Video Test Results

Finally today we were able to sit and talk with Anna’s Neurologist regarding the results from the video EEG and his monthly conference with other Neurologist, Neurosurgeons, and Radiologist. This is all very hard to soak in and even harder to explain. I will do my best.

First he thought there was more seizure activity on the right side of the brain on our first day, but after reviewing all of the results, he is more convinced that we should focus on the left side of the brain. He noticed seizure spikes in Anna’s sleep that are not visible to us that all occurred on the left side.

Here is the current plan:

1) Anna will repeat a test called a MEG ((magnetoencephalography) records magnetic activity produced by the brain’s electrical activity—that is, identifies areas of seizure activity and pinpoints sites of normal sensory function)). This is a test that was completed 2 years ago, but they feel that it will confirm their plan for surgery. This is being scheduled in Houston, as it is the closest hospital that has one of these machines. Anna will be sedated for this and it should not require a hospital stay.
2) Our Neurologist here in Austin is also speaking with an expert in Memphis and sending him all of Anna’s test results for his feedback to make sure no stone is unturned. He has seen Anna several times and is familiar with her case.
3) We will meet with the Pediatric Neurosurgeon in Austin to discuss details of the surgery after we receive the results from the MEG. Hopefully this can be completed within the next 3-6 weeks. The surgery will require an additional test, however surgery is required for the test. They have recommended that a “burr” hole is placed through Anna’s skull to allow them to place a strip of electrodes directly on the brain. They will wrap her head up to avoid infection and leave them there to capture a seizure. This will basically be the same routine as the video EEG, except for the electrodes will only be placed on the small section of the left frontal lobe directly on the brain. Once they are placed, she will be fully awake, but confined to a bed, just as she was for the video EEG.
4) The results from this test will led us directly into surgery, however the details of the surgery will not be known until this test is completed. However, she will have a surgery at that time, without being discharged from the hospital first. They want to avoid more than one incision and reduce the amount of scar tissue.

• if the test reveals an exact location of the seizure, they can do a disconnection of fibers or remove tissue (if it does not interfere with an important function) this does have a greater chance of eliminating her seizures
• if no starting point is located they will do a Corpus Callosotomy, which is separating or disconnecting the left and right hemispheres (this may reduce her seizures, but highly unlikely that it would eliminate them)
• once we are in the hospital and the small grid is placed and additional spots still show seizure activity, they may want to add additional electrodes, which means it would be even more evasive.

We are looking at an October-November time frame for the testing/surgery. This will allow us enough time to have the MEG and give the team of doctor’s time to meet once or twice more having the MEG results.


Is your head spinning? Mine is!!
Keep us in your prayers!