MRI update

The nurse from neurology called! On Friday night, at 7:20 p.m. My faith in Cleveland Clinic is restored!

Things noted on the MRI were the schizencephaly (closed-lip, unilateral - the best type to have if you have to have schizencephaly) on the right side of his brain and dysplasia of the septum palusidum (not sure about the spelling). Regarding the septum dysplasia the biggest concern is septo-optic dysplasia, which Gabe's opthomologist has already checked out and at this point doesn't think he has it. It is difficult to check in an infant so this will be something that is closely monitored.

The radiologist that read the MRI also noted that there was cortical dysplasia on both sides of his frontal lobes. Gabe's neurologist didn't see it and had a neuro-radiologist check out the MRI and he also didn't see it. But to be sure, they will present Gabe's scan at their neurology conference that they have every few weeks and then let us know.

There were also no problems with Gabe's eyes noted, which hopefully means that it is just a muscle problem. So we'll keep doing those patches... and I'm sure Gabe will keep ripping them off ;)

One thing not noted on the scan, which the nurse said should mean its not a problem, is the agensis of the corpus callousum (membrane that separates the L & R side of the brain). So hopefully this is one hurdle Gabe doesn't have to cross and the ultrasound was either read wrong or God intervened. You know which one we think happened!

So basically, the MRI confirmed the schizencephaly and dysplasia of the septum palsidum. It also showed that there was no cranial nerve problems and that his corpus callousum is there. And for that we rejoice!

As we already knew, and had reaffirmed through his MRI, Gabe does have schizencephaly but that he is obviously not a classic case. Sometime from when the schizencephaly was detected to Gabe's birth, God laid His amazing hand on our little boy and gave him a miracle. Most cases of schizencephaly diagnosed at infancy result in paralysis, major delays and mental retardation. And, well we're blessed to be able to say Gabe is just a normal baby; he's growing, moving and learning like any 4 1/2 month old. While he does have a slight delay and tone problem on his left side, this is already being rectified by weekly physical therapy appointments.

God definitely has something BIG planned for our little boy and I feel so privileged to be able to be a part of it.

Thank you for all your prayers. And as we've said all along "God is bigger than a diagnosis."

Love & Blessings, Meredith

Gaby-baby says thanks for all the prayers too!