Luis was carrying some boxes when he developed a severe headache. Three days later he still had the headache in the same part of his head, and he became concerned enough to go to the hospital.

After going through the emergency room, Luis was referred to neurologist Maike Blaya, MD, at Memorial Neuroscience Institute, where he found the everyday extraordinary care he needed.

“She was very human, very warm, basically,” Luis said of Dr. Blaya. “She took her time talking to me. She did some examinations on me. She pulled up a ton of MRI images and actually explained to me what she was looking for.

“By the time she finished explaining everything to me, I was a lot more at peace,” Luis added.

One of the first things Dr. Blaya does with new patients is set real expectations.

“I explain to the patient, 'we are going to work together, but I am not going to be able to help you overnight,'” said Dr. Blaya. “This is a process. And if you have headaches for 10 years, it might take us a few visits for us to get to that place and obtain relief.”

She prescribed some medication for Luis to try to help control the headaches.

“I am feeling better,” said Luis. “The headaches have subsided. We are still working together.”

Luis has been able to resume his walks, go to the gym, go bike riding and spend quality time with his granddaughter.

“It's amazing,” he said. “It actually makes me feel like I have my life back. And I thank Dr. Blaya for that.”