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I joined Wellstar in August 2010, after spending three years as an assistant professor of neurosurgery at Emory University. I attended medical school at Loyola University Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine. I completed my internship in general surgery at Loyola University Medical Center, where I was named Resident of the Year in 2001. I completed my six year neurosurgery residency at Loyola University Medical center. I have specialty training in complex spinal disease, adult spinal deformity, and spinal oncology. I have training In advanced neuro-oncology techniques for removing brain tumors safely, and In some patients, without making a large incision. I use high definition scopes and video to remove some tumors through small "key-hole" openings in the skull or sinuses. My approach to neurosurgery is best described as patient-centered. I spend time with my patients, and I talk to them, not at them.
Areas of Focus
Spinal Disease
Complex spinal disease
Degenerative spinal disease
Degenerative adult spinal deformity
Advanced spinal surgery using motion preservation technologies and dynamic spinal stabilization
Image-guided and minimally invasive spine surgery
Spinal tumors
Spinal trauma
Neuro-oncology
Brain tumors
Spinal tumors
Advanced image-guided (computerized) brain and spine surgery
Advanced endoscopic (minimally invasive) brain surgery
Endoscopic (minimally invasive) pituitary surgery
Awake craniotomy and advanced brain mapping (brain surgery) for tumor removal
Adult spina bifida
Hydrocephalus
Trigeminal neuralgia (facial pain)
Stereotactic Radlo~surgery (Cyber-Knife)
Neuro-trauma
Neuro Care at Wellstar
Specialties
Neurosurgery
Spine Surgery
Education & Training
Loyola University of Chicago Stritch School of Medicine
Degree
Doctor of Medicine
Residency
Loyola University Medical Center
Certifications
American Board of Neurological Surgery
Hospital Affiliations
Wellstar Kennestone Hospital
Wellstar Cobb Hospital
Wellstar Windy Hill Hospital
Wellstar Spalding Regional Hospital
Wellstar Douglas Hospital
Wellstar Paulding Medical Center
Wellstar Sylvan Grove Hospital
Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center
Languages spoken
English
Spanish
Common Treatments, Conditions, and Procedures
Alternative to Spinal Fusion
Disk Replacement Surgery
Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Motion Preservation Surgery
Outpatient Spine Surgery
Revision Spine Surgery
Scoliosis Surgery
Spinal Deformity
Spinal Stenosis Surgery
Patient Reviews
Overall patient rating
4.8
Based on 307 patient ratings
I'd recommend this practice to family and friends
I'd recommend this provider to family and friends
Listened to me carefully
Earned my trust
Shared the right amount of information
All reviews have been submitted by patients after seeing the provider.For more information about the review system, check out this Learn more about our review system.
Patient Reviews
5
Very appreciative of everyone's care and concern and expertise
August 17, 2025
5
This visit was the most efficient, professional and friendly appointment I have had the pleasure to attend this year. Thank you for a great experience.
August 15, 2025
3
I would have liked my comments about an additional back pain that I have now after physical therapy to have been included in the after visit notes. I noticed there were none and I was just kind of uncomfortable about that.
August 17, 2025
5
I trust this doctor. Last appointment had one problem. I assumed the office had a copy of my latest MRI. They did not. I should have checked on this ahead of time. I had to go home and reschedule.
August 17, 2025
3
I think the problem is that this is the first time I've seen this physician. So it's kind of hard to, in one visit, I didn't feel he knew me that well, or I didn't feel that I would get to know him that well. So that's just my opinion. All right, thank you.
August 10, 2025
5
Dr was very direct in a good way! Listen to all my questions, answered all my concerns, I felt very confident and conformable going forward with future appts. Very good experience. Highly recommend.
August 17, 2025
5
Dr. Benedict took the time to explain the treatment options thoroughly. I am very satisfied; my care and treatment plan is individualized and thorough.
July 30, 2025
5
Everything was excellent. Great communication. Office staff was also very organized.
July 30, 2025
5
I'm 78 years old and have see a lot of doctors. I have never had a doctor like him. He is the best I've ever met. I wish all doctors were like him
July 27, 2025
5
All good
July 26, 2025
5
Dr Benedict and is staff are the best! I love everything about them!
July 25, 2025
5
Dr. Benedict and Dr. Haba have been the answer to my prayers. While other practices (Pinnacle, Piedmont) were eager to rush me to surgery, both doctors at Wellstar offered a sane and step-wise approach that is best for me. Thank you to both Dr. Benedict and Dr. Haba. They have assured me that their door is always open when I need them. Beyond excellent!!!
