BarrowNeurological
@BarrowNeuro

Minding What Matters Most® | Preserving thoughts, memories, dreams, personalities, and movement. Contact us: Info@BarrowNeuro.org

 Phoenix, Arizona
BarrowNeuro.org
Joined February 2012
3,469 Photos and videos
It's bittersweet to announce the retirement of esteemed #operatingroomnurse Carol Blazier, who dedicated 43 years of her career to #BarrowNeurologicalInstitute and our patients. Carol primarily worked as a #scrubnurse, meaning she directly assisted neurosurgeons during procedures. She joined Barrow when the Institute was under the leadership of John Green, MD, and then worked closely with his successor, world-renowned vascular neurosurgeon Robert F. Spetzler, MD. As part of a teaching hospital, Carol has worked with numerous residents and fellows over the years. One of those residents was Michael T. Lawton, MD, a protégé of Dr. Spetzler’s who went on to achieve his own stardom in vascular #neurosurgery before returning to Barrow in 2017 to succeed the retiring Dr. Spetzler as President and CEO of the Institute. “Carol is the finest scrub nurse I have ever worked with, in #Phoenix and San Francisco, and probably the best on the planet,” Dr. @mtlawton said. “She knows complex operations, understands the neurosurgeon she’s assisting, anticipates every move, is unflappable under pressure, and makes each surgery like a choreographed ballet. "Having someone like Carol ‘in my corner,’ or more appropriately, at my scrub table, is a gift that brings me a boost of confidence, security, and joy—which is priceless. Her retirement is a painful loss for all of us in the Barrow OR, but on behalf of everyone there, we are unspeakably grateful for her service and proud of her #nursing accomplishments.” To learn more about Carol's career at Barrow, read the story at bar.rw/carol.
Carol smiles at the camera while leaning against a wall in the hallway. She is wearing navy blue, Barrow-branded scrubs and bouffant surgical cap

ALT Carol smiles at the camera while leaning against a wall in the hallway. She is wearing navy blue, Barrow-branded scrubs and bouffant surgical cap

Carol leads a scrub nurse boot camp in the OR

ALT Carol leads a scrub nurse boot camp in the OR

Carol and Dr. Lawton stand beneath a plaque dedicated to Dr. Spetzler

ALT Carol and Dr. Lawton stand beneath a plaque dedicated to Dr. Spetzler

Carol in her bouffant cap and scrubs in the 1980s

ALT Carol in her bouffant cap and scrubs in the 1980s
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Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating 40 years of the Center of Transitional #NeuroRehabilitation (CTN) at #BarrowNeurologicalInstitute! Formerly known as the Adult Day Hospital for Neurological Rehabilitation, CTN is a one-of-a-kind, holistic, milieu program that enables patients with acquired brain injuries to return to optimal functioning—whether their goal is independence in the home or community or productivity at work or school. Learn more at bar.rw/ctn.
40th anniversary decorations

ALT 40th anniversary decorations

CTN team members at the open house celebration

ALT CTN team members at the open house celebration

Patient with gift at the celebration

ALT Patient with gift at the celebration

Gratitude journal station

ALT Gratitude journal station

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Rocks that say acceptance, realism, and awareness. Surrounded by seeds for guests to take and plant.

ALT Rocks that say acceptance, realism, and awareness. Surrounded by seeds for guests to take and plant.

40th anniversary decorations

ALT 40th anniversary decorations

Neuropsychologist smiling at gratitude journal station

ALT Neuropsychologist smiling at gratitude journal station

Recreation therapy station with beading for fine motor skills

ALT Recreation therapy station with beading for fine motor skills

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M&Ms customized for CTN celebration

ALT M&Ms customized for CTN celebration

Strength tree station

ALT Strength tree station

40th anniversary decorations

ALT 40th anniversary decorations

Cognitive retraining station

ALT Cognitive retraining station
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When George Zapien arrived at #BarrowNeurologicalInstitute in #Phoenix, #Arizona, to have a small portion of his brain surgically removed, he didn’t feel worried or afraid—he felt happy. George had already spent 30 years living in fear. Behind his positive disposition lurked anxious thoughts about when and where his next #seizure would strike. “Am I going to be at work?” he said. “Am I going to be in church? Am I going to be shopping?” In the 10 months since undergoing #epilepsysurgery at Barrow, George hasn’t had a single seizure. It’s something he never thought possible when he was experiencing multiple seizures per week. Read his story at bar.rw/george.
Photo of patient George Zapien in the clinic with his neurosurgeon, Dr. Andrew Yang. Text: \"I'm enjoying this different,w onderful life that Barrow gave me. I'm not feeling that dread and fear of having a seizure. I'm having too much fun with my new life.\" -George Zapien, Barrow Epilepsy Surgery Patient

