We just spoke with Dr. Devinsky, Gabby’s neurologist. He feels pretty confident that these seizures are still coming from the right hemisphere. He stated that if you asked any epileptologist, looking at Gabrielle’s physical manifestations, where these seizures are coming from they would all agree they appear to be right-sided. He said the EEG data coming from the midline isn’t too surprising given the disproportionately small amount of tissue on the right compared to the left. He said if we saw seizure activity clearly coming from the left then he would be concerned. Dr. Weiner (Gabby’s neurosurgeon) and Dr. Devinsky agree there is a small questionable area on the MRI that could be a connection. Dr. Devinsky said it only takes about 100 missed fibers to result in the return of seizures like Gabby is having. Dr. Devinsky would like to present her case to about 25 doctors at the next neuroconference to see if they agree with his recommendation for more surgery. Dr. Devinsky feels are best bet is to go back in and remove any remaining tissue and obviously sever any missed connections.
We still need to speak with Dr. Weiner and get his opinion. We also need to discuss the risks of going back in a third time. Each time they open Gabby’s head back up the percentages for potential complications increase. Please join us in prayer that God would once again orchestrate all of this.
I will update as we learn more…
Love,
Kelly
P.S. I’m thinking Gabrielle will probably be discharged sometime today.
5 comments
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August 17, 2009 at 1:40 pm
Maria
Hey O’Melias! We are praying hard and loud for your family and that God will once again show himself to you.
Love to you all!
-M
{Maria, Allen, Jarod, Morgan & Jordan}
August 17, 2009 at 10:08 pm
bonnie sawicki
Kelly,
My thoughts and prayers for the specialists that they make the right decision regarding your little girl Gabby. Your dad is a dear friend of mine.
September 7, 2009 at 4:52 am
Wendy Hamm
I’m sorry to hear about another surgery,I’m keeping your family in my prayers. My daughter recently started therapy at Raleigh Neurology and they have been wonderful. I didn’t know you were so close to me. Gabby is so beautiful. I was so excited to hear her talking and I often wonder about my daughter talking and lately she has been making these screeching sounds but it’s a start. I pray that this surgery will end her seizures forever this time. My heart goes out to you and your family. God Bless!
March 17, 2010 at 2:21 am
Kelly O'Melia
Hi Wendy,
I just thought of this comment yesterday as we returned to Raleigh Neurology for the first time in 7 months. We will be attending therapy there once a week and I was wondering if you are still using them?
I would love to meet up some time and hear more about your daughter’s progress and how things have been going.
Take care and let me know if you’re ever interested in meeting up!
Kelly
September 8, 2009 at 12:41 am
Apo
I'm sorry to hear about another surgery,I'm keeping your family in my prayers. My daughter recently started therapy at Raleigh Neurology and they have been wonderful. I didn't know you were so close to me. Gabby is so beautiful. I was so excited to hear her talking and I often wonder about my daughter talking and lately she has been making these screeching sounds but it's a start. I pray that this surgery will end her seizures forever this time. My heart goes out to you and your family. God Bless!…