critical; a candidate’s physiologic age is much more important.” 

Whatever a patient’s medication can do, DBS can do. The added benefit is how DBS works inside the body compared to medication. 

When a patient ingests an oral medication, it must first pass through the gastrointestinal tract and be absorbed into the bloodstream before it can reach and act upon the nervous system. As a result, the patient experiences the effects of the medication at different concentrations in the body, resulting in peaks and troughs — a few hours of better mobility and control, followed by a period of disconnection and lack of control. Some medications also cause dyskinesias, the involuntary, erratic movements associated with Parkinson’s.

DBS, on the other hand, smooths out the extreme peaks and troughs. Because DBS is consistently, directly targeting the brain center, there are no fluctuations in effectiveness. 

“Prior to the advent of newer, higher-detailed MRI sequences and better brain mapping, we didn’t know where to put the electrodes” until surgery was underway, Hoeprich says. DBS was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1997. The traditional method for executing DBS involved keeping the patient awake during surgery so a neurosurgeon could test where exactly the electrodes should be placed. As such, Hoeprich describes his more advanced approach as “surgery in your sleep.” This newer method also reduces how long a patient is under anesthesia and increases safety. 

“Depending on the disease stage, you can take  medications and undergo DBS. It’s patient dependent, but for the average patient, DBS reduces their symptoms by 70%,” Hoeprich says. Despite the benefits of DBS, he says many patients aren’t even aware that it’s an option at all. Much more awareness is needed. 

How DBS is performed and how it works in the brain

It’s brain surgery, but it sounds so simple. Essentially, DBS sends electrical pulses to specific places inside the brain to reduce the severity of Parkinson’s symptoms. The process starts with a preoperative MRI of the patient’s head, from their scalp through every layer of the brain to the target neurons deep inside the substantia nigra. This advanced “brain mapping” process allows Hoeprich to pinpoint exactly where the damaged neurons are so that during surgery he can insert the electrodes where they will be most effective. 

The surgery is made up of two stages. During the first stage, the patient is admitted to the hospital in the morning and given anesthesia. Through small incisions behind the hairline, Dr. Hoeprich makes a nickel-sized hole on each side of the patient’s head and inserts an electrode through the skull to the target area of the brain. This is done for both the right and left hemispheres of the brain. These wires  are left coiled under the scalp at the end of this surgery. After one night in the hospital, the patient has breakfast and is discharged. 

Two weeks later, the patient returns for stage two. During this 45-minute surgery, the patient is put to sleep, and Dr. Hoeprich makes a small incision to access the wires under the skin. He then attaches the pliable extension wires to a battery placed under the skin near the patient’s collarbone. The battery is similar to that of a pacemaker.

Over the next two to four weeks, the brain is allowed to recover from surgery. Following this period, Dr. Hoeprich activates the battery to power the pulse-emitting electrodes. Dr. Hoeprich says that relief is often immediate — better mobility, diminished tremors, reduced rigidity, fewer dyskinesias. 

Dr. Hoeprich says DBS can continue to be effective for patients well past a decade, with little need for maintenance beyond keeping batteries charged. As a patient’s Parkinson’s progresses, changes may be made to a device’s stimulation levels to maintain positive effects, while some devices are programmed to respond to the patient’s brainwaves. 

There is still no cure for Parkinson’s disease, but what DBS can do is increase a patient’s mobility, and with better mobility comes a greater quality of life. Patients can fly fish, paint, golf, and simply hold the book they want to read. The ability to get back to the lives they love is a big motivation. 

To request an appointment with Dr. Hoeprich, please call Ascension St. Vincent – Indianapolis Functional Neurosurgery at 317-338-9669.

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Interventional pain management services offer something that rest and physical therapy alone cannot always deliver: a direct path to the source of your pain. If you’ve spent months doing everything right, working with physical therapists, modifying your activity, waiting for relief that never fully arrives, you’re not out of options. You may just need a different kind of care.

Interventional pain management is a specialized medical subspecialty that uses minimally invasive procedures to identify and treat the specific anatomical structures generating your pain. Rather than quieting symptoms at the surface, these techniques target the root cause so that relief is meaningful and, in many cases, lasting.

Interventional pain medicine sits at the intersection of diagnostic precision and targeted treatment. Where general pain care addresses the experience of pain, interventional specialists work to understand exactly which structure is responsible for generating it, and then treat that structure directly. That distinction matters enormously for patients who have been living with pain that hasn’t responded to conservative care.

The physicians who practice interventional pain medicine are trained in spinal anatomy, nervous system function, and image-guided procedural techniques. At Goodman Campbell, that expertise is complemented by experienced clinicians and neurosurgeons who undergo the most comprehensive and specialized preparation available to treat conditions involving the spinal cord, nerve roots, and surrounding structures.

Conservative treatments such as physical therapy play an important role in back and spine care. They build strength, restore mobility, and support recovery. Physical therapists not only work on the muscular and structural systems around the source of pain, but they can also target the root cause of the pain using techniques to restore joint dysfunction, take pressure off a herniated disc, and more.

