September 19, 2009 - Rough Ride!

Hello All. We have had a few challenging and informative days. Erik began to seize on the way home from school on Thursday. We intervened but were unable to stop the seizure completely so we called 911 and had Erik transported to Duke. He remained there overnight for observation and we returned home late Friday afternoon. This chain of events gave us the opportunity to discuss and explore some treatment options for Erik with his physicians including medication increases, adding medications, and Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS). Over the next week or so, we have decided to explore with his physicians the VNS. This device is like a "pace maker for the brain". It is a small implant under the skin near the collar bone that sends out impulses that interrupt seizure patterns. The interesting thing is that it also works with a magnet so if we know seizure activity is building up, we can run the magnet across the area where the device is and it will send a signal that can interrupt the pattern that is building up. There is quite a bit of information available about the VNS which honestly we have not had the time to fully investigate. Please keep this potential treatment for Erik in your prayers. As we have seen in the past, we are confident that God will lead us in the right direction as we consider all options. Thanks so much for continuing to pray for our family. Erik's Family