The pain came out of nowhere - a sudden, searing bolt of electricity ripping through your cheek, your jaw, maybe even behind your eye. It lasted only seconds, but those seconds felt like an eternity. And then it happened again. And again. If this is your reality, you may be living with trigeminal neuralgia, one of the most intensely painful conditions in all of medicine. Some medical texts have called it "the suicide disease" because of how profoundly it disrupts the lives of those who suffer from it.
But here's what we want you to know: you don't have to keep white-knuckling your way through it. At Texas Nerve and Spine in Katy, TX, our team specializes in treating complex nerve pain conditions - including trigeminal neuralgia - using advanced, non-surgical, drug-free protocols that go after the root cause rather than just blunting the symptoms. If you've been searching for a trigeminal neuralgia specialist in Katy, TX who actually listens and offers a different path forward, you've come to the right place.
Trigeminal neuralgia - sometimes referred to by its older clinical name, tic douloureux - is a chronic pain condition affecting the trigeminal nerve, the fifth cranial nerve responsible for carrying sensation from your face to your brain. This nerve has three branches: one serving the forehead and eye area, one covering the cheek and upper jaw, and one reaching the lower jaw and chin. When this nerve becomes irritated, compressed, or damaged, it can fire pain signals that are wildly out of proportion to whatever triggered them.
The pain is often described as an electric shock or a bolt of lightning across the face. It can be triggered by the most ordinary activities - chewing food, brushing your teeth, applying moisturizer, feeling a breeze against your skin, or even smiling. Episodes can last a few seconds or linger for several minutes, and they tend to come in clusters that can leave you physically and emotionally exhausted. Some people develop a constant, dull burning between the acute episodes, which is sometimes classified as atypical or Type 2 trigeminal neuralgia.
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, roughly 12 new cases are diagnosed per 100,000 people each year. It's more common in women than men and tends to appear after age 50, though younger adults - particularly those with conditions like multiple sclerosis - can develop it as well. Despite its relative rarity, trigeminal neuralgia pain is anything but subtle, and the people who have it deserve specialized care from a trigeminal neuralgia doctor who understands the condition inside and out.
Trigeminal neuralgia doesn't always look the same from one person to the next. But there are characteristic patterns that a trained trigeminal neuralgia specialist will recognize immediately. If you're experiencing any of the following, it may be time to seek evaluation:
Sudden, severe, shock-like pain in the cheek, jaw, teeth, gums, or forehead usually on one side of the face
Pain triggered by light touch, chewing, speaking, brushing teeth, washing your face, or exposure to wind
Episodes that last from a few seconds to a couple of minutes, occurring in rapid succession
Periods of remission followed by flare-ups that grow more frequent or intense over time
A constant, burning, or aching sensation between the sharp attacks atypical or Type 2 TN
Pain that has been misdiagnosed as a dental problem, sinus issue, TMJ disorder, or migraine
Increasing anxiety or avoidance of normal activities eating, talking, going outside due to fear of triggering an episode
Facial pain that does not respond to standard over-the-counter painkillers
One of the most frustrating aspects of trigeminal neuralgia is how often it gets misdiagnosed. Patients frequently undergo unnecessary dental procedures, receive treatment for sinus conditions they don't have, or are prescribed migraine medications that do nothing. If you've been down that road and still don't have answers, a dedicated trigeminal neuralgia specialist in Katy, TX can help you finally get clarity.
In classical trigeminal neuralgia, the most common underlying cause is a blood vessel - usually a small artery near the brainstem - pressing against the trigeminal nerve root. Over time, this compression wears away the nerve's protective myelin sheath, essentially stripping the insulation from a live wire. Once that protective coating breaks down, the nerve becomes hypersensitive and begins firing erratic pain signals in response to stimuli that should be completely harmless.
But neurovascular compression isn't the only factor in play. Multiple sclerosis, tumors at the base of the skull, and physical trauma to the face or jaw can all damage or irritate the trigeminal nerve. In some cases - classified as idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia - no clear structural cause is identified on imaging, which can make the diagnosis even more frustrating for patients.
What the conventional model often overlooks, however, is the broader role of the nervous system. The trigeminal nerve doesn't operate in a vacuum. It's part of a vast communication network that runs through the brainstem, the upper cervical spine, and into the central nervous system. When there's interference in that pathway - whether from spinal misalignment, chronic inflammation, or disrupted nerve signaling - the result can be a nervous system that's stuck in a state of hyperexcitability. The nerve doesn't just hurt because it's compressed. It hurts because the entire system is amplifying the signal. This is where a nerve-focused approach to trigeminal neuralgia treatment begins to make a powerful difference.