July 25, 2025
5
Keep up the great works !
July 15, 2025
5
Everyone is very kind and knowledgeable. I also love this building. Looks great and easily accessible
July 9, 2025
5
Dr. Benedict took the time to explain my condition very well and thoroughly and listen to my questions. I really appreciate the one-on-one time he took and the fact that he was also on time.
July 9, 2025
5
Great doctor. Very happy. Excellent results.
July 4, 2025
5
Excellent
July 4, 2025
5
All staff members who I interacted with were very friendly and attentive. Dr. Benedict took the time to explain all information related to my issues in detail and in a way that I could understand. He was attentive and understanding to my needs and concerns.
June 20, 2025
5
Dr. B said let's go get that pain and he did. He also identified an additional problem occurring in my hip. Sciatic and piriformis pain is eliminated.
June 19, 2025
1
I explained to the scheduler what I needed, i needed a neurologist, sent me to a surgeon. It was a complete waist of my time.
June 12, 2025
5
Dr. William Benedict is still one of the best neurosurgeon in the world. He kept me alive from 2019 to present. When all hopes were gone, no doctor could help me, he came to my rescue. May God Amighty bless him and meet him at every point of his needs ?.
June 1, 2025
5
Dr Benedict was awesome. He listened to my questions and calmed my nerves. He is amazing. I trusted him completely with my back problem.
May 22, 2025
5
Very professional. Physician was very compassionate concerning my issues. He explained all of the problems that I am experiencing and how he can hopefully help me with a treatment plan.
May 21, 2025
5
Dr. William Benedict is confident while being honest and informative in his assessment and instructions. I have recommended and will continue to recommend him to anyone who needs help as I did. Thank you so very kindly for your care.
May 20, 2025
5
Helpful, straight forward. Listened to and addressed my questions and concerns. Very professional
May 17, 2025
5
Good doctor and staff
May 15, 2025
5
Dr. Benedict was very personable, informative, and welcomed my many questions.
May 8, 2025
5
Dr. Benedict's wonderful skills have saved my wife's life twice in the last 9 years. He is an extra-ordinary doctor supported by a very experienced team of professionals.
May 3, 2025
5
I appreciate how feel cared for when I have an annual appointment with Doctor Benedict and Dr. Joseph.
May 3, 2025
5
Great service and on time!
April 27, 2025
5
Very appreciative of everyone's care and concern and expertise
August 17, 2025
5
This visit was the most efficient, professional and friendly appointment I have had the pleasure to attend this year. Thank you for a great experience.
August 15, 2025
5
I trust this doctor. Last appointment had one problem. I assumed the office had a copy of my latest MRI. They did not. I should have checked on this ahead of time. I had to go home and reschedule.
August 17, 2025
5
Dr was very direct in a good way! Listen to all my questions, answered all my concerns, I felt very confident and conformable going forward with future appts. Very good experience. Highly recommend.
August 17, 2025
5
Dr. Benedict took the time to explain the treatment options thoroughly. I am very satisfied; my care and treatment plan is individualized and thorough.
July 30, 2025
5
Everything was excellent. Great communication. Office staff was also very organized.
July 30, 2025
5
I'm 78 years old and have see a lot of doctors. I have never had a doctor like him. He is the best I've ever met. I wish all doctors were like him
July 27, 2025
5
All good
July 26, 2025
5
Dr Benedict and is staff are the best! I love everything about them!
July 25, 2025
5
Dr. Benedict and Dr. Haba have been the answer to my prayers. While other practices (Pinnacle, Piedmont) were eager to rush me to surgery, both doctors at Wellstar offered a sane and step-wise approach that is best for me. Thank you to both Dr. Benedict and Dr. Haba. They have assured me that their door is always open when I need them. Beyond excellent!!!
July 25, 2025
5
Keep up the great works !
July 15, 2025
5
Everyone is very kind and knowledgeable. I also love this building. Looks great and easily accessible
July 9, 2025
5
Dr. Benedict took the time to explain my condition very well and thoroughly and listen to my questions. I really appreciate the one-on-one time he took and the fact that he was also on time.
July 9, 2025
5
Great doctor. Very happy. Excellent results.
July 4, 2025
5
Excellent
July 4, 2025
5
All staff members who I interacted with were very friendly and attentive. Dr. Benedict took the time to explain all information related to my issues in detail and in a way that I could understand. He was attentive and understanding to my needs and concerns.
