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Finding EXTRAordinary in the Ordinary

Brent Curry, PA-C

Brent Curry, PA-C is the Lead Advanced Practice Clinician practicing emergency medicine at UNC Health Blue Ridge – Morganton.

Reason for Visit:
Severe headache and fever, initially treated as an allergic reaction with periorbital swelling.

Patient Outcome:
The patient fully recovered, retained her vision, and is continuing to recover, with only mild facial sensitivity remaining.

Brent Curry, blue eyes and a warm smile is wearing a dark suit and white shirt against a plain white background. The tone is friendly and professional. Brent Curry, blue eyes and a warm smile is wearing a dark suit and white shirt against a plain white background. The tone is friendly and professional.

EXTRAordinary Care

On Christmas Eve, Brent encountered a patient referred by urgent care for worsening eye swelling and a presumed allergic reaction. He quickly recognized that something more serious was occurring, as the patient had a fever, and her skin wasn’t red or hot, signs that were inconsistent with an allergic reaction or cellulitis.

Brent ordered a CT scan to assess the periorbital swelling, but the results did not explain her condition. Suspecting septic cavernous venous thrombosis, a rare and life-threatening condition, he pushed for an urgent transfer. With only about 250 known cases in the post-antibiotic era, initial transfer requests were denied. Knowing the patient wouldn’t survive the night without intervention, Brent persisted by calling additional tertiary centers and eventually secured a transfer, where specialists were actively researching the condition.

Upon arrival, the diagnosis was confirmed, and the patient was rushed to the OR for emergent sphenoid surgery.  Thanks to Brent’s decisive actions and advocacy, she avoided severe complications, including vision loss and a potentially fatal brain abscess.

Brent has since followed up with the patient and learned that she is doing well and that her vision has returned to normal. His clinical expertise and persistence ensured the patient received the life-saving care she needed just in time.

“Because of Brent’s keen judgment and decisive action, this patient is alive today. In the hands of someone else, I cannot help but believe the outcome could have been tragically different. Brent’s astute clinical skill and timely intervention made all the difference in this patient’s life.”

– Ayaz Pathan, MD, MBA, FACEP

ApolloMD Divisional President

A modern, multi-story hospital building with a mix of white walls and dark glass windows. Foreground includes tall, leafy trees. Bright blue sky. A modern, multi-story hospital building with a mix of white walls and dark glass windows. Foreground includes tall, leafy trees. Bright blue sky.

Hospital Partner

UNC Health Blue Ridge – Morganton provides advanced, affordable healthcare for the residents of Burke County. This hospital has 184 beds and offers a broad scope of services. Morganton, NC sits in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Table Rock Mountain, which provides a breathtaking backdrop every day.