The standard medical playbook for trigeminal neuralgia typically starts with anticonvulsant medications - drugs like carbamazepine or oxcarbazepine - designed to quiet overactive nerve signals. When those stop working or produce intolerable side effects (dizziness, fatigue, cognitive fog, liver complications), the next step is usually surgical intervention: microvascular decompression, radiofrequency ablation, or gamma knife radiosurgery.
For some patients, that path is appropriate. But for many others - especially those who are wary of long-term medication dependency or invasive procedures - there's a gap in the care landscape. That's the gap Texas Nerve and Spine was designed to fill.
As a trigeminal neuralgia specialist practice in Katy, TX, we approach this condition through the lens of the nervous system as a whole. Our doctors believe that when you restore optimal communication between the brain and the body - what we call the brain-to-body connection - the nervous system can begin to down-regulate its own pain response. Instead of overriding the signal with drugs or ablating the nerve with heat, we work with the body's own healing mechanisms.
Your care plan starts with a thorough evaluation - not a 10-minute intake where someone hands you a prescription and sends you on your way. We assess your spinal alignment, your nerve function, your health history, and the specific pattern of your trigeminal neuralgia pain. From there, our expert panel of doctors - known to patients as "The Dream Team" - designs a customized, non-surgical protocol using advanced therapies proven to reduce nerve irritation, decrease inflammation, and help your nervous system recalibrate. The result, for many of our patients, is trigeminal neuralgia pain relief they haven't experienced since their diagnosis - achieved without a single pill or procedure.
Trigeminal neuralgia is not a condition you want treated by a generalist. It requires a team that understands the complexities of cranial nerve disorders, the relationship between spinal health and facial pain, and the nuances of nerve-based rehabilitation. Here's why patients throughout Katy, TX and the greater Houston area choose our practice:
With over 25 years of clinical experience focused specifically on nerve pain and chronic pain conditions, our doctors have the depth of knowledge that trigeminal neuralgia demands.
We don't treat your face in isolation. We evaluate the full neuromusculoskeletal chain - from the upper cervical spine through the cranial nerve pathways - to identify every contributing factor.
Our protocols are built around the body's own healing capacity. No prescriptions. No operating rooms. No recovery downtime.
Since 2008, Texas Nerve and Spine has helped thousands of patients suffering from chronic pain and nerve disease reclaim their lives. Our approach works for trigeminal neuralgia because it addresses the same nervous system dysfunction that drives the condition.
We know that trigeminal neuralgia pain doesn't wait, so neither should you. Our Katy, TX office offers same-day appointments to get you in fast.
Our leadership team built this practice on a simple philosophy: treat every patient the way you'd want your own parent, spouse, or child treated. That commitment shows in every interaction.
By the time most people reach out to us, they've been through a gauntlet of appointments, prescriptions, and diagnostic dead ends. We understand that, and we want your experience here to feel like a turning point - not another revolving door.
Your first visit begins with an in-depth consultation. We'll sit down and listen - really listen - to your story. When did the facial pain start? What does it feel like? What triggers it? What have you tried? How is it affecting your work, your relationships, your ability to just enjoy a meal? We need to understand the full scope of what you're dealing with before we recommend a single thing.
Next, we'll perform a comprehensive neurological and physical examination, evaluating your spine, your cranial nerve function, and the specific areas of dysfunction contributing to your trigeminal neuralgia pain. Based on everything we find, we'll present a clear, honest assessment and a step-by-step treatment plan - including expected timeline, costs, and what results look like based on our experience with similar cases.
No guesswork. No pressure. No vague promises. Just a straightforward path toward relief from a team that specializes in exactly what you're going through.
Trigeminal neuralgia rarely exists in a vacuum. Many of the patients we see also struggle with chronic headaches or migraines, neck pain, TMJ dysfunction, or peripheral neuropathy in other parts of the body. That's not a coincidence - it's a reflection of an underlying nervous system that's in a state of distress.
The trigeminal nerve has deep connections to the upper cervical spine, and research has consistently demonstrated that dysfunction in the C1-C3 vertebral segments can amplify trigeminal nerve excitability. This is why patients who've had whiplash injuries, chronic postural strain, or upper neck problems sometimes develop facial pain syndromes that seem to appear out of nowhere. The structural issue was there all along - the pain was just the last domino to fall.
