We thought everything was going to be OK.
After lying on the field for 15 minutes yesterday – convulsing and reportedly losing consciousness – reports on Mike Patterson were positive. He was said to be awake and alert while being kept in the hospital overnight for precautionary reasons. Now comes a report from Sal Paolantonio that Patterson has Brain AVM, which will require surgery or radiation.
It's probably too early to speculate on a definitive treatment, but here is a description of the problem from the Toronto Brain Vascular Study:
AVM stands for Arteriovenous Malformation. An AVM is a tangle of abnormal and poorly formed blood vessels (arteries and veins). They have a higher rate of bleeding than normal vessels. AVMs can occur anywhere in the body. Brain AVMs are of special concern because of the damage they cause when they bleed. They are very rare and occur in less than 1% of the general population. AVMs that occur in the coverings of the brain are called dural avms.
A fairly comprehensive description of the causes, symptoms, and treatment of Brain AVM can be found here. We'll have more from the Eagles later on.
4 Responses
A good friend of mine had a brain AVM, so reading about this troubled me. She had a stroke about 9 yrs ago while in her 30’s from it and STILL has not fully regained full use of her left side, and thus still cannot drive, etc.
I do know that if detected early enough, there are some good treatment options out there, so I hope he is able to get this condition taken care of.
That’s not good
i have to disagree with the article title. The news is good for Mike Patterson
A. he is alive
B. it can be fix to where he will go on and live a normal life
should be on his knees thanking the good lord
I also know someone who has AVM and its not good. She takes seizure medication daily. She is doing much better today, with a STRICT regimen of medication, but this was after 12 brain surgeries.
No question this will unfortunately be the end of his football career and a long road to recovery. Glad that they found this “early” enough that he can live a healthy life and MAYBE this will help people have a better understanding of AVM.
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