Interventional techniques take a step further. By targeting the specific nerve, disc, or joint responsible for your symptoms, these techniques can complement more conservative care to achieve better results. That doesn’t mean the two approaches are in competition. Many of our patients combine interventional pain management with ongoing physical therapy for the most durable outcomes. What it does mean is that when conservative treatments haven’t delivered lasting relief, interventional pain management is a logical, evidence-based next step, not a last resort, and not necessarily a path toward surgery.

Our team evaluates and treats a wide range of degenerative spine conditions using interventional techniques. These include herniated discs, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, degenerative disc disease, sciatica, facet joint pain, and vertebral compression fractures. Patients with complex regional pain syndrome and persistent back and neck pain are also strong candidates for these approaches.

The common thread among all of these conditions is that they involve a specific, identifiable structure that is generating or amplifying pain signals. That’s what makes them well-suited to interventional pain management procedures: there’s something concrete to address.

For patients dealing with nerve pain that radiates down the leg or arm, interventional pain management is often one of the most effective tools available. Sciatica, for example, occurs when a compressed or irritated nerve root in the lumbar spine sends pain signals along the sciatic nerve pathway, creating burning, shooting, or aching sensations that can extend all the way to the foot.

Interventional procedures target the source of nerve irritation by reducing inflammation and calming the affected nerve. While they do not remove structural compression, they can significantly relieve pain by addressing the processes that make the nerve symptomatic.

Our team offers a comprehensive range of minimally invasive procedures designed to diagnose, treat, and in many cases durably resolve chronic pain and acute pain. The right procedure depends on the specific structure involved, the duration and character of your symptoms, and how your pain has responded to prior treatment.

Epidural steroid injections deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly into the epidural space surrounding the spinal cord, reducing nerve irritation caused by herniated discs or stenosis. Facet joint injections and medial branch blocks target the small joints along the spine that are a frequent source of facet joint pain in the neck and lower back. Trigger point injections address localized muscle knots that generate persistent pain and referred symptoms. For patients with head and neck pain driven by nerve irritation, occipital nerve blocks can provide significant relief by calming the greater occipital nerve and its branches. Spinal and peripheral nerve blocks serve both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, helping us identify the precise pain generator while simultaneously reducing symptoms. If a patient is a strong surgery candidate, their neurosurgeon may order an injection to identify the affected spinal level as they plan for surgery.

When longer-term results are the goal, radiofrequency ablation and spinal cord stimulation come into play, along with peripheral nerve stimulation for more targeted nerve-specific pain. The Intracept® Procedure is available for patients whose chronic lower back pain originates in the vertebral endplates, an often-overlooked source of severe pain. Lumbar discography serves as a diagnostic tool when disc-related pain needs to be confirmed before moving forward with treatment. For patients whose condition warrants a surgical solution, our interventional pain management physicians work closely with our neurosurgeons, keeping all levels of care coordinated under one roof as needs evolve.

Nerve blocks and radiofrequency ablation both target specific nerves, but they work differently and serve different purposes. A nerve block uses imaging guidance to deliver an injection that interrupts pain signals at a particular nerve or nerve cluster. Relief can be immediate and, depending on the patient, last for weeks or several months. Nerve blocks also function diagnostically. If a block significantly reduces your pain, it confirms that the targeted nerve is the source, which informs every treatment decision that follows.

Radiofrequency ablation uses heat to disrupt the nerve’s ability to transmit pain signals over a longer period, typically six months to two years. It’s often recommended after a successful nerve block confirms the target nerve, making the two procedures naturally complementary. Understanding which is appropriate comes down to the specific structure involved, your response to prior treatment, and how durable your relief needs to be.

Spinal cord stimulation is typically considered when other interventional pain management techniques haven’t provided adequate relief. Patients with complex regional pain syndrome, postsurgical pain, or persistent pain that has proven resistant to injections and other interventional approaches may be candidates for this approach.

Spinal cord stimulators deliver mild electrical impulses to the spinal cord, interrupting pain signals before they reach the brain. Our team offers both trial and permanent implant phases, which allows patients to evaluate the effect before committing to the device. For patients who qualify, it represents a meaningful step toward long-term relief and restored daily function without the need for open surgery.

The right time to see an interventional pain management doctor is when pain has persisted beyond what conservative care can realistically address. If you’ve worked with physical therapists, modified your activity, and still find yourself limiting daily life because of back and neck pain, chronic lower back pain, or radiating nerve pain, that’s a clear signal that a higher level of evaluation is appropriate.

You don’t need a referral to schedule with the Goodman Campbell team, though many patients arrive through their primary care physician or another specialist. Either path brings you to the same place: a direct conversation with our specialized care team about what’s generating your pain and what can realistically be done about it. We prioritize getting patients in quickly because we know that every additional week of persistent pain impacts your quality of life.

Your first visit is a conversation built around understanding your pain: where it comes from, how long you’ve had it, what has and hasn’t helped, and what your imaging shows. We review your medical history, conduct a physical examination, and evaluate any existing MRIs or X-rays to identify the specific anatomical structures involved. 