This interconnection is also why our approach is so effective. When we address the spinal and neurological contributors alongside the trigeminal nerve dysfunction itself, patients often find that multiple symptoms improve simultaneously. The headaches ease. The neck stiffness resolves. The facial pain diminishes. Because we're not chasing individual symptoms - we're restoring the system.
Trigeminal neuralgia is traditionally managed by neurologists and neurosurgeons. However, because the condition involves nerve dysfunction with connections to the spine and central nervous system, specialists who focus on the nervous system as a whole - like the team at Texas Nerve and Spine - are uniquely equipped to offer non-surgical, root-cause treatment that many conventional providers don't explore.
Yes. While surgery is sometimes necessary in severe or refractory cases, many patients experience significant trigeminal neuralgia pain relief through non-surgical approaches that address nerve irritation, spinal alignment, and nervous system regulation. Our Katy, TX practice specializes in exactly this type of drug-free, non-invasive care.
The reimbursement model at Texas Nerve and Spine allows us to focus entirely on providing the highest standard of care without the restrictions and delays associated with insurance-driven treatment protocols. We'll walk you through all costs before treatment begins - complete transparency, no surprises.
Every patient is different, and the timeline depends on the severity and duration of your condition. Some patients notice improvement within the first few visits; others see progressive improvement over several weeks. Our doctors will outline realistic expectations during your initial evaluation.
In many cases, trigeminal neuralgia is a progressive condition. Episodes may become more frequent, more intense, and harder to manage as nerve damage compounds. Early intervention with a qualified trigeminal neuralgia specialist typically leads to better outcomes and a greater chance of meaningful, long-term relief.
Our clinic is located in Katy, TX, and we serve patients from Missouri City, Stafford, Richmond, Rosenberg, Katy, Pearland, and throughout the greater Houston metropolitan area. We also regularly see patients who travel from across Texas and beyond for our specialized approach to nerve pain.
You've lived with the lightning bolts long enough. You've endured the medications that made you feel foggy, the dental procedures that didn't help, and the well-meaning doctors who didn't quite understand what you're going through. It's time for something different.
Texas Nerve and Spine is Katy, TX's trusted destination for advanced, non-surgical trigeminal neuralgia treatment. Our team has helped thousands of patients break free from chronic nerve pain - and we're ready to help you, too.
Call our Katy, TX office today or complete the form on this page to schedule your consultation. Same-day appointments are available because when every second of facial pain feels like an eternity, you shouldn't have to wait weeks for help.
Texas Nerve and Spine - Trigeminal neuralgia specialists in Katy, TX since 2008. Advanced nerve care. Real relief. No drugs. No surgery.
Lowe’s is opening a new store in West Katy in early September to help meet the needs of homeowners and pros in one of the fastest-growing areas in the U.S. The grand opening has been set for September 4 at 9 a.m.Lowe’s of West Katy, located at 981 Heritage Oak Lane and part of the growing Texas Heritage Marketplace development, includes roughly 95,000 square feet of retail space plus 30,000 square feet of outdoor garden area.“Katy is growing fast and we’re excited to help support this community’s g...
Lowe’s is opening a new store in West Katy in early September to help meet the needs of homeowners and pros in one of the fastest-growing areas in the U.S. The grand opening has been set for September 4 at 9 a.m.
Lowe’s of West Katy, located at 981 Heritage Oak Lane and part of the growing Texas Heritage Marketplace development, includes roughly 95,000 square feet of retail space plus 30,000 square feet of outdoor garden area.
“Katy is growing fast and we’re excited to help support this community’s growth and be a resource for our neighbors for generations to come,” said Store Manager Mike Spall.
The store includes all of Lowe’s latest in-store updates, blending physical showrooms with online features to provide customers with everything they need in one place, including project planning and expert advice.
