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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
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 Hospital
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
4.7
4.7
Based on 325 patient ratings
I'd recommend this provider to family and friends
4.82
Listened to me carefully
4.79
Shared the right amount of information
4.70
Earned my trust
4.69
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
4
I value Dr. Benedict as my neurosurgeon. I'm just sad to have to leave, but it's just too far to go. And I'm having my MRI done at Camp Creek, and I'm going to try to find a doctor at Emory that he recommended me. So, it's bittersweet. I was sad to go, but that drive is just too much for me. He's a great doctor, and I really appreciate it, being my doctor in the past. Bye.
April 12, 2024
5
I feel very confident being treated by Dr Benedict. He comes highly recommended.
April 10, 2024
5
Grateful he provided a non invasive option. Thankful he had a kind demeanor
April 10, 2024
5
I haven't even had my surgery yet, but Dr. Benedict is awesome. Listens, gives me as much info as I ask for, doesn't judge. Office staff is always great!
April 6, 2024
5
Hi, Dr. Benedict was very, very, very patient. He listened to every word I had to say and he was more concerned about just doing the surgery on my back, he was interested in my well being. I really appreciated that.
April 5, 2024
5
Dr. Benedict carefully assessed my symptoms and due to his extraordinary training, open mindedness and experience, he detected something important that other doctors had missed, saving me from an unnecessary surgery. I cannot thank him enough.
April 2, 2024
5
All very efficient, professional and caring
March 31, 2024
2
Very impersonal and in a hurry. Once he determined I didn't need surgery he didn't seem interested in helping; just referred me to others. Seemed irritated I was even there since I didn't need surgery.
April 1, 2024
5
Always great
March 29, 2024
5
A very kind Dr , extremely grateful to have seen him and find someone with a conservative approach to surgery.
March 28, 2024
5
Dr Benedict is the very best. We trust his knowledge and skill above all others. He is in the business of making lives truly livable beyond the physical barriers.
March 22, 2024
5
Thank you for being such a good staff and I would recommend you to anyone. I just wish I could find out what's going on with me!
March 22, 2024
5
Great!!!
March 22, 2024
5
Dr. Benedict is wonderful, I have recommended several friends to him
March 21, 2024
5
Wellstar says my BCBS insurance is now charger 3 or 4 times ehat it has for.the last 2 heard for my MRIs, which I need to treat my brain tumor. When I called to ask for guidance, they were not helpful. I has to seek out a non-Wellsyar facility for my MRI, which is not ideal for a BRAIN TUMOR patient. Until now, I'd been pleased with Wellstar's service.
March 20, 2024
5
Dr. Benedict, staff and front office are the most professional people I've encountered in a very long time. Dr. Benedict listens, cares and shows so much concerns about my health. I truly appreciate him and his staff.
March 15, 2024
5
It was a warm and friendly visit with a lot of care!
March 6, 2024
5
Yes, I was very uncomfortable and Dr. Benedict, he explained what was going on and what his plan is for my health care and took time to educate my wife and I very well, made us feel very confident in his decision to do and what would be the best way to go about it. I think he is very professional and very kind and he do care about the patient and I think he is a great doctor and I thank that he is my doctor.
March 6, 2024
5
I have gone through about a month of back pain and this is the first doctor that I felt like actually saw me and treated me as a person. I really appreciated his time and I know that I'm with the correct practice now.
March 1, 2024
5
Very professional experience.
March 1, 2024
4
Dr. Benedict is a very good doctor. I trust him. He gave me good information. He told me no more surgery. I believe him. He told me that a year ago. I'm not looking for surgery, but he told me other things that I could do to help with my back and my back pain. And I appreciate him and his opinion. Thank you.
February 23, 2024
5
Good care
February 22, 2024
5
Excellent doctor. Listens carefully and really knows his specialty in medicine.
February 21, 2024
5
Dr. Benedict is highly competent and experienced neurosurgeon. I completely trust his assessment of my condition and his recommendations of how to deal with my situation. He patiently listens to my descriptions of how I feel, what I think and concern about. He takes time to answer my questions and explains in great detail the causes of my problems and how to deal with them in the most effective and conservative way. Wellstar should be proud to have such competent and honest medical professional.
February 16, 2024
5
Doctor listened to my concerns and allowed me the time I needed to ask everything I needed.
February 10, 2024
5
Very pleasant surroundings and Dr listened to me. Front desk was exceptionally courteous.
February 8, 2024
5
Everyone I came in contact with was great
February 1, 2024
5
Everyone was kind and friendly. The receptionists was really nice.