From there, we build a personalized treatment plan. Some patients experience significant pain relief after a single procedure. Others benefit from a staged, multidisciplinary approach that combines interventional procedures with physical therapy and ongoing monitoring. There’s no universal answer. The right plan is the one designed around your anatomy, your history, and your goals.

Not all spine care is created equal, and the training behind the hands doing the work matters. At Goodman Campbell, our pain management specialists and neurosurgeons are specialized in spine care. Their combined skills and shared focus on spine conditions create an optimum environment for collaboration. This translates directly into better outcomes for patients. While we strive to find a conservative treatment for every patient, we also have world-class surgeons available should a patient’s case require surgery.

Interventional pain management services work best when they’re backed by the full depth of knowledge needed to handle whatever comes next. Find out what’s actually driving your pain and explore treatment options with the specialists at Goodman Campbell.

Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine, together with the Neurosurgery Foundation, is hosting it’s 11th annual Brain Bolt 5K this year.

The Brain Bolt 5K is an in-person run/walk, which will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at the Gazebo Civic Square in Carmel. Once again we will host a traditional 5K course and l mile survivor course to raise awareness for those affected by traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries. Participants will enjoy food/drink trucks, hear from our featured patient, recognize all survivors, explore the MegaBrain, and more. The event has grown each year, not only in the number of participants, but in the generous contributions of sponsors like you.

All proceeds of the Brain Bolt 5K will support the efforts of the Neurosurgery Foundation at Goodman Campbell, a 50l(c)(3) dedicated to all aspects of neurological care. The Neurosurgery Foundation at Goodman Campbell, as part of its mission, supports medical education and the advancement of the science of neurosurgery and neuro-intervention. These include pilot research projects in traumatic brain and spine injury, a follow-up clinic for after-injury care and supporting our neurotrauma databases, among others.

This year we hope to have more attendees and participants than ever and we cannot do this without you! We offer several sponsorship categories listed below, please review and feel free to contact us if you have any questions about sponsoring the Brain Bolt 5K.

Thank you in advance for your consideration and continued support.

Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine is excited to welcome Dr. Mark R. Hoeprich, a functional neurosurgeon whose passion for medicine, innovation, and patient care makes him a fantastic addition to our team. Dr. Hoeprich brings both technical expertise and a thoughtful, patient-centered approach to neurosurgery.

From a young age, Dr. Hoeprich knew he wanted to become a physician. What inspired him most wasn’t just the science—it was the way communities trusted and respected their doctors.

He recalls hearing how physicians were admired not only for their medical knowledge, but also for being compassionate, dependable, and consistently available to help others.

“Physicians often hold a trusted role within their communities, and that sense of responsibility and service strongly influenced my decision.”

That early inspiration set the foundation for a career built around both excellence in medicine and meaningful patient relationships.

Dr. Hoeprich entered medical school already drawn to neurosurgery. To him, the field represents the very pinnacle of modern medicine.

Neurosurgery requires exceptional technical skill, precision, and mastery of delicate microsurgical techniques—paired with a deep understanding of human physiology.

“It is a field defined by continual innovation, where advanced surgical tools and technologies intersect directly with human physiology.”

During his training, he discovered a particular passion for functional neurosurgery, a subspecialty focused on treating neurological disorders through highly targeted, minimally invasive interventions. These procedures can significantly improve patients’ quality of life—often restoring function and independence.

Joining Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine was not a decision Dr. Hoeprich made lightly.

“I was very happy in my previous practice and did not anticipate making a change. However, the opportunity to join Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine was particularly compelling.”

What drew him to the organization was its longstanding reputation for clinical excellence and its collaborative, team-based approach to patient care.

“The organization’s long-standing reputation for clinical excellence, its collaborative culture, and its commitment to innovation and patient-centered care closely aligned with my own professional values and practice philosophy.”

For Dr. Hoeprich, it was a natural fit—and we’re thrilled to have him on board.

When discussing the future of neurosurgery, Dr. Hoeprich lights up with excitement about the possibilities ahead.

“The future of neurosurgery will be shaped by continued advances in research, technology, and interdisciplinary collaboration.”

As computing power expands—particularly with advances in artificial intelligence and emerging quantum computing—our ability to analyze complex neural data and better understand brain function will grow dramatically.

These breakthroughs could lead to more precise, personalized, and minimally invasive treatments for neurological conditions. Dr. Hoeprich is especially excited about the potential of neuromodulation and brain–computer interface technologies, which could transform how we interact with and treat the nervous system.

“As these technologies mature, they will allow us to treat neurological disease more effectively while preserving function and improving quality of life.”

He also emphasizes the importance of thoughtful integration of innovation, research, and health policy to ensure these advances translate into safe, accessible, and meaningful care for patients.

When he’s not in the operating room, Dr. Hoeprich enjoys spending time outdoors with his family. Whether he’s golfing, fly fishing, or participating in sporting clays, these activities allow him to relax, connect with nature, and share memorable experiences with friends and loved ones.

We are proud to welcome Dr. Mark R. Hoeprich to Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine and look forward to the expertise, innovation, and compassionate care he brings to our patients and community.