After 25 years of misdiagnosis, a Pensacola mother finds relief from chronic migraines

For years, Kristyn struggled with intense migraines that disrupted her life. As a teenager, she saw multiple doctors who dismissed her symptoms as diet-related. It wasn’t until 2014, when her optometrist noticed swollen optic nerves in her eyes during a routine exam, that she was finally diagnosed with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH),a condition caused by increased pressure in the brain.

She decided to ask for a referral to The Advanced Brain and Spine Institute at Ascension Sacred Heart, after witnessing the care her husband received from the neurosurgery team for an emergency brain surgery. “I knew they had a great team,” she said. She received her referral, that’s when she met Dr. Nathan Kohler, an interventional radiologist.

Dr. Kohler ordered all the necessary tests to fully understand Kristyn’s condition and determine the best treatment path. Those tests revealed that Kristyn had bilateral venous sinus stenosis, a condition where the veins that drain blood from the brain are narrowed, causing a dangerous buildup of pressure in the skull. This narrowing had been the root cause of her IIH symptoms.

“A stent was the best option to relieve the pressure and protect her vision,” said Dr. Kohler. “She had done her research and was right to keep pushing for answers.”

Kristyn appreciated Dr. Kohler’s thorough approach. “He focuses less on symptoms and more on the root cause. I felt heard for the first time in years,” she said. The testing process was detailed including MRIs, lumbar punctures, and an angiogram. She credits Dr. Kohler’s team, especially nurse Carrie, for supporting her through every step.

After the stent placement, Kristyn noticed a dramatic change. Her migraines stopped, and the vision and hearing loss she had endured for years disappeared. “For 25 years I was just managing symptoms,” she said. “I was barely functioning before still having to care for my kids and drive because my husband has seizures. Now, I’m back to doing everything I couldn’t do for so long. I’m truly grateful for Dr. Kohler.”

At the Advanced Brain and Spine Institute at Ascension Sacred Heart, you'll find a team of specialists dedicated to treating neurological disorders affecting the brain, spine and nerves. As the region’s only dedicated neuro intensive care unit (NICU) and a DNV-designated Comprehensive Stroke Center, Ascension Sacred Heart offers advanced neurological care close to home. Our neurologists and neurosurgeons collaborate with leading specialists across the country, sharing best practices, research, and innovations to provide personalized, cutting-edge treatment tailored to each patient’s needs.

Learn more about Dr. Kohler and the expert neurosurgery care team at Ascension Sacred Heart by visiting our website.