June 20, 2025
5
Dr. B said let's go get that pain and he did. He also identified an additional problem occurring in my hip. Sciatic and piriformis pain is eliminated.
June 19, 2025
5
Dr. William Benedict is still one of the best neurosurgeon in the world. He kept me alive from 2019 to present. When all hopes were gone, no doctor could help me, he came to my rescue. May God Amighty bless him and meet him at every point of his needs ?.
June 1, 2025
5
Dr Benedict was awesome. He listened to my questions and calmed my nerves. He is amazing. I trusted him completely with my back problem.
May 22, 2025
5
Very professional. Physician was very compassionate concerning my issues. He explained all of the problems that I am experiencing and how he can hopefully help me with a treatment plan.
May 21, 2025
5
Dr. William Benedict is confident while being honest and informative in his assessment and instructions. I have recommended and will continue to recommend him to anyone who needs help as I did. Thank you so very kindly for your care.
May 20, 2025
5
Helpful, straight forward. Listened to and addressed my questions and concerns. Very professional
May 17, 2025
5
Good doctor and staff
May 15, 2025
5
Dr. Benedict was very personable, informative, and welcomed my many questions.
May 8, 2025
5
Dr. Benedict's wonderful skills have saved my wife's life twice in the last 9 years. He is an extra-ordinary doctor supported by a very experienced team of professionals.
May 3, 2025
5
I appreciate how feel cared for when I have an annual appointment with Doctor Benedict and Dr. Joseph.
May 3, 2025
5
Great service and on time!
April 27, 2025
3
I would have liked my comments about an additional back pain that I have now after physical therapy to have been included in the after visit notes. I noticed there were none and I was just kind of uncomfortable about that.
August 17, 2025
3
I think the problem is that this is the first time I've seen this physician. So it's kind of hard to, in one visit, I didn't feel he knew me that well, or I didn't feel that I would get to know him that well. So that's just my opinion. All right, thank you.
August 10, 2025
1
I explained to the scheduler what I needed, i needed a neurologist, sent me to a surgeon. It was a complete waist of my time.
June 12, 2025
1
I explained to the scheduler what I needed, i needed a neurologist, sent me to a surgeon. It was a complete waist of my time.
June 12, 2025
3
I would have liked my comments about an additional back pain that I have now after physical therapy to have been included in the after visit notes. I noticed there were none and I was just kind of uncomfortable about that.
August 17, 2025
3
I think the problem is that this is the first time I've seen this physician. So it's kind of hard to, in one visit, I didn't feel he knew me that well, or I didn't feel that I would get to know him that well. So that's just my opinion. All right, thank you.
August 10, 2025
5
Very appreciative of everyone's care and concern and expertise
August 17, 2025
5
This visit was the most efficient, professional and friendly appointment I have had the pleasure to attend this year. Thank you for a great experience.
August 15, 2025
5
I trust this doctor. Last appointment had one problem. I assumed the office had a copy of my latest MRI. They did not. I should have checked on this ahead of time. I had to go home and reschedule.
August 17, 2025
5
Dr was very direct in a good way! Listen to all my questions, answered all my concerns, I felt very confident and conformable going forward with future appts. Very good experience. Highly recommend.
August 17, 2025
5
Dr. Benedict took the time to explain the treatment options thoroughly. I am very satisfied; my care and treatment plan is individualized and thorough.
July 30, 2025
5
Everything was excellent. Great communication. Office staff was also very organized.
July 30, 2025
5
I'm 78 years old and have see a lot of doctors. I have never had a doctor like him. He is the best I've ever met. I wish all doctors were like him
July 27, 2025
5
All good
July 26, 2025
5
Dr Benedict and is staff are the best! I love everything about them!
July 25, 2025
5
Dr. Benedict and Dr. Haba have been the answer to my prayers. While other practices (Pinnacle, Piedmont) were eager to rush me to surgery, both doctors at Wellstar offered a sane and step-wise approach that is best for me. Thank you to both Dr. Benedict and Dr. Haba. They have assured me that their door is always open when I need them. Beyond excellent!!!
July 25, 2025
5
Keep up the great works !
July 15, 2025
5
Everyone is very kind and knowledgeable. I also love this building. Looks great and easily accessible
July 9, 2025
5
Dr. Benedict took the time to explain my condition very well and thoroughly and listen to my questions. I really appreciate the one-on-one time he took and the fact that he was also on time.
July 9, 2025
5
Great doctor. Very happy. Excellent results.
