My child's development after temporal lobectomy

[Tiggy]

Hi, My question is a complex one and possibly should be addressed to the neurology forum but I hope you can help. My nine year old son had a left temporal lobectomy in November for removal of an area of abnormality including ganglioglioma/DNET and cortical dysplasia.  He was having intractable severe seizures since the age of 5.  Since his operation he is having severe memory problems and does not seem to be developing as a normal nine year old.  He is very emotional - cries at the least little thing, he is very attached to a particular cuddly toy that he takes everywhere with him and just seems very immature for his age. His reading/writing ability is badly affected, he has a tremor and struggles with his handwriting.  He attends hospital school at the moment but would not cope in mainstream school.  

My question is, is this normal development following brain surgery?  His biopsy showed "striking demyelination" and so he is to have further MRI scans and further investigations.  He is still having seizures although they are different to his complex partial and grand mal seizures he was having pre-surgery. His seizures now affect his gastro-intestinal tract and he feels nauseous, can't eat and belches alot.  The last seizure he had his legs just went floppy and went from under him.  I have noticed he also seems to be full of bruises especially on his legs, I wonder if he is knocking himself more.  I would welcome your thoughts on my son.  Any searches I have done on "striking demyelination" seems always to bring up MS and leukodystrophy. Do you think he could be showing signs of this? Many thanks.

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

I would be stepping outside my area of expertise by attempting to comment on your son's status. But it would be prudent to cut-and-paste and post your message, precisely in the form you used here, on the Neurology Forum, where board certified neurologists can respond to it.

[Tiggy]

Hi and thanks for your reply.  I have tried for almost a week now to post a question on the neurology/neurosurgery forum but I constantly get the sign that says there are enough questions for that day (no matter what time of day or night I post).  I felt it was more a neurology question, particularly with concern to the demyelination but I just can't seem to post it there.  I shall try again however.  Thanks anyway.  Best wishes, Elizabeth.

[joanna hanna]

yes i know it is very difficult to get in on the nuerology or NS site.  try to post straight up 8am central time and you have a better chance at geting in good luck:)_

joanna
katelynn3 ( tcs,spinal lipoma, cong scoliosis, partial sacral agenesis,syrnix, hypotonia, seizure, si disfuntion, bilteral renal reflux, right kidney damage, mild mitral valve regurgitation)

[Tiggy]

Joanna thank you so much.  I just have to work out the time difference to here in England (I suspect 5 hours so I would need to post at about 3.00 a.m.) Wish me luck! :)  Elizabeth.