Standard in all new stores, Lowe’s of West Katy has a redesigned kitchen showroom with features including:
· Centralized selling desks for installation and services projects, with larger signage showcasing promotional offerings
· Larger selection of attainable luxury appliances and kitchen products to support remodels
· Larger, more interactive product displays, including bathrooms, wet bars, laundry rooms and mud rooms
· QR codes providing customers easy access to explore online offerings, as well as links to online tools including a style quiz, budget calculator and 3D visualizer, providing a 3D rendering of your potential project
The new store will also have Buy Online Pick Up In-Store (BOPIS) Zones with self-service lockers for quick, seamless pickup. Lowe’s Paint Visualizer helps customers browse a broader Sherwin-Williams color assortment online, visualize paint colors in their own spaces and match shades in store at the paint desk, while Mylow, Lowe’s AI assistant, can help customers get their projects rolling with expert guidance, product recommendations and answers to home improvement questions. It can even help customers purchase items online directly from the new West Katy store for delivery, in-store or curbside pickup.
Lowe’s of West Katy will be among the first Lowe’s stores to debut a redesigned tool section with a simplified open layout, wider aisles and lower fixture heights that create better sight lines for both customers and associates. Product categories are reorganized to create more intuitive product adjacencies, making it easier for customers to get all the DeWalt, Craftsman and Kobalt tools they need for related solutions and projects.
As homebuilders and local pros work to meet West Katy’s growing demand for new housing, Lowe’s is helping save time on estimating, quoting and sourcing materials with connected, tech-enabled tools. AI-powered Material Lists converts handwritten notes, photos, spreadsheets and other supported file types into quote-ready orders in minutes, while Blueprint Takeoffs help Pros generate material lists and estimates directly from project plans. Pro Extended Aisle expands product availability and order quantities far beyond what Pros see on store shelves, and direct-to-jobsite delivery from participating suppliers helps Pros get the materials they need where they need them. Lowe’s is giving West Katy customers more ways to save through the Lowe’s app, where MyLowe’s Rewards members can earn points on eligible purchases and access exclusive offers and member-only gifts. Loyalty members can also sign up for a HomeCare+ subscription, offering seven in-home maintenance services done twice per year by local Lowe’s store associates for just $99 a year. MyLowe’s Rewards members can also register for free monthly Kids Club workshops, where kids and caregivers can build DIY projects together and earn digital badges. These hands-on in-store experiences give families a reason to come back month after month. Learn more at Lowes.com/KidsClub. Lowe’s of West Katy is hiring for more than 100 full and part-time positions. Lowe’s is a Great Place to Work® certified employer and is Fortune’s #1 Specialty Retailer in its 2026 list of Most Admired Companies. Lowe’s invests in the total well-being of its associates, offering flexible scheduling, robust retirement options, tuition-free education assistance and comprehensive healthcare options. Candidates can visit talent.lowes.com for more information.
About Lowe's Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (NYSE: LOW) is a FORTUNE® 100 home improvement company with total fiscal 2025 sales of more than $86 billion. Lowe’s employs approximately 300,000 associates and operates over 1,750 home improvement stores, 540 branches and 120 distribution centers. Based in Mooresville, N.C., Lowe’s supports the communities it serves through programs focused on creating safe, affordable housing, improving community spaces, helping to develop the next generation of skilled trade experts and providing disaster relief to communities in need. For more information, visit Lowes.com.
These days, preschool is so much more than a place to drop off your child during the workday. With play-based learning, language immersion opportunities, kinder prep, and a dedication to social, emotional, and physical wellness, preschool gives your child a space to learn, grow, and be nurtured by dedicated teachers. Plus, state-of-the-art safety features, communication apps, and nutritious meals give parents peace of mind; you can trust your little one will be safe throughout the day.With so many amazing preschool options, it can be ...
These days, preschool is so much more than a place to drop off your child during the workday. With play-based learning, language immersion opportunities, kinder prep, and a dedication to social, emotional, and physical wellness, preschool gives your child a space to learn, grow, and be nurtured by dedicated teachers. Plus, state-of-the-art safety features, communication apps, and nutritious meals give parents peace of mind; you can trust your little one will be safe throughout the day.
With so many amazing preschool options, it can be difficult to narrow it down. We looked into various curriculums, teacher certifications, ratios, play areas, extracurriculars, reviews, and facilities to find these 18 best preschools in Katy. With various approaches and opportunities, we're sure you'll find the perfect preschool for your little learner.
Preschool is an important experience for little kids. Photo via Canva
For ages: 6 weeks to 5 yearsWhy it's on our list: This Katy preschool has an incredible outdoor space, complete with nature playscapes, a learning courtyard, and covered patios. They offer before- and after-school care for elementary-aged kids.
For ages: 18 months to 4 years (plus kindergarten)Why it's on our list: This Spanish immersion preschool has low teacher-to-student ratios and puts a focus on diversity and cultural appreciation. They offer an after-school program for grades K-5.
