Mitzi
12-17-2001, 07:48 PM
In January, my son will be having 2, possibly 3 brain surgeries. They will put him in the hospital and operate to remove a part of his skulll. Then, they will attach electrodes right on his brain. If the seizure activity is coming from where the tumor was, they will not be able to operate. They will simply reattach the skull piece and send him home. Only medication may be able to help him. This is what the neurosurgeon thinks will happen.
His neurologist thinks differently tho. Past tests have shown two areas of seizure activity, from where the tumor was and an area in the frontal lobe. The neurologist believes the seizure activity is originating from there and spreading back to where the tumor was. If it IS in that area, then they can remove part of his frontal lobe and hopefully stop his seizures.
Our son had a choice of just having the frontal lobe removed to see if it stopped the seizures or having the electrodes placed to try to see which way the seizures are heading.
Our son has opted for the electrodes to be placed on his brain. The only pain he will have is from the skull. Our brains havd no nerve endings so the electrodes will cause no pain.
We support his decision. But, if it were me, I wouldn't do it. I can't understand WHY seizure activity would spread from the frontal lobe back to the area of the tumor. Common sense tells me it's the other way around. But, his neurologist is a good dr and we have great trust in him. I am not a doctor. I'm just a Mom. My mother's instinct tells me it will not be the news my son wants to hear but I have said nothing to him and I won't.
I just sure wish this hadn't happened to him. He's such a wonderful person.
[ 12-17-2001: Message edited by: Mitzi ]
His neurologist thinks differently tho. Past tests have shown two areas of seizure activity, from where the tumor was and an area in the frontal lobe. The neurologist believes the seizure activity is originating from there and spreading back to where the tumor was. If it IS in that area, then they can remove part of his frontal lobe and hopefully stop his seizures.
Our son had a choice of just having the frontal lobe removed to see if it stopped the seizures or having the electrodes placed to try to see which way the seizures are heading.
Our son has opted for the electrodes to be placed on his brain. The only pain he will have is from the skull. Our brains havd no nerve endings so the electrodes will cause no pain.
We support his decision. But, if it were me, I wouldn't do it. I can't understand WHY seizure activity would spread from the frontal lobe back to the area of the tumor. Common sense tells me it's the other way around. But, his neurologist is a good dr and we have great trust in him. I am not a doctor. I'm just a Mom. My mother's instinct tells me it will not be the news my son wants to hear but I have said nothing to him and I won't.
I just sure wish this hadn't happened to him. He's such a wonderful person.
[ 12-17-2001: Message edited by: Mitzi ]