January 28, 2024
5
Difficult to schedule.
January 20, 2024
5
I knew that Dr Benedict could take care of my problem
January 15, 2024
5
I feel very confident being treated by Dr Benedict. He comes highly recommended.
April 10, 2024
5
Grateful he provided a non invasive option. Thankful he had a kind demeanor
April 10, 2024
5
I haven't even had my surgery yet, but Dr. Benedict is awesome. Listens, gives me as much info as I ask for, doesn't judge. Office staff is always great!
April 6, 2024
5
Hi, Dr. Benedict was very, very, very patient. He listened to every word I had to say and he was more concerned about just doing the surgery on my back, he was interested in my well being. I really appreciated that.
April 5, 2024
5
Dr. Benedict carefully assessed my symptoms and due to his extraordinary training, open mindedness and experience, he detected something important that other doctors had missed, saving me from an unnecessary surgery. I cannot thank him enough.
April 2, 2024
5
All very efficient, professional and caring
March 31, 2024
5
Always great
March 29, 2024
5
A very kind Dr , extremely grateful to have seen him and find someone with a conservative approach to surgery.
March 28, 2024
5
Dr Benedict is the very best. We trust his knowledge and skill above all others. He is in the business of making lives truly livable beyond the physical barriers.
March 22, 2024
5
Thank you for being such a good staff and I would recommend you to anyone. I just wish I could find out what's going on with me!
March 22, 2024
5
Great!!!
March 22, 2024
5
Dr. Benedict is wonderful, I have recommended several friends to him
March 21, 2024
5
Wellstar says my BCBS insurance is now charger 3 or 4 times ehat it has for.the last 2 heard for my MRIs, which I need to treat my brain tumor. When I called to ask for guidance, they were not helpful. I has to seek out a non-Wellsyar facility for my MRI, which is not ideal for a BRAIN TUMOR patient. Until now, I'd been pleased with Wellstar's service.
March 20, 2024
5
Dr. Benedict, staff and front office are the most professional people I've encountered in a very long time. Dr. Benedict listens, cares and shows so much concerns about my health. I truly appreciate him and his staff.
March 15, 2024
5
It was a warm and friendly visit with a lot of care!
March 6, 2024
5
Yes, I was very uncomfortable and Dr. Benedict, he explained what was going on and what his plan is for my health care and took time to educate my wife and I very well, made us feel very confident in his decision to do and what would be the best way to go about it. I think he is very professional and very kind and he do care about the patient and I think he is a great doctor and I thank that he is my doctor.
March 6, 2024
5
I have gone through about a month of back pain and this is the first doctor that I felt like actually saw me and treated me as a person. I really appreciated his time and I know that I'm with the correct practice now.
March 1, 2024
5
Very professional experience.
March 1, 2024
5
Good care
February 22, 2024
5
Excellent doctor. Listens carefully and really knows his specialty in medicine.
February 21, 2024
5
Dr. Benedict is highly competent and experienced neurosurgeon. I completely trust his assessment of my condition and his recommendations of how to deal with my situation. He patiently listens to my descriptions of how I feel, what I think and concern about. He takes time to answer my questions and explains in great detail the causes of my problems and how to deal with them in the most effective and conservative way. Wellstar should be proud to have such competent and honest medical professional.
February 16, 2024
5
Doctor listened to my concerns and allowed me the time I needed to ask everything I needed.
February 10, 2024
5
Very pleasant surroundings and Dr listened to me. Front desk was exceptionally courteous.
February 8, 2024
5
Everyone I came in contact with was great
February 1, 2024
5
Everyone was kind and friendly. The receptionists was really nice.
January 28, 2024
5
Difficult to schedule.
January 20, 2024
5
I knew that Dr Benedict could take care of my problem
January 15, 2024
4
I value Dr. Benedict as my neurosurgeon. I'm just sad to have to leave, but it's just too far to go. And I'm having my MRI done at Camp Creek, and I'm going to try to find a doctor at Emory that he recommended me. So, it's bittersweet. I was sad to go, but that drive is just too much for me. He's a great doctor, and I really appreciate it, being my doctor in the past. Bye.
April 12, 2024
4
Dr. Benedict is a very good doctor. I trust him. He gave me good information. He told me no more surgery. I believe him. He told me that a year ago. I'm not looking for surgery, but he told me other things that I could do to help with my back and my back pain. And I appreciate him and his opinion. Thank you.