For ages: Infants to 5 yearsWhy it's on our list: Primrose Schools are exceptional for kindergarten readiness. They offer before- and after-school care for ages 5-12.
For ages: 6 weeks to 5 yearsWhy it's on our list: This preschool offers hands-on enrichment opportunities through Spanish language, science, movement, gardening, and music. They offer before- and after-school care for ages 5-12.
For ages: 6 weeks to 6 yearsWhy it's on our list: Canterra Ranch Montessori is known for its lovely outdoor spaces, trilingual learning environment (English, Spanish, and Hindi-Urdu), and classic Montessori approach.
For ages: 6 weeks to 5 yearsWhy it's on our list: The Goddard School of Katy focuses on a cooperative learning environment for preschoolers and has added perks like an indoor gym, robotics, dance, yoga, and sign language. They offer before- and after-school care for elementary-aged kids.
For ages: 4 months to 6 yearsWhy it's on our list: All lead teachers at Montessori Haven are certified and instruct in the authentic Montessori approach.
For ages: Birth to 4 yearsWhy it's on our list: The school's science lab, cooking lab, art studio, and indoor gym let little ones explore and learn through play in age-appropriate, hands-on ways. They offer after-school care for kids in grades K-6.
For ages: 6 weeks to 5 yearsWhy it's on our list: With a pre-reading and STEAM curriculum, MyPlace helps foster kindergarten readiness and a love of lifelong learning. They offer before- and after-school care for kids ages 6-12.
For ages: 3 months to 4 yearsWhy it's on our list: This Spanish immersion program uses the play-based Reggio Emilia approach to learning and has low student-to-teacher ratios. They offer after-school care for elementary-age kids.
For ages: Infants to 5 yearsWhy it's on our list: This preschool is home to fully equipped Montessori classrooms; a cultural studio where they celebrate diversity through music, art, and food; and a large playground with a water pump and dry creek bed.
Related:
Playtime is an important part of learning. Photo by dotshock via Canva
For ages: Birth to 5 yearsWhy it's on our list: Little Builders sits on a beautiful acre of land, employs staff who have master's and bachelor's degrees, uses the HighScope Preschool curriculum, and offers trilingual immersion in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese. They offer before- and after-school care for kids ages 5-12 attending Diane Winborn Elementary School.
For ages: Infants to 5 yearsWhy it's on our list: Along with the Reggio Emilia and Montessori methods, Dani Academy provides each child with a personalized learning plan. They offer before- and after-school care for elementary-aged kids.
For ages: 3 to 6 yearsWhy it's on our list: This academy combines the Cambridge Early Years, Reggio Emilia, Montessori, and STEAM curriculums into a unique learning experience. It also offers Spanish, Mandarin, and sign language instruction. They offer extended care hours for students enrolled at the academy.
For ages: 18 months to 5 yearsWhy it's on our list: Spanish Learning Castle offers a well-rounded preschool program for Spanish and cultural immersion.
For ages: 6 weeks to 5 yearsWhy it's on our list: This preschool offers a vast assortment of ancillary programs, including Mandarin, Spanish, sign language, tumbling, sports, dance, music, and martial arts.
For ages: 6 weeks to 5 yearsWhy it's on our list: This center uses a whole-child approach with a focus on kinder readiness.
For ages: 1 to 5 yearsWhy it's on our list: Personalized, project-based learning and Spanish immersion go hand-in-hand with yoga, PE, and music at Trinity Spiral School.
Katy is bursting with excellent preschools, and what's best for one family may not be the right fit for another. Some stand-out schools are Magnolia Preparatory Academy, Cinco Ranch Montessori, Montessori Reggio Academy of Katy, Alianza Preschool, and The Goddard School of Katy.
To find the right preschool, look for one that has curriculum that aligns with your child's learning style, offers a well-rounded experience, has clean and safe campus, and has caring and certified teachers. Make sure you tour a preschool before you commit so you can get an idea of if it's a good fit for your child.
While most of these facilities offer infant and toddler care, official preschool programs typically start at 3 years old.
In short, Montessori preschools follow a method created by Maria Montessori and focus on child-led learning through hands-on experiences and play. Traditional preschools typically have teacher-lead learning (though there are many different approaches to this, from traditional teaching to play-based learning).
In a basic language lesson or class, children may be exposed for a scheduled amount of time each day or week to learn language. Immersion preschools go a step further, with most instruction and speaking in general throughout the day being in the language of the program.
Live football scores for all your North Texas high school football teams.www.wfaa.comClick to check new events More Katy Games hlsjs-lite: Network error 00:00 1) Call to Order 3) Public Comments 4) Proclamation Honoring the Life of Coach Mike Johnston 5) Consent Agenda 8) Mayor & Councilmembers' ReportsJan 26, 2026 City Council 1) Call to Order 3) Public Comments 4) Proclamation Honoring the Life of Coach Mike Johnston 5) Co...
Live football scores for all your North Texas high school football teams.
www.wfaa.com
Click to check new events
More Katy Games
hlsjs-lite: Network error
00:00
1) Call to Order
3) Public Comments
4) Proclamation Honoring the Life of Coach Mike Johnston
5) Consent Agenda
8) Mayor & Councilmembers' Reports
1) Call to Order
3) Public Comments
4) Proclamation Honoring the Life of Coach Mike Johnston
5) Consent Agenda
8) Mayor & Councilmembers' Reports
Start video at
Disable autoplay on embedded content?
<iframe title="Swagit Video Player" width="640" height="360" src="https://katytx.new.swagit.com/videos/373195/embed" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Download
© 2003-2026 Swagit Productions, LLC
Contact The Katy News
Have a news tip, story idea, advertising question, or community announcement?
The Katy News
Serving Katy and the surrounding communities
General Inquiries: info@thekatynews.com
Advertising: ads@thekatynews.com
Article Submissions: articles@thekatynews.com
Phone: 281-396-3333
The man who crashed a Tesla into a home in Katy, killing a 76-year-old woman, overrode the vehicle's self-driving system before the crash, according to preliminary findings released Wednesday by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).The NTSB is investigating the June 19 fatal crash in which a Tesla Model 3 crashed into a Houston-area home, killing Martha Avila. The driver of the vehicle, 44-year-old Michael Butler, claimed the car was in autopilot at the time of the crash, according to responding authorities.However, ...
The man who crashed a Tesla into a home in Katy, killing a 76-year-old woman, overrode the vehicle's self-driving system before the crash, according to preliminary findings released Wednesday by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
The NTSB is investigating the June 19 fatal crash in which a Tesla Model 3 crashed into a Houston-area home, killing Martha Avila. The driver of the vehicle, 44-year-old Michael Butler, claimed the car was in autopilot at the time of the crash, according to responding authorities.
However, Butler was later arrested and charged with manslaughter after an investigation by Harris County law enforcement found he allegedly overrode Tesla’s self-driving mode. The NTSB's preliminary findings corroborate that account.
Sign up for the Hello, Houston! daily newsletter to get local reports like this delivered directly to your inbox.
"At the time of the crash, the driver had engaged Tesla's Advanced Driver Assistance System, Full Self-Driving (Supervised)," the NTSB wrote on its website. "Electronic data recovered from the vehicle indicated that before the crash, the driver manually overrode [Full Self-Driving (Supervised)] by pressing the accelerator pedal to 100%, and the vehicle's speed was greater than 70 mph when the crash occurred."
The NTSB noted the report released Wednesday is preliminary and subject to change.
Butler’s manslaughter case is pending. His defense attorney was not immediately available for comment Wednesday.
Following the crash, Avila's daughter and son-in-law filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Tesla and Butler. The family's attorneys did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the NTSB’s preliminary findings. The lawsuit is pending, court records show.
After the crash gained nationwide attention, Tesla CEO Elon Musk made a post on his own social media platform saying authorities’ initial account of the crash — which included Butler’s claim the vehicle was in autopilot mode — "made no sense."
"FSD [full self-driving] drives slowly through neighborhood streets and this was a high-speed crash!” Musk wrote.
Ashok Elluswamy, the vice president of AI software at Tesla, responded to a post by Musk and claimed the driver manually overrode the self-driving functionality.
"In this case, the driver manually overrode self-driving by pressing the accelerator all the way to 100% of the accel pedal in this residential area," Elluswamy wrote on social media. "They reached a speed of 73 mph during the crash, and had the accelerator pressed even after the crash."
Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding the NTSB's report.
In its Wednesday release, the NTSB said all aspects of the crash remain under investigation and it plans to issue "safety recommendations to prevent similar crashes."
Call 832-979-5117