July 4, 2025
5
Excellent
July 4, 2025
5
All staff members who I interacted with were very friendly and attentive. Dr. Benedict took the time to explain all information related to my issues in detail and in a way that I could understand. He was attentive and understanding to my needs and concerns.
June 20, 2025
5
Dr. B said let's go get that pain and he did. He also identified an additional problem occurring in my hip. Sciatic and piriformis pain is eliminated.
June 19, 2025
5
Dr. William Benedict is still one of the best neurosurgeon in the world. He kept me alive from 2019 to present. When all hopes were gone, no doctor could help me, he came to my rescue. May God Amighty bless him and meet him at every point of his needs ?.
June 1, 2025
5
Dr Benedict was awesome. He listened to my questions and calmed my nerves. He is amazing. I trusted him completely with my back problem.
May 22, 2025
5
Very professional. Physician was very compassionate concerning my issues. He explained all of the problems that I am experiencing and how he can hopefully help me with a treatment plan.
May 21, 2025
5
Dr. William Benedict is confident while being honest and informative in his assessment and instructions. I have recommended and will continue to recommend him to anyone who needs help as I did. Thank you so very kindly for your care.
May 20, 2025
5
Helpful, straight forward. Listened to and addressed my questions and concerns. Very professional
May 17, 2025
5
Good doctor and staff
May 15, 2025
5
Dr. Benedict was very personable, informative, and welcomed my many questions.
May 8, 2025
5
Dr. Benedict's wonderful skills have saved my wife's life twice in the last 9 years. He is an extra-ordinary doctor supported by a very experienced team of professionals.
May 3, 2025
5
I appreciate how feel cared for when I have an annual appointment with Doctor Benedict and Dr. Joseph.
May 3, 2025
5
Great service and on time!
April 27, 2025
3
I would have liked my comments about an additional back pain that I have now after physical therapy to have been included in the after visit notes. I noticed there were none and I was just kind of uncomfortable about that.
August 17, 2025
5
Dr was very direct in a good way! Listen to all my questions, answered all my concerns, I felt very confident and conformable going forward with future appts. Very good experience. Highly recommend.
August 17, 2025
5
Very appreciative of everyone's care and concern and expertise
August 17, 2025
5
I trust this doctor. Last appointment had one problem. I assumed the office had a copy of my latest MRI. They did not. I should have checked on this ahead of time. I had to go home and reschedule.
August 17, 2025
5
This visit was the most efficient, professional and friendly appointment I have had the pleasure to attend this year. Thank you for a great experience.
August 15, 2025
3
I think the problem is that this is the first time I've seen this physician. So it's kind of hard to, in one visit, I didn't feel he knew me that well, or I didn't feel that I would get to know him that well. So that's just my opinion. All right, thank you.
August 10, 2025
5
Dr. Benedict took the time to explain the treatment options thoroughly. I am very satisfied; my care and treatment plan is individualized and thorough.
July 30, 2025
5
Everything was excellent. Great communication. Office staff was also very organized.
July 30, 2025
5
I'm 78 years old and have see a lot of doctors. I have never had a doctor like him. He is the best I've ever met. I wish all doctors were like him
July 27, 2025
5
All good
July 26, 2025
5
Dr. Benedict and Dr. Haba have been the answer to my prayers. While other practices (Pinnacle, Piedmont) were eager to rush me to surgery, both doctors at Wellstar offered a sane and step-wise approach that is best for me. Thank you to both Dr. Benedict and Dr. Haba. They have assured me that their door is always open when I need them. Beyond excellent!!!
July 25, 2025
5
Dr Benedict and is staff are the best! I love everything about them!
July 25, 2025
5
Keep up the great works !
July 15, 2025
5
Everyone is very kind and knowledgeable. I also love this building. Looks great and easily accessible
July 9, 2025
5
Dr. Benedict took the time to explain my condition very well and thoroughly and listen to my questions. I really appreciate the one-on-one time he took and the fact that he was also on time.
July 9, 2025
5
Great doctor. Very happy. Excellent results.
July 4, 2025
5
Excellent
July 4, 2025
5
All staff members who I interacted with were very friendly and attentive. Dr. Benedict took the time to explain all information related to my issues in detail and in a way that I could understand. He was attentive and understanding to my needs and concerns.
June 20, 2025
5
Dr. B said let's go get that pain and he did. He also identified an additional problem occurring in my hip. Sciatic and piriformis pain is eliminated.