ALT Photo of patient George Zapien in the clinic with his neurosurgeon, Dr. Andrew Yang. Text: \"I'm enjoying this different,w onderful life that Barrow gave me. I'm not feeling that dread and fear of having a seizure. I'm having too much fun with my new life.\" -George Zapien, Barrow Epilepsy Surgery Patient
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A memory disorder, or any other life-changing condition, can raise many questions for patients and their families—not just about the diagnosis itself, but also practical questions about planning for the future. The Barrow #Alzheimers and #MemoryDisorders Program is hosting free, virtual #CarePlanning Forums on a quarterly basis to provide knowledge and valuable resources to help you navigate your journey. Join us and our panel of interdisciplinary experts at our next forum: 📆: Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026 ⏰: 10 to 11:30 a.m. (#Arizona time/PDT) 📍: Virtual via Zoom Experts: • David Piontek, Chief Operating Officer, Integrity Senior Placement • Caleb Lihn, JD, LLM, CDP, Certified Elder Law Attorney, Lihn Law Group, PLLC • Kelly Cornelius, Owner, @HomeInstead in Central #Phoenix • Charnise Moore, DrPH, MPH, CHC, CHRC, Chief Program Officer, AllThrive 365 (formerly Foundation for Senior Living) These forums are open to anyone, but registration is required to attend. To sign up, please visit bar.rw/careplanning-signup or contact DeDe Berry at (602) 406-5916 or Dorothy.Berry@CommonSpirit.org.
Two people huddled around a laptop, smiling at the screen. Text: Barrow Alzheimer's and Memory Disorders Outreach Program Care Planning Forums. Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026. 10 to 11:30 a.m. (Arizona time). Hosted quarterly, virtually via Zoom

ALT Two people huddled around a laptop, smiling at the screen. Text: Barrow Alzheimer's and Memory Disorders Outreach Program Care Planning Forums. Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026. 10 to 11:30 a.m. (Arizona time). Hosted quarterly, virtually via Zoom
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On this day in 1962, we opened our doors as one of only three neuroscience institutes in the entire country at the time. Today, #BarrowNeurologicalInstitute remains at the forefront of the field, serving as an international leader in the treatment, research, and education of brain and spinal diseases, conditions, and injuries. To see some of our milestones over the past 64 years, visit bar.rw/history.
Photo of Barrow Neuroplex and illustration of neurons. Text: Celebrating 64 years!

ALT Photo of Barrow Neuroplex and illustration of neurons. Text: Celebrating 64 years!
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BarrowNeurological retweeted
Michael T. Lawton, MD
@mtlawton
Sep 23
Watch this #SevenSeries video showing this R far lateral craniotomy, trans-cerebellomedullary cistern approach, circumdissection & resection of hemangioblastoma, taking care to preserve brainstem pia & cranial nerves, on our website @BarrowNeuro by clicking: Bar.rw/7series.
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BarrowNeurological retweeted
Michael T. Lawton, MD
@mtlawton
Sep 23
Sometimes color is so unique, you know the diagnosis the instant you see it. It’s a good thing w/hemangioblastoma, because these intensely orange & vascular tumors are handled differently than others - circumdissecting, staying extracapsular, interrupting feeding arteries like an AVM, rather than debulking it…
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BarrowNeurological retweeted
Michael T. Lawton, MD
@mtlawton
Sep 23
Here's an article to go with today's #SevenSeries video.... pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3132…

Posterior Petrosal Transotic Approach for Cerebellopontine Angle Hemangioblastoma: Technical Case...

The posterior petrosal transotic approach offers an improved surgical working angle to the anterior brainstem compared to the translabyrinthine approach. This advantage can be particularly important...

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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Happy #NationalAPPWeek to all of our advanced practice providers at #BarrowNeurologicalInstitute! Medicine is a team sport, and we couldn't deliver world-class care across the #neurosciences without our dedicated APPs.
A health care professional wearing Barrow-branded scrubs and a stethoscope takes notes on a tablet. Text: Thank you, advanced practice providers.