February 23, 2024
2
Very impersonal and in a hurry. Once he determined I didn't need surgery he didn't seem interested in helping; just referred me to others. Seemed irritated I was even there since I didn't need surgery.
April 1, 2024
2
Very impersonal and in a hurry. Once he determined I didn't need surgery he didn't seem interested in helping; just referred me to others. Seemed irritated I was even there since I didn't need surgery.
April 1, 2024
4
I value Dr. Benedict as my neurosurgeon. I'm just sad to have to leave, but it's just too far to go. And I'm having my MRI done at Camp Creek, and I'm going to try to find a doctor at Emory that he recommended me. So, it's bittersweet. I was sad to go, but that drive is just too much for me. He's a great doctor, and I really appreciate it, being my doctor in the past. Bye.
April 12, 2024
4
Dr. Benedict is a very good doctor. I trust him. He gave me good information. He told me no more surgery. I believe him. He told me that a year ago. I'm not looking for surgery, but he told me other things that I could do to help with my back and my back pain. And I appreciate him and his opinion. Thank you.
February 23, 2024
5
I feel very confident being treated by Dr Benedict. He comes highly recommended.
April 10, 2024
5
Grateful he provided a non invasive option. Thankful he had a kind demeanor
April 10, 2024
5
I haven't even had my surgery yet, but Dr. Benedict is awesome. Listens, gives me as much info as I ask for, doesn't judge. Office staff is always great!
April 6, 2024
5
Hi, Dr. Benedict was very, very, very patient. He listened to every word I had to say and he was more concerned about just doing the surgery on my back, he was interested in my well being. I really appreciated that.
April 5, 2024
5
Dr. Benedict carefully assessed my symptoms and due to his extraordinary training, open mindedness and experience, he detected something important that other doctors had missed, saving me from an unnecessary surgery. I cannot thank him enough.
April 2, 2024
5
All very efficient, professional and caring
March 31, 2024
5
Always great
March 29, 2024
5
A very kind Dr , extremely grateful to have seen him and find someone with a conservative approach to surgery.
March 28, 2024
5
Dr Benedict is the very best. We trust his knowledge and skill above all others. He is in the business of making lives truly livable beyond the physical barriers.
March 22, 2024
5
Thank you for being such a good staff and I would recommend you to anyone. I just wish I could find out what's going on with me!
March 22, 2024
5
Great!!!
March 22, 2024
5
Dr. Benedict is wonderful, I have recommended several friends to him
March 21, 2024
5
Wellstar says my BCBS insurance is now charger 3 or 4 times ehat it has for.the last 2 heard for my MRIs, which I need to treat my brain tumor. When I called to ask for guidance, they were not helpful. I has to seek out a non-Wellsyar facility for my MRI, which is not ideal for a BRAIN TUMOR patient. Until now, I'd been pleased with Wellstar's service.
March 20, 2024
5
Dr. Benedict, staff and front office are the most professional people I've encountered in a very long time. Dr. Benedict listens, cares and shows so much concerns about my health. I truly appreciate him and his staff.
March 15, 2024
5
It was a warm and friendly visit with a lot of care!
March 6, 2024
5
Yes, I was very uncomfortable and Dr. Benedict, he explained what was going on and what his plan is for my health care and took time to educate my wife and I very well, made us feel very confident in his decision to do and what would be the best way to go about it. I think he is very professional and very kind and he do care about the patient and I think he is a great doctor and I thank that he is my doctor.
March 6, 2024
5
I have gone through about a month of back pain and this is the first doctor that I felt like actually saw me and treated me as a person. I really appreciated his time and I know that I'm with the correct practice now.
March 1, 2024
5
Very professional experience.
March 1, 2024
5
Good care
February 22, 2024
5
Excellent doctor. Listens carefully and really knows his specialty in medicine.
February 21, 2024
5
Dr. Benedict is highly competent and experienced neurosurgeon. I completely trust his assessment of my condition and his recommendations of how to deal with my situation. He patiently listens to my descriptions of how I feel, what I think and concern about. He takes time to answer my questions and explains in great detail the causes of my problems and how to deal with them in the most effective and conservative way. Wellstar should be proud to have such competent and honest medical professional.
February 16, 2024
5
Doctor listened to my concerns and allowed me the time I needed to ask everything I needed.
February 10, 2024
5
Very pleasant surroundings and Dr listened to me. Front desk was exceptionally courteous.
February 8, 2024
5
Everyone I came in contact with was great
February 1, 2024
5
Everyone was kind and friendly. The receptionists was really nice.
January 28, 2024
5
Difficult to schedule.
