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.”

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.

We would like to share an important update regarding the future clinic location and contact information for your care.

Beginning April 13, 2026, all appointments with Sherry Hash, NP will take place at a new location:

Functional Neurosurgery Clinic at Ascension St. Vincent

Address: 8402 Harcourt Road, Suite 815, Indianapolis, IN 46260
Phone: 317-338-9660

At this location, Sherry Hash, NP joins Dr. Mark R. Hoeprich, a board-certified neurosurgeon specializing in functional neurosurgery, to provide coordinated, patient-centered care.

Patients with upcoming appointments will be contacted directly by the Ascension St. Vincent team to assist with rescheduling as needed. Please know that this transition will not disrupt your medical care, and we remain committed to providing the same high-quality care at our new location.

Parking and Arrival Information

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact the Functional Neurosurgery Clinic at Ascension St. Vincent at 317-338-9660. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to continuing your care at our new location.

As an Interventional Neuroradiologist, Daniel H. Sahlein, MD, treats a number of complex brain and spine conditions, a job that requires careful hands, a sharp mind, and stamina, so we tapped his brain to learn how he stays on top of his own health.

It turns out that his habits are applicable to just about anyone in any line of work. 

Maintaining a high level of physical and mental stamina is critical when Dr. Sahlein is performing a lengthy vascular procedure, and his workouts support this endurance. 

“I try to stay really active, which is also good for your brain and mood,” he says. His workout of choice is rock climbing, so much so that he built a climbing gym in his home.  “It’s great training for the work that I do.” Climbing requires muscle and mental power as you puzzle through a route. Plus, the height can introduce natural stressors that climbers overcome as they ascend. 

Other workouts that hone both mental and physical endurance include dancing, martial arts, yoga, or racket sports. 

While no team member is rushing to trade lunches with Dr. Sahlein,  his simple high-nutrient, high-fat foods are slow-burning fuel that give him exactly what he needs to stay clear headed and energetic. 

During a full day of surgeries, he might take in up to two cups of unsalted almonds in addition to protein-rich yogurt, and fresh fruit. To sneak in some greens, he snacks on crunchy, iodine-rich seaweed. This approach to food, he says, doesn’t slow him down like a typical fried or carb-heavy lunch would. 

Dr. Sahlein’s healthy habits include several centered around focus. During procedures, music helps him relax and focus on the task at hand. While the Beastie Boys and orchestral music are favorites, he lets others choose the soundtrack. 

It’s easy to get lost in your smartphone, so Dr. Sahlein makes an effort to get off the screen and focus on loved ones when he can. Quality time makes a difference. In fact, studies show that spending quality time with others increases life expectancy and happiness. 

At night, Dr. Sahlein rounds out his healthy habits by focusing on a good book to lull him to sleep. His current read is “The End of the World is Just the Beginning” by Peter Zeihan.  

The plan was to build a U-shaped wall in front of his daughter’s house to shore up the yard and create space for new flower beds before summer’s end. Jim Harless had hauled and stacked most of the stones and dirt necessary to complete the 55-foot-long project when he leaned over to pick up one more block when they struck — ”electrical charges” radiated down both his legs. 

“I was trying to move six tons in a week and a half without really resting. I just overdid it,” Harless said. In his retirement from serving as pastor at Tri-County Christian Church in Middletown and as an Adjunct Professor at Indiana Wesleyan University, he had more time to spend on home improvements, but he suspected this one had triggered a herniated disc.

When the pain didn’t subside after several weeks, he made an appointment with his family doctor, Gary Wright, MD, at Ascension St. Vincent in Pendleton, Indiana. During the exam, Dr. Wright determined that Harless needed to see a spine specialist. 

“He said, ‘You’re going to go to Goodman Campbell because I only send my patients to the best,’” Harless recalled. The drive time from Anderson to Carmel was a small price to pay to see the best. 

Prior to his appointment at Goodman Campbell, Harless was asked to get an MRI of his lumbar spine. Diagnostic images such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans are valuable if not critical in correctly diagnosing patients and putting them on the most direct path to healing. 

Harless met Shannon McCanna, MD, and Emma Schulte, his physician assistant, on September 3, 2025. Dr. McCanna reviewed Harless’ MRI with him, showing him the severe stenosis of his lumbar spine — between both the L2-L3 and L3-L4 discs — which was consistent with the symptoms he reported to his primary care physician. 

“Within ten minutes of meeting Dr. McCanna, I felt like I was talking with a friend,” Harless said. He told them about his back and leg pain, leg numbness, and mild gait instability, all of which suggested a surgical lumbar decompression might be the best route to alleviate the pain. But luckily, Dr. McCanna and Schulte dug deeper and asked more questions. 

