Norb update

Hi everyone. Here is an update on Norb’s condition. He went to the ER on Thursday morning. The weakness on his left side and his worsening condition does not seem related to the CIDP, except that his walking problems may have caused him to fall and hit his head several times during the past two months.

He was diagnosed with a very large subdural hematoma, that is a bruise or a pool of blood on his brain. It is large enough to be compressing the right side of his brain and causing a brain midline shift.

In addition, he has a atrial heart flutter causing a low pulse and arrhythmia. The docs have delayed operating on his head and have reduced his heart medicine (beta blocker) to help his rate return to the 40-50 range. It was in the 30’s, a rate too low, especially for surgery.

Today his atrial flutter has improved and he will have neurosurgery to relieve the pressure on the brain. For now, they will simply drain the blood but not remove the sack surrounding it. This is less invasive and less likely to result in seizures or infection.

It will take some time for his brain to regain its normal position, perhaps 1 to 2 months or more. He may or may not have immediate improvement of his left arm and leg functions but rehab. therapy should help with that over time.

He wants you to know that he appreciates all of your emails, prayers, and expressions of concern, as do I. Thank you for your kindness and support.

Sincerely, Carol & Norb