By Lisa Ansay —
Taylor at StJoes 040315
Much of Taylor’s challenges are due to the injury to the hypothalamus of the brain. The Hypothalamus governs all the metabolic stuff, thyroid function, sleep, thirst, the entire endocrine system and more.
It’s also a thermostat.
Taylor’s thermostat is not working properly, we know this, but a temperature of 104 does the same amount of neuronal damage, whether or not it is a “real” fever as a result of infection. It’s always imperative to lower high body temps ASAP. The problem with a “central fever” (when the hypothalamus is not behaving) is that it does not typically respond to meds like Tylenol that serve as fever reducers. Central fevers have a mind of their own, so-to-speak. Ice packs and the environmental sort of ‘manual’ cooling of the body seems to work okay, but it takes time, and can be dangerous (and uncomfortable) for Taylor.
The MRI results do indicate a pocket of fluid accumulation in the area of the brain. Surgeons are debating whether it should be removed, but with no signs of it being infectious, (via blood work, spinal fluid analysis, etc.) they are *very* reluctant to do so. It could not be done endoscopically (through the nostril) so it would mean another craniotomy.
No surgery today, so we should be going home tonight, and follow up with surgeons on Monday afternoon.
Thank you for all your words of encouragement. Taylor loves hearing from you all – and it always brings a huge smile! See pic…I was reading messages…
Love and Blessings,
Happy Easter Weekend