June 19, 2025
1
I explained to the scheduler what I needed, i needed a neurologist, sent me to a surgeon. It was a complete waist of my time.
June 12, 2025
5
Dr. William Benedict is still one of the best neurosurgeon in the world. He kept me alive from 2019 to present. When all hopes were gone, no doctor could help me, he came to my rescue. May God Amighty bless him and meet him at every point of his needs ?.
June 1, 2025
5
Dr Benedict was awesome. He listened to my questions and calmed my nerves. He is amazing. I trusted him completely with my back problem.
May 22, 2025
5
Very professional. Physician was very compassionate concerning my issues. He explained all of the problems that I am experiencing and how he can hopefully help me with a treatment plan.
May 21, 2025
5
Dr. William Benedict is confident while being honest and informative in his assessment and instructions. I have recommended and will continue to recommend him to anyone who needs help as I did. Thank you so very kindly for your care.
May 20, 2025
5
Helpful, straight forward. Listened to and addressed my questions and concerns. Very professional
May 17, 2025
5
Good doctor and staff
May 15, 2025
5
Dr. Benedict was very personable, informative, and welcomed my many questions.
May 8, 2025
5
Dr. Benedict's wonderful skills have saved my wife's life twice in the last 9 years. He is an extra-ordinary doctor supported by a very experienced team of professionals.
May 3, 2025
5
I appreciate how feel cared for when I have an annual appointment with Doctor Benedict and Dr. Joseph.
May 3, 2025
5
Great service and on time!
April 27, 2025
5
Great service and on time!
April 27, 2025
5
I appreciate how feel cared for when I have an annual appointment with Doctor Benedict and Dr. Joseph.
May 3, 2025
5
Dr. Benedict's wonderful skills have saved my wife's life twice in the last 9 years. He is an extra-ordinary doctor supported by a very experienced team of professionals.
May 3, 2025
5
Dr. Benedict was very personable, informative, and welcomed my many questions.
May 8, 2025
5
Good doctor and staff
May 15, 2025
5
Helpful, straight forward. Listened to and addressed my questions and concerns. Very professional
May 17, 2025
5
Dr. William Benedict is confident while being honest and informative in his assessment and instructions. I have recommended and will continue to recommend him to anyone who needs help as I did. Thank you so very kindly for your care.
May 20, 2025
5
Very professional. Physician was very compassionate concerning my issues. He explained all of the problems that I am experiencing and how he can hopefully help me with a treatment plan.
May 21, 2025
5
Dr Benedict was awesome. He listened to my questions and calmed my nerves. He is amazing. I trusted him completely with my back problem.
May 22, 2025
5
Dr. William Benedict is still one of the best neurosurgeon in the world. He kept me alive from 2019 to present. When all hopes were gone, no doctor could help me, he came to my rescue. May God Amighty bless him and meet him at every point of his needs ?.
June 1, 2025
1
I explained to the scheduler what I needed, i needed a neurologist, sent me to a surgeon. It was a complete waist of my time.
June 12, 2025
5
Dr. B said let's go get that pain and he did. He also identified an additional problem occurring in my hip. Sciatic and piriformis pain is eliminated.
June 19, 2025
5
All staff members who I interacted with were very friendly and attentive. Dr. Benedict took the time to explain all information related to my issues in detail and in a way that I could understand. He was attentive and understanding to my needs and concerns.
June 20, 2025
5
Excellent
July 4, 2025
5
Great doctor. Very happy. Excellent results.
July 4, 2025
5
Dr. Benedict took the time to explain my condition very well and thoroughly and listen to my questions. I really appreciate the one-on-one time he took and the fact that he was also on time.
July 9, 2025
5
Everyone is very kind and knowledgeable. I also love this building. Looks great and easily accessible
July 9, 2025
5
Keep up the great works !
July 15, 2025
5
Dr Benedict and is staff are the best! I love everything about them!
July 25, 2025
5
Dr. Benedict and Dr. Haba have been the answer to my prayers. While other practices (Pinnacle, Piedmont) were eager to rush me to surgery, both doctors at Wellstar offered a sane and step-wise approach that is best for me. Thank you to both Dr. Benedict and Dr. Haba. They have assured me that their door is always open when I need them. Beyond excellent!!!
July 25, 2025
5
All good
July 26, 2025
5
I'm 78 years old and have see a lot of doctors. I have never had a doctor like him. He is the best I've ever met. I wish all doctors were like him
July 27, 2025
5
Dr. Benedict took the time to explain the treatment options thoroughly. I am very satisfied; my care and treatment plan is individualized and thorough.
