We had Jack’s neurology appointment this morning…

The neurologist was a very nice and gentle man – he was very willing to answer all of our questions…Jack liked him instantly and decided he was going to jabber his entire life story to the doc! It was too cute!!!

Seizures: At this point since Jack’s only had one episode, and it was mild – he does not want to put him on medication. Since Jack is showing abnormal readings from his EEG this puts him in a higher risk category for future seizures. The doctor said since Jack’s first seizure was mild this is an indication that future seizures would most likely be mild as well. If he has more seizures it’s likely he’ll prescribe anti-seizure medicine. We are to report any episodes to him.

CP: There are many different types of CP. It is diagnosed and named for the affected muscles. He diagnosed Jack with Spastic Monoplegia Cerebral Palsy…basically meaning abnormally tight muscle tone affecting one limb. In Jack’s case it is his right arm. The neurologist does not notice a significant difference in Jack’s legs – which we are monitoring. If it is eventually obvious that Jack is using his entire left side (arm & leg) better than his right side the diagnosis would be Spastic Hemiplegia CP. At this point this is not the case. To read more on CP and the different types, copy and paste the following link:

http://www.ofcp.on.ca/guide.html#06

There are several different management options we will explore. Currently we are involved in the most important – THERAPY!! We’ve been lucky to have been receiving services for over a year now. This has helped Jack so much! We will see an Orthopedic Doctor to discuss further management options like braces, Botox injections or even surgery. Since Jack is so young at this time, he will probably do well with braces. I think botox and surgery are for older children.

We see the neurologist again in 4 months.

All in all the appointment was very informative and given such daunting circumstances we feel very lucky both the seizures and the CP are mild. Jack continues to amaze me every day – there is no limit to what he can do!! Thanks to all of you for thinking of us and being there during the last few weeks. Please don’t hesitate to ask any questions. Jack is sacked and sleeping since he decided to stay up most of the night last night – and then decided he wanted breakfast at 4:45 this morning!?!? He’s been awake ever since…so he’s taking a much needed rest and I should too!