ALT A health care professional wearing Barrow-branded scrubs and a stethoscope takes notes on a tablet. Text: Thank you, advanced practice providers.
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BarrowNeurological retweeted
CNS
@CNS_Update
Sep 21
Meet Honored Guest Gail Rosseau during #2026CNS! Hear her speak during the General Scientific Session on Nov. 1 about what evolution in neurosurgery means to her and join her for her Honored Guest Luncheon on Nov. 2! Read more: bit.ly/4iAUZNn #CNSEvolution #neurosurgery @BarrowNeuro @GWSMHS
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Registration is open for the 44th Annual Barrow #NeuroscienceNursing Symposium! The hours obtained by attending this CE event can be used toward #CNRN & #SCRN recertification. Details & registration: bar.rw/nursingsymposium2026. Sign up by 11:59pm (MST/PDT) on Oct. 6 for a discount.
Audience listening to a talk at a past nursing symposium. Text: 44th Annual Barrow Neuroscience Nursing Symposium. Local Roots, Global Reach. Oct. 20-21, 2026

ALT Audience listening to a talk at a past nursing symposium. Text: 44th Annual Barrow Neuroscience Nursing Symposium. Local Roots, Global Reach. Oct. 20-21, 2026
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Hear what it’s like to be a Barrow #neurologyresident! Get to know Drs. Megan Thomas (PGY-4), Diana Monge Sanchez (PGY-3), Michael J. Smith (PGY-2), and Rodrigo De La Torre (PGY-2), as they share their experiences and answer a few questions. These residents dive into their favorite and most challenging rotations, their advice for prospective applicants, and how they like to unwind with fellow residents! Learn more about the #BarrowNeurologicalInstitute #Neurology Residency Program at BarrowNeuro.org/NeurologyRes….
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Help discover new #Alzheimers treatments by joining a study! We're seeking individuals who’ve been diagnosed with #mildcognitiveimpairment due to Alzheimer's to participate in a trial evaluating the anti-inflammatory effects & safety of lenalidomide: bar.rw/mclena2
Older adult makes artwork with grandchild. Text: Clinical Trial for Mild Cognitive Impairment - Seeking Participants

ALT Older adult makes artwork with grandchild. Text: Clinical Trial for Mild Cognitive Impairment - Seeking Participants

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Early-bird pricing ends Tuesday, Sept. 22, our 2026 Acquired #BrainInjury & #SpinalCordInjury Symposium! Join us Oct. 3-4 in person at Barrow in #Phoenix, #AZ or virtually. CEUs are available. Details & registration: bar.rw/abisci2026.
Illustration of the nervous system. Text: 2026 Barrow Acquired Brain Injury and Spinal Cord Injury Symposium. Oct. 3-4. Hybrid event (in person & virtual)

ALT Illustration of the nervous system. Text: 2026 Barrow Acquired Brain Injury and Spinal Cord Injury Symposium. Oct. 3-4. Hybrid event (in person & virtual)
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BarrowNeurological retweeted
ALS Network
@youralsnetwork
Sep 17
Meet Anna Countryman, 2026 @BarrowNeuro Summer Intern from Montrose, Colorado. With the ALS Network’s support, Anna worked alongside Ashley Stokes, PhD, from the Institute to study how different parts of the brain affect behavior as they degenerate in diseases like Alzheimer’s and ALS. She used data from a two-bean transfer test to determine correlation between test mean trial times and hippocampal volume, which indicated a correlation between cortical thickness and dominant hand movement. Read more about Anna’s project and the Barrow Neurological Institute’s Summer Internship Program at ow.ly/J4h050ZOW8p.
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BarrowNeurological retweeted
Michael T. Lawton, MD
@mtlawton
Sep 18
Watch this #SevenSeries video showing this bifrontal craniotomy, anterior interhemispheric approach with gravity retraction, A3-A3 in situ bypass for staged bypass-flow diverter therapy, on our website @BarrowNeuro by clicking on this link…Bar.rw/7series.
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BarrowNeurological retweeted
Michael T. Lawton, MD
@mtlawton
Sep 18
The best surgical bypasses mimic nature’s design, like anterior & posterior communicating arteries in the circle of Willis, drawing flow on demand. Arteries that run parallel and in close proximity can be joined w/ side-to-side anastomosis to create an intracranial-to-intracranial bypass, like this A3-A3 construct…#SevenBypasses
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