Re: post encephalitic encephalopathy

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Posted by ccf neuro M.D. on May 26, 1997 at 12:40:11:

In Reply to: post encephalitic encephalopathy posted by roger madris on May 18, 1997 at 12:46:19:

: my daughter had succumbed to a encephlaopathy of unknown etiology in 1985.
she is in a form of vegetative state . she is unable to communicate or do anything for herself.are there any new promising treatments available ?

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Improvement from such catastrophic brain injuries as the one you describe that afflicted your daughter can occur up to 2 or 3 years out from the point of injury. Beyond this, the brain has reached its maximum potential for recovery. Unfortunately, there are no treatments that are available or on the horizon that could have any chance of improving the outcome of someone in this state. Even the rare miraculous news cases like the recent one about a gentleman in a similar state who after 7 years awoke briefly and spoke, do not do well longterm. This person relapsed back into his coma and recently passed away; thus even the "miracle" cases are ultimately not miraculous for the long term. I would avoid the natural temptation to seek out multiple opinions at this point, though I obviously realize and appreciate that your love and desire to help your daughter are the reasons you are doing so. Unfortunately, short of literally a miracle, I would not expect there to be any change in your daughter's state. Sorry we
be of more help or encouragement, but I do not personally believe in providing false optimism.

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