We now know that these seizures are the tip of the iceberg, and that the hamartoma is firing abnormal electrical currents into George's brain constantly. It is only when enough of this electricity has built up othat it discharges as a seizure. It is little wonder then with all this going on that George finds learning and relating to others difficult.
Until we heard about the incredible work by the surgeons in Melbourne, we had believed that surgery was not an option as the risks were too great. We had therefore concentrated on trying new epilepsy medicines for George and helping George with his autism through a "Son-Rise" therapy programme. This is going well and we have a great team of eight volunteers who come and work one-to-one with George in a specialised playroom. We will continue this beneficial programme after surgery and hope that George will be better able to learn once the seizures have gone.
This particular surgery is not available in the UK at the moment, although it is expected that over the next couple of years surgeons in the UK will learn the techniques perfected in Australia and the operation will become available. However for George this is not yet possible and time is of the essence as each seizure may be causing longer term damage and the sooner he can have the surgery the better. George's surgery is now scheduled for mid-November 2000.
[read on]...