July 30, 2025
5
Everything was excellent. Great communication. Office staff was also very organized.
July 30, 2025
3
I think the problem is that this is the first time I've seen this physician. So it's kind of hard to, in one visit, I didn't feel he knew me that well, or I didn't feel that I would get to know him that well. So that's just my opinion. All right, thank you.
August 10, 2025
5
This visit was the most efficient, professional and friendly appointment I have had the pleasure to attend this year. Thank you for a great experience.
August 15, 2025
5
I trust this doctor. Last appointment had one problem. I assumed the office had a copy of my latest MRI. They did not. I should have checked on this ahead of time. I had to go home and reschedule.
August 17, 2025
5
Very appreciative of everyone's care and concern and expertise
August 17, 2025
5
Dr was very direct in a good way! Listen to all my questions, answered all my concerns, I felt very confident and conformable going forward with future appts. Very good experience. Highly recommend.
August 17, 2025
3
I would have liked my comments about an additional back pain that I have now after physical therapy to have been included in the after visit notes. I noticed there were none and I was just kind of uncomfortable about that.
August 17, 2025
Publications and Articles
StephenCare
Stephen Nowlin became unexpectedly paralyzed one day when preparing for a Fourth of July celebration with friends. A flight EMS team was called to transport him when the flight nurse on call, Hannah Carr, recognized the address of the accident—her childhood home. She flew her father to Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center, a Level I Trauma Center, where he could have the fastest, most comprehensive trauma response—and a chance at full recovery.
When routine yard work went wrong
Preparing for his annual Fourth of July party, Stephen mowed his 13-acre property in Waco, Georgia. The routine chore took a terrifying turn when his mower flipped. Trapped underneath, he realized he was paralyzed. His friend soon discovered him lying there and called 911.
Meanwhile, Stephen’s daughter, Hannah, was working that day as a flight nurse for a local air ambulance company. When the call came in about a 60-year-old man in a tractor accident, paralyzed, at her parents' address, she instantly knew who it was. Hannah and her air ambulance service partner were on their way.
In good hands: first responders act fast
The local fire department and EMS arrived quickly, carefully removing the mower without moving Stephen. They transported him to a nearby landing zone where Hannah and her flight partner waited. As Stephen was loaded onto the helicopter, he told his daughter, “I just hope they can fix me.”
Hannah and her partner did a thorough, head-to-toe assessment for life-threatening injuries.
“I knew I was in good hands,” Stephen said. “She's going to take care of me better than anybody else would.”
On the flight to Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center, a Level I Trauma Center, Hannah communicated with the hospital ahead of arrival. In emergency situations, it’s important the team is assembled and ready to perform care as fast as possible. Because of their collaboration, not a minute was wasted.
Looking at Zac DiGiorgio today, you wouldn't know he almost lost his life — twice.
Like any typical guy in his early 20’s, Zac was always on the move. He liked to keep himself busy and lead an active lifestyle.
So naturally, when his parents needed their shutters replaced, Zac was the first to volunteer. With a drill in hand, he climbed up the ladder to replace the old hardware and change out the shutters.
Moments later, everything changed in the blink of an eye.
A terrifying crash sounded from outside the home. Zac’s father, Chris DiGiorgio, rushed out the front door to see a parent’s worst nightmare: his 23-year-old son face down in the driveway, having a seizure.
After shouting to his wife to call 911, Chris was at his son’s side. He cradled Zac on the concrete driveway, trying to steady his body from the convulsions.
“I really didn't know what was happening,” Chris recalled. “I knew he was having a seizure, but I didn't know if he had any other injuries or anything else going on.”
But one thing was clear: Zac had plummeted to the ground from the top of the ladder, smacking the right side of his head hard on the concrete.
The severity of the fall triggered a seizure, often characterized by body spasms or unconsciousness. However, these episodes can also have cognitive and emotional effects, such as fear or anxiety.
In Zac’s case, he became extremely agitated. After waking from the initial seizure, he argued with his dad and fought against his hold. Even when the first responders arrived, he refused to get on the stretcher and instead walked himself to the ambulance.
With lights flashing and sirens blaring, the ambulance raced towards Wellstar Kennestone Hospital. On the way, Zac complained of pain in his shoulder from a broken collar bone. But after experiencing another seizure on the short eight-minute drive, it was clear much more was going on inside his body.
After being admitted, it would be weeks before Zac awoke again in the hospital — with no memory of the accident.
