On September 23rd, 2025, I went to the BCH Foothills Hospital Emergency Department for severe…read moreheadaches, dizziness, fatigue, and frequent episodes of double vision. One episode lasted long enough that I had to pull over while driving. The ER performed bloodwork and an MRI, both of which were normal, and sent me home with a generic "how to treat headaches" handout. The handout even specifically stated to seek medical attention if the headaches were accompanied by dizziness or vision changes, which were my main presenting complaints that visit.
I followed up with my primary care doctor who referred me to a neurologist and an ophthalmologist. The neurologist was booked until November. I saw the ophthalmologist on October 6th, 2025 and he found significant swelling in both optic nerves and strongly suspected Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH). He told me to go to the ER if my symptoms worsened prior to my neurology appointment. He explained that IIH can lead to permanent vision loss and must be officially diagnosed and treated with a spinal tap.
Just two days later, on October 8th, I returned to the BCH Foothills Hospital after four episodes of complete vision loss, along with the worst headache of my life, severe dizziness, and back and neck pain. I was seen by Dr. Shannon Sovndal and gave him a detailed medical history, including my ophthalmologist's findings and his recommendation for a spinal tap. Dr. Sovndal was dismissive, repeatedly interrupted me, and insisted on repeating imaging even though I had just had an MRI at the same facility two weeks earlier. After several hours and additional imaging, he told me everything was "normal" and that there was "nothing wrong." When I explained that my symptoms had worsened and asked again about a spinal tap, he said it was "out of the ER's scope" and that I should wait for my neurology appointment, despite it being a month away. He stated, "if your symptoms get worse, you can come back to the ER. But I don't mean if your symptoms are just bothering you more. I mean if your symptoms are actually progressing." This was extremely frustrating since this was after I had gone completely blind multiple times that day.. if that's not my symptoms progressing, what is? I was sent home again with the same generic headache handout.
Feeling unsafe with waiting a month for my neurologist to treat me, I immediately went to UCHealth Broomfield Hospital, where my experience was completely different. Four nurses rushed me back immediately after hearing my symptoms and the ER doctor, Dr. Jessica Mitchell, virtually consulted a neurologist right away. Dr. Mitchell performed a spinal tap and confirmed my intracranial pressure was concerningly high. After removing fluid, I felt instant relief. Dr. Mitchell confirmed the IIH diagnosis and explained that untreated IIH can lead to permanent health issues. Dr. Mitchell asked if I knew why BCH hadn't performed a spinal tap. I told her I had no idea, especially since I had specifically requested one. She appeared visibly surprised and concerned by that answer.
Upon discharge from UCHealth, the staff provided me with clear discharge instructions and follow-up recommendations. They told me exactly what symptoms to look out for so I know exactly when to come back to the ER. Dr. Mitchell gave me the information for the neurologist that she consulted with and recommended that I reach out ASAP to schedule an appointment since they know my case and will likely be able to get me seen sooner.
I'm deeply disappointed in BCH Foothills Hospital Emergency Department, especially Dr. Shannon Sovndal, for dismissing a serious and time-sensitive neurological condition.. twice. I'm incredibly grateful to UCHealth, Dr. Mitchell, and her team for listening, acting quickly, and preventing what could have been a permanent outcome. I would not recommend BCH Foothills Hospital to anyone seeking thorough or compassionate emergency care. Go to UCHealth Broomfield instead!