MRI & PET scan

Three pieces of the puzzle are needed. Piece one was the MRI. Piece two was the PET. Piece three was capturing the new seizure type(s) on EEG.

Well two out of three ain't bad I guess.

First of all let me say that we got so much information so quickly that Im sure some of what was being said to us didn't completely sink in. There is just no way to obtain that much information but let me give you the summary.

Both the PET and MRI show there is an abnormality in the right side of the brain. Although it be probably subtle, It was very obvious to us as she was showing us the images. And to be honest, it was somewhat heartbreaking for us to look at our son's " imperfect" brain.

The area of the brain that is effected is in the right frontal lobe. Not the entire frontal lobe but just a section of it. And its near the surface and not deep in the brain. The assumption is that this area is possibly giving him some problems as far as the seizures go.

Its important that I tell you that we have not spoken with his main Neuro as of yet and we are anxious to get her interpretation of this as well. This also helps explain some of Dawson's aggressive behavioral issues to some degree. I still think some of his issues are med related, and I also think some are just 2 year old little boy related, but this area of the brain affects decision making and behaviors as well.

BUT... it does give us a very good possible surgery option.

The plan is to continue to control seizures with meds and we are in the beginning stages of the Modified Atkins diet to gain better control as well.

From listening to the two neuros at UAB what i gather is that the spasms hes been having do not have a focal point according to the EEG, but these new seizures are suspect of this brain abnormality. I think personally, his spasms do originate from this area as his left arm tends to fling up more than the right but hey what do I know?? Im just a dad right??

I also remember during one of his BIG seizures at Grampy's house that for about 45 min he had his left fist clenched while the right one remained relaxed which also points to right side brain problem. And I ALSO remember while he was an infant his Neuro being concerned that he wasn't using the left hand near as well as the right which points to right side brain problem.

Obviously we will know more as the days go by and we will be making the trip over to Huntsville this coming Monday to discuss this further with his Neurologist.

We went into this wanting answers and we certainly praise God for the answers we have so far. To be there that long, and for him to be hooked up that long, and then only to come home with no answers would have been even more heartbreaking.

I can't quite put into words yet what I really feel about all this. I think a lot depends on how this next year goes for him. Cutting my sons skull open and taking out part of his brain is the last thing I want right now. Simply because right now he is developing normally and hitting milestones. His background EEG is normal and the clusters of seizures occur only after sleeping.
Should things change ( and we all know they can in a heartbeat) and should he get worse then having surgery is a blessing and an option that we would take.

We have very mixed emotions right now and just aren't sure what to think about all this yet. Were ecstatic we have treatment options, were saddened that there is an abnormality in his brain, were concerned because we have no idea what tomorrow is going to be like..

This is why we trust God. I am not capable of leading us through this but HE is.

Continue to pray for us these next coming days as we sort out whats what. Pray for wisdom for his Neurologist that he will guide her in giving Dawson the best treatment options. Pray specifically for healing in this area of his brain.

Your prayers and support have been uplifting and to you prayer warriors out there we say a big thank you and we love you.

Jeff and Allison