In 2012, my brother, Tony Adams, was rear-ended by another vehicle. As a result, he developed a neurological condition called cervical dystonia. It is also known as spasmodic torticollis. It is a serious and rare neurological disorder. It causes the muscles in his neck to tighten pulling his head to the side. He suffers from extreme pain in the nerves and muscles in the back of his head.

The most common treatment for this condition is botulinum toxin injections (botox). The botulinum toxin blocks the nerve signals in the target area causing relaxation of the abnormal neck posture. If they work, these injections are only a short-term relief from the pain. My brother had this treatment multiple times; however, it did not help him. Finally, his neurologist prescribed pain medicine for him. The pain medicine was used to give him some relief. In the last few years, however, even the simplest of tasks cause a significant increase in pain. It leaves him incapable of functioning for several days and sometimes longer. At this time, in addition to taking the pain medication, he must lie down for two to three hours every day to get even the smallest amount of relief.

His neurologist has recommended a procedure called Occipital Nerve Decompression Surgery. The purpose of the surgery is to release the compressed nerves which in turn will cause the neck muscles to relax. My brother met with a second neurologist and the surgeon in August 2022 in Houston, Texas, to discuss the full scope of the surgery. Tony has researched this surgery over the past ten months trying to decide if it will help him. He and his wife have prayed for guidance with this decision.

This procedure is relatively new for the treatment of cervical dystonia. It has been used for the last ten years. It has a high level of success for people with my brother's condition. Insurance will only pay certain expenses associated with the surgery. Additionally, he has to travel from Knoxville, Tennessee, to Houston, Texas for the surgery. He may also need to travel to Houston for follow-up care a few months after the surgery.

Tony and Becky spent their life savings in search of something that would give him relief from his pain. After the accident, it took several years before he was diagnosed with cervical dystonia. Before that diagnosis, he saw many doctors. He tried blood patches, stem cell injections, and other procedures based on their recommendations. Finally, he found a neurologist that diagnosed him with cervical dystonia. When the botox treatment gave him no relief, the doctor told him about the occipital nerve decompression surgery. Having spent their life savings on previous procedures, they were skeptical. Asking for guidance through prayer and discussions with his neurologist, the Houston neurologist, and the surgeon, Tony and Becky agreed that this surgery is the right action to take.

He is hopeful that this surgery will relieve most of his pain and muscle spasms allowing him to one day return to some form of active employment. Realistically, he does not expect to be able to return to the same type of work he did in the past. He just wants to be able to contribute to their home, go fishing again, and get back involved in the church ministries.

With this GoFundMe request, I am hoping to raise enough funds to pay for the travel expenses as well as the expenses not covered by insurance.

Tony has always been a guy who loves being outside enjoying nature whether he was climbing mountains in Arizona or fishing off the Florida coast. He went from a guy whose friends wanted to take him fishing, being the first guy to set and pull the anchor, to feeling like the anchor. Weighing down the boat with the pain that his friends knew he was in. Now he rarely goes outside because of the pain.

I am hoping he can get this surgery. That he will be able to do some of the things that brought him joy in life. Living again instead of just existing.

Thank you for reading and for your consideration in donating.