The exam progressed in an unsurprising manner until Harless mentioned a few unusual symptoms and they tested for the Hoffman sign, an involuntary flexion movement of the thumb and/or index finger when the examiner flicks the fingernail of the middle finger down. Harless had a mild Hoffmann’s sign, which can sometimes indicate cervical spinal cord compression. If that were the case, a lumbar decompression could be dangerous.

“Because of the nuanced complaints that he had as well as exam findings, we were able to understand that a more comprehensive work-up was necessary with MRI of the cervical spine,” Dr. McCanna said. 

Harless had actually gotten a cervical MRI in 2024, which he requested to be sent to Goodman Campbell. After Dr. McCanna reviewed the scan, Schulte called Harless with the results. The MRI revealed undetected severe spinal cord compression involving the C4-C5 and C5-C6 discs near the neck. 

“His case highlights the importance of really listening to the patient and hearing what he’s saying about his symptoms,” Dr. McCanna said. “It was very easy to assume that this man had back issues based on his complaints of back pain.”

But if the cervical stenosis had not been discovered, and the lumbar decompression surgery had been pursued, Harless would have been at risk of spinal cord injury and even paralysis. 

“If a patient is lying prone for a lumbar surgery, and there’s unknown spinal cord compression, they can suffer spinal cord injury, which can contribute to weakness in the upper or lower extremities, or issues with their balance, gait, or hand coordination,” Schulte said.

“Even if the lumbar surgery would have been safely performed, and he made it through surgery without worsening from a cervical standpoint, a delayed diagnosis of cervical spinal cord compression can lead to irreversible disability,” Dr. McCanna added. 

Dr. McCanna saw Harless back in the office on September 15 and explained the risks of a lumbar procedure for his case and why he was recommending an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion instead. 

“When he said neck surgery, that was a little nerve-wracking, but I was in so much pain by then I didn’t care. When you’ve been in ministry as long as I have, you find peace in the midst of all that,” Harless said. 

Ten days later, Harless went in for an 8 a.m. surgery. During the procedure, the discs and ligaments between the two pairs of affected vertebrae were removed, allowing the spinal cord/nerve roots to decompress. A cage with bone was then placed in the newly empty disc spaces. When bone touches bone, they eventually grow together. This process can take 6-12 months, so to hold things in good alignment, a plate-and-screw system was placed across the vertebral cages. 

“In this particular patient’s case, he has two cages and a plate spanning C4-C6 with two screws at each of the vertebral bodies. For this anterior cervical discectomy and fusion surgery, there were two goals: First, get the pressure off the spinal cord/nerve roots, and second, get the bones to fuse,” Schulte said. 

Post-surgery, Harless was back home in Anderson by 4 p.m. During his follow-up appointment four weeks later, he reported resolved arm pain, improved gait instability, and no more back pain, leg pain, or numbness. As a result, Dr. McCanna saw no need for lumbar surgery. It was a welcome relief for Harless.

“He was concerned about my welfare as a human, not just his patient,” Harless said of Dr. McCanna. “My experience from start to finish with Goodman Campbell was top notch. From the ladies at the front desk, to the X-ray tech, to nurses in the hospital, everyone was so kind, helpful, and welcoming. I could not have asked for a better experience.”

“Cases like Jim’s are extremely rewarding to be a part of — solving an interesting problem for a very kind and gracious member of our community. I feel blessed and very fortunate to be a part of the team at Goodman Campbell,” Dr. McCanna said.

Four months later, Harless had been released to pursue any activities he felt comfortable with. That included volunteering, serving as a church elder, and enjoying his three grandchildren. While a few of his friends completed the project at his daughter’s house, he has home improvements of his own he’ll be tackling this year, but he won’t overdo it this time.

“I want to level out a patio and hire a couple of young pups to help,” he said. 

To see any of our world-class subspecialists in brain, spine, or nervous system care, request an appointment today.

Sciatica can feel overwhelming, sharp leg pain, numbness, weakness, or burning sensations that interrupt daily life. Many patients wonder: how effective are non surgical treatments for sciatica, and can meaningful pain relief really happen without an operation? The reassuring truth is that most people with sciatica pain improve through conservative treatment, especially in the first several weeks.

For adults exploring whether nonsurgical options can be effective, evidence shows that physical therapy, medications, and epidural steroid injections often provide significant relief before surgery is ever needed. And when patients ask how effective nonsurgical treatments for sciatica really are, the data consistently shows that the majority recover without surgery. This is especially true when their care is guided by spine specialists who understand both back pain treatment strategies and nerve-related symptoms.

