Twenty-six year old woman survives rare brain condition thanks to timely care

In 2024, 26-year-old Mariah K., a teacher at a local elementary school in Pensacola, Florida, was in the middle of her school day when an intense headache struck—something she rarely experienced. As the pain escalated and nausea set in, she assumed she had caught the flu from her students. Trusting it was nothing serious, Mariah left work early.

At home, she tried to push through her usual routine, but every time she stood up, she collapsed. Still thinking it was dehydration or fatigue, Mariah was unaware that a brain arteriovenous malformation (AVM) had ruptured. While seeking relief, Mariah passed out in her closet and remained unconscious for nearly 18 hours.

The next morning, after her family couldn’t reach her, a concerned neighbor went to check on her. He found her unresponsive and rushed her to a local hospital. After running several tests and scans, the care team quickly recognized the gravity of the situation and arranged for an urgent transfer to Ascension Sacred Heart, where neurosurgeon Dr. Maria Toledo and her team could provide the specialized neurological care Mariah needed.

At Ascension Sacred Heart, the medical team admitted Mariah into the ICU and began constant neurological checks. Dr. Toledo and her dedicated team closely monitored her condition with advanced imaging and evaluations. Dr. Toledo determined that surgery was necessary to address the ruptured tangle of blood vessels. She performed a craniotomy, removing the malformation and the blood clot, stabilizing Mariah’s condition.

“Mariah showed incredible strength throughout her recovery,” said Dr. Toledo. “We were able to act quickly, and with the support of our ICU and surgical teams, we gave her the best possible chance for a full recovery. She’s an inspiring example of what’s possible when time, teamwork, and technology align.”

Following surgery, Mariah stayed at Ascension Sacred Heart for several days before transferring to a rehabilitation facility. Though she doesn’t recall much from her time in the ICU, the kindness of her care team stood out. One memory that stayed with her was of a compassionate nurse named Lindsay, a nurse practitioner for the neurosurgery team, who selflessly gave up her break to help detangle Mariah’s hair and ensure she had a full shower before rehab. Members of the staff even brought her quality shampoo and conditioner—small gestures that meant the world in a time of vulnerability.

Mariah has since returned to teaching special education in Escambia County and continues to rebuild her strength. She remains focused on healing and maintaining her positive outlook.

Before the rupture, Mariah had no known health concerns or symptoms. “This came out of nowhere,” she said. “If Dr. Toledo and the team at Ascension Sacred Heart hadn’t acted when they did, I wouldn’t be here. Their care truly saved my life.”

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.

Schedule a first visit or get a second opinion with Dr. Toledo.