January 20, 2024
5
I knew that Dr Benedict could take care of my problem
January 15, 2024
4
I value Dr. Benedict as my neurosurgeon. I'm just sad to have to leave, but it's just too far to go. And I'm having my MRI done at Camp Creek, and I'm going to try to find a doctor at Emory that he recommended me. So, it's bittersweet. I was sad to go, but that drive is just too much for me. He's a great doctor, and I really appreciate it, being my doctor in the past. Bye.
April 12, 2024
5
I feel very confident being treated by Dr Benedict. He comes highly recommended.
April 10, 2024
5
Grateful he provided a non invasive option. Thankful he had a kind demeanor
April 10, 2024
5
I haven't even had my surgery yet, but Dr. Benedict is awesome. Listens, gives me as much info as I ask for, doesn't judge. Office staff is always great!
April 6, 2024
5
Hi, Dr. Benedict was very, very, very patient. He listened to every word I had to say and he was more concerned about just doing the surgery on my back, he was interested in my well being. I really appreciated that.
April 5, 2024
5
Dr. Benedict carefully assessed my symptoms and due to his extraordinary training, open mindedness and experience, he detected something important that other doctors had missed, saving me from an unnecessary surgery. I cannot thank him enough.
April 2, 2024
2
Very impersonal and in a hurry. Once he determined I didn't need surgery he didn't seem interested in helping; just referred me to others. Seemed irritated I was even there since I didn't need surgery.
April 1, 2024
5
All very efficient, professional and caring
March 31, 2024
5
Always great
March 29, 2024
5
A very kind Dr , extremely grateful to have seen him and find someone with a conservative approach to surgery.
March 28, 2024
5
Dr Benedict is the very best. We trust his knowledge and skill above all others. He is in the business of making lives truly livable beyond the physical barriers.
March 22, 2024
5
Thank you for being such a good staff and I would recommend you to anyone. I just wish I could find out what's going on with me!
March 22, 2024
5
Great!!!
March 22, 2024
5
Dr. Benedict is wonderful, I have recommended several friends to him
March 21, 2024
5
Wellstar says my BCBS insurance is now charger 3 or 4 times ehat it has for.the last 2 heard for my MRIs, which I need to treat my brain tumor. When I called to ask for guidance, they were not helpful. I has to seek out a non-Wellsyar facility for my MRI, which is not ideal for a BRAIN TUMOR patient. Until now, I'd been pleased with Wellstar's service.
March 20, 2024
5
Dr. Benedict, staff and front office are the most professional people I've encountered in a very long time. Dr. Benedict listens, cares and shows so much concerns about my health. I truly appreciate him and his staff.
March 15, 2024
5
It was a warm and friendly visit with a lot of care!
March 6, 2024
5
Yes, I was very uncomfortable and Dr. Benedict, he explained what was going on and what his plan is for my health care and took time to educate my wife and I very well, made us feel very confident in his decision to do and what would be the best way to go about it. I think he is very professional and very kind and he do care about the patient and I think he is a great doctor and I thank that he is my doctor.
March 6, 2024
5
I have gone through about a month of back pain and this is the first doctor that I felt like actually saw me and treated me as a person. I really appreciated his time and I know that I'm with the correct practice now.
March 1, 2024
5
Very professional experience.
March 1, 2024
4
Dr. Benedict is a very good doctor. I trust him. He gave me good information. He told me no more surgery. I believe him. He told me that a year ago. I'm not looking for surgery, but he told me other things that I could do to help with my back and my back pain. And I appreciate him and his opinion. Thank you.
February 23, 2024
5
Good care
February 22, 2024
5
Excellent doctor. Listens carefully and really knows his specialty in medicine.
February 21, 2024
5
Dr. Benedict is highly competent and experienced neurosurgeon. I completely trust his assessment of my condition and his recommendations of how to deal with my situation. He patiently listens to my descriptions of how I feel, what I think and concern about. He takes time to answer my questions and explains in great detail the causes of my problems and how to deal with them in the most effective and conservative way. Wellstar should be proud to have such competent and honest medical professional.
February 16, 2024
5
Doctor listened to my concerns and allowed me the time I needed to ask everything I needed.
February 10, 2024
5
Very pleasant surroundings and Dr listened to me. Front desk was exceptionally courteous.
February 8, 2024
5
Everyone I came in contact with was great
February 1, 2024
5
Everyone was kind and friendly. The receptionists was really nice.
January 28, 2024
5
Difficult to schedule.
January 20, 2024
5
I knew that Dr Benedict could take care of my problem
January 15, 2024
5
I knew that Dr Benedict could take care of my problem
January 15, 2024
5
Difficult to schedule.
January 20, 2024
5
Everyone was kind and friendly. The receptionists was really nice.
January 28, 2024
5
Everyone I came in contact with was great
February 1, 2024
5
Very pleasant surroundings and Dr listened to me. Front desk was exceptionally courteous.
February 8, 2024
5
Doctor listened to my concerns and allowed me the time I needed to ask everything I needed.
February 10, 2024
5
Dr. Benedict is highly competent and experienced neurosurgeon. I completely trust his assessment of my condition and his recommendations of how to deal with my situation. He patiently listens to my descriptions of how I feel, what I think and concern about. He takes time to answer my questions and explains in great detail the causes of my problems and how to deal with them in the most effective and conservative way. Wellstar should be proud to have such competent and honest medical professional.
February 16, 2024
5
Excellent doctor. Listens carefully and really knows his specialty in medicine.
February 21, 2024
5
Good care
February 22, 2024
4
Dr. Benedict is a very good doctor. I trust him. He gave me good information. He told me no more surgery. I believe him. He told me that a year ago. I'm not looking for surgery, but he told me other things that I could do to help with my back and my back pain. And I appreciate him and his opinion. Thank you.
February 23, 2024
5
Very professional experience.
March 1, 2024
5
I have gone through about a month of back pain and this is the first doctor that I felt like actually saw me and treated me as a person. I really appreciated his time and I know that I'm with the correct practice now.
March 1, 2024
5
Yes, I was very uncomfortable and Dr. Benedict, he explained what was going on and what his plan is for my health care and took time to educate my wife and I very well, made us feel very confident in his decision to do and what would be the best way to go about it. I think he is very professional and very kind and he do care about the patient and I think he is a great doctor and I thank that he is my doctor.
March 6, 2024
5
It was a warm and friendly visit with a lot of care!
March 6, 2024
5
Dr. Benedict, staff and front office are the most professional people I've encountered in a very long time. Dr. Benedict listens, cares and shows so much concerns about my health. I truly appreciate him and his staff.
March 15, 2024
5
Wellstar says my BCBS insurance is now charger 3 or 4 times ehat it has for.the last 2 heard for my MRIs, which I need to treat my brain tumor. When I called to ask for guidance, they were not helpful. I has to seek out a non-Wellsyar facility for my MRI, which is not ideal for a BRAIN TUMOR patient. Until now, I'd been pleased with Wellstar's service.
March 20, 2024
5
Dr. Benedict is wonderful, I have recommended several friends to him
March 21, 2024
5
Great!!!
March 22, 2024
5
Thank you for being such a good staff and I would recommend you to anyone. I just wish I could find out what's going on with me!
March 22, 2024
5
Dr Benedict is the very best. We trust his knowledge and skill above all others. He is in the business of making lives truly livable beyond the physical barriers.
March 22, 2024
5
A very kind Dr , extremely grateful to have seen him and find someone with a conservative approach to surgery.
March 28, 2024
5
Always great
March 29, 2024
5
All very efficient, professional and caring
March 31, 2024
2
Very impersonal and in a hurry. Once he determined I didn't need surgery he didn't seem interested in helping; just referred me to others. Seemed irritated I was even there since I didn't need surgery.
April 1, 2024
5
Dr. Benedict carefully assessed my symptoms and due to his extraordinary training, open mindedness and experience, he detected something important that other doctors had missed, saving me from an unnecessary surgery. I cannot thank him enough.
April 2, 2024
5
Hi, Dr. Benedict was very, very, very patient. He listened to every word I had to say and he was more concerned about just doing the surgery on my back, he was interested in my well being. I really appreciated that.
April 5, 2024
5
I haven't even had my surgery yet, but Dr. Benedict is awesome. Listens, gives me as much info as I ask for, doesn't judge. Office staff is always great!
April 6, 2024
5
Grateful he provided a non invasive option. Thankful he had a kind demeanor
April 10, 2024
5
I feel very confident being treated by Dr Benedict. He comes highly recommended.
April 10, 2024
4
I value Dr. Benedict as my neurosurgeon. I'm just sad to have to leave, but it's just too far to go. And I'm having my MRI done at Camp Creek, and I'm going to try to find a doctor at Emory that he recommended me. So, it's bittersweet. I was sad to go, but that drive is just too much for me. He's a great doctor, and I really appreciate it, being my doctor in the past. Bye.
April 12, 2024
Publications and Articles
ZacCare
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.