In most cases, yes. Sciatica is typically caused by irritation or sciatic nerve compression, often due to a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or inflammation — that produces sciatica symptoms including sciatica pain, leg pain, and numbness. As inflammation settles and nerve pressure decreases, the body often improves significantly without surgical intervention.

Clinical practice guidelines support starting with conservative treatment, because most patients recover gradually with the right plan and attentive follow-up. Our spine specialists at Goodman Campbell focus on conditions of the spine with personalized treatment that promotes healing. They can ultimately help relieve spine-related nerve pain, and contribute to reducing leg pain intensity and patterns when they are linked to the spine and interfere with daily life. Priority is also paid to restoring mobility while monitoring for any signs of additional severe pain, progressive weakness, or red-flag symptoms.

A recent study published in The Journal of Pain (ScienceDirect) investigated the effectiveness of non surgical interventions for sciatic nerve compression-related sciatica pain, supporting the role of conservative care in effectively treating sciatica and providing meaningful pain relief for the majority of patients.

Physical therapy is one of the most effective first-line non surgical treatments for lumbar radiculopathy and spine-related leg pain. Targeted exercises reduce inflammation, relieve pain by decreasing nerve pressure, improve core stability, and promote healing in cases of herniated lumbar disc.

Therapists use stretching, strengthening, and mobility work to decrease pain intensity and improve function. Many patients with sciatica begin experiencing meaningful improvement within weeks of consistent physical therapy, especially when paired with home exercises.

For patients whose sciatic nerve compression limits daily activities, epidural steroid injections can reduce inflammation around the irritated sciatic nerve and offer weeks to months of meaningful pain relief. This makes them an effective non surgical tool for both acute and chronic sciatica pain.

At Goodman Campbell, our interventional pain management physicians perform epidural steroid injections, selective nerve blocks, and other targeted procedures that help reduce swelling, decrease leg pain, and restore function. These approaches are supported by randomized controlled trial data demonstrating reduced leg pain and improved quality of life for many patients.

A study indexed on PubMed (NCBI) examined outcomes for patients with sciatic nerve compression treated with minimally invasive treatments and conservative approaches, finding that a structured non surgical program significantly contributed to relieve pain and functional improvement — supporting the evidence base for effectively treat sciatica without surgery in appropriate candidates.

The answer depends on each patient’s sciatica symptoms, imaging results, and response to conservative care.. For most people, the most successful treatment begins with:

This integrated approach often provides sufficient sciatica relief to avoid or delay surgical intervention.

See our article on the most successful treatment for sciatica.

Even patients with longer-lasting sciatica symptoms can benefit from structured, evidence-based non surgical treatment. Although chronic sciatica pain may take more time, many patients still experience substantial improvements in pain intensity, function, and daily activity levels.

Our team carefully evaluates each patient for any signs of worsening sciatic nerve compression, progressive neurological symptoms, or nerve pressure-related deficits. When conservative options are maximized without enough pain relief, our neurosurgeons may recommend minimally invasive treatments or surgical intervention.

It’s not an either-or decision. At Goodman Campbell, our neurosurgeons and interventional pain management specialists work collaboratively. Surgery is reserved for cases where sciatic nerve compression remains significant or sciatica symptoms fail to improve despite appropriate non surgical treatment.

When surgery becomes the best option, we may consider a microdiscectomy, a minimally invasive procedure that removes the portion of the disc pressing on the nerve root. Many patients experience rapid improvement in leg pain afterward.

Research consistently shows that a large majority of patients effectively treat sciatica through non surgical care. Conservative treatment often provides pain relief sufficient to delay or avoid surgery altogether, even for those with a herniated disc causing significant sciatic nerve pain and nerve pressure.

Many patients begin improving within 4–6 weeks, and recovery continues over several months. Staying consistent with physical therapy, including correcting poor posture, medication management, and interventional care that targets nerve pressure and sciatic nerve compression gives the sciatic nerve the best chance to heal and sciatica symptoms the best chance to resolve.

Goodman Campbell is one of North America’s largest and most progressive neurosurgical practices, with subspecialized expertise and multiple locations across Indiana, including Indianapolis, Carmel, Noblesville, Greenwood, and Avon.

Our model is unique: interventional pain management physicians and neurosurgeons work side-by-side, ensuring every patient receives a comprehensive evaluation and that all reasonable conservative options are exhausted before considering surgery.

If you’re experiencing persistent leg pain, back pain, or sciatica symptoms, you don’t have to navigate the uncertainty alone. Call us or schedule an appointment to talk with our spine care team. We’re here to help you find the relief you deserve.