After 51 days, the seizures have returned. Josh has had four complex partial seizures in the past four days, similar to the ones he was having before surgery. It is clear that the return of his seizures corresponded with the elimination of steroids from his system -- about four weeks after his last dose. There is, therefore, a very strong probability that steroids can/will control his seizures. Dr. LaJoie is away for a week, but she has indicated that the first Rx Josh will try is prednisone. We will be trying to get an Rx ASAP.
On another front, the team of docs met and determined that Josh can proceed to phase 2 surgery, if his seizures return. In this surgery, he would have a "grid" placed directly on the right side of the brain (where the seizures are believed to originate) and "strips" (again) on the left side.
We have many, many questions and many more miles left on this journey, also known as an emotional roller-coaster. I will try and update the blog, as the aswers come in.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
recuperating and recovery
Josh had four stitches removed yesterday and had follow-up visits with his neurologist and neurosurgeon. His neurosurgeon said everything looks great. Josh has been doing extremely well at home, recuperating and recovering nicely, hanging out with his girlfriend and friends. And still no seizures!
The next milestone is the team meeting to evaluate Josh's strip study (phase 1 surgery), which will be held in two weeks. The team can recommend that Josh not proceed to phase 2; proceed to phase two with a grid study on the right side; or proceed to phase 2 with a grid on the right and strips on the left.
All of this could be moot if he continues not to have seizures. If he continues to be seizure-free, the most likely medical explanation is that the electrodes had an unanticipated impact on his brain. If he does have a seizure in the coming weeks, the most likely medical explanation is that the steroids he was given to reduce swelling in his brain also eliminated his seizures. If that is the case, Josh will probably be put on prednisone as an anti-seizure med.
The next milestone is the team meeting to evaluate Josh's strip study (phase 1 surgery), which will be held in two weeks. The team can recommend that Josh not proceed to phase 2; proceed to phase two with a grid study on the right side; or proceed to phase 2 with a grid on the right and strips on the left.
All of this could be moot if he continues not to have seizures. If he continues to be seizure-free, the most likely medical explanation is that the electrodes had an unanticipated impact on his brain. If he does have a seizure in the coming weeks, the most likely medical explanation is that the steroids he was given to reduce swelling in his brain also eliminated his seizures. If that is the case, Josh will probably be put on prednisone as